7 Ways To Get Better Liposuction Results

A few of these tips can make all the difference

If you’re unhappy with the shape of your body and everything you’ve tried has failed to get rid of stubborn fat, you’ve probably started thinking about liposuction. But, everyone knows that cosmetic surgery is risky. Beyond the risks surrounding the medical procedure itself, what seems to be more concerning is the idea of paying all that money for unsatisfying results, like seeing little-to-no improvement— or worse, a “botched” job. So, if you’re gonna go for it, like the rest of us, you want to do everything you can to make sure it turns out like you’ve planned.

If you find a good surgeon and consider the following tips, liposuction could give you the body you’ve always wanted. Here are seven ways to get the best results:

Choose an Experienced Doctor

The right doctor can make a world of difference. Look for a surgeon who is certified and in good standing with the state medical board. It’s also a good idea to find a doctor who is a member of a surgeon’s group, like the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. What may be most paramount, is your doctor’s experience. It is crucial that they have an extensive, positive track record in liposuction, using modern equipment and techniques. It’s also a plus if they specialize only in liposuction rather than a long list of services. A good doctor will perform a thorough medical examination and create a clear, detailed plan for the procedure.

Follow Pre-Operative Instructions

Any instruction your doctor gives you before liposuction should be followed to a tee. It’s important to be in good overall health prior to surgery, so you’ll be asked to refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol long before the procedure. You may also be asked to stop taking certain medications and avoid chemicals listed by your doctor to ensure there will be no complications.

Ask About Smaller Rods

Depending on the equipment being used, your doctor may have a variety of rod sizes to choose from to treat and remove your unwanted fat. Larger rods or “cannulas” are sometimes used to make liposuction more efficient. But, removing fat so quickly can lead to skin depressions and irregularities. It is also more difficult to be precise with a large cannula. A smaller rod can often produce smoother results by allowing a more gradual and controlled removal of fat. A “micro cannula,” having a diameter of less than 3mm, can remove fat very efficiently, with precision, and allow for the smallest possible incision— which means no stitches or scarring. Larger cannulas can be as much as 6mm wide and easily leave you with a lasting scar.

Ask About Vasoconstrictors

Before the procedure, your doctor will administer a tumescent fluid to the target area. Aside from numbing you, this injection is also intended to reduce bleeding and swelling. The fluid contains a vasoconstrictor (shrinker of blood vessels) like adrenaline or epinephrine, which can be effective enough to prevent blood loss completely. And, because the vasoconstriction will delay your body’s absorption of lidocaine, the local anesthetic should remain in the fat for many hours. This allows for longer surgeries and provides 24 to 36 hours of significant postoperative painlessness. You doctor will ultimately decide how much of this is safe for you to have.

Wear Compression Garments

Depending on your anesthesia and your incisions, you may need to wear a compression garment to control swelling, increase circulation, and promote drainage of fluids. In the case of tumescent liposuction, there will be a certain amount of anesthetic solution that remains beneath the skin in the treated area. This fluid causes bruising and post-operative swelling. The function of the compression garment is either to encourage faster drainage of the residual liquid through a tiny incision left open (only to be worn for a few days), or to speed up your body’s natural absorption of the fluid because your incision was closed (must be worn for a few weeks). In any case, a compression garment can speed up recovery and even provide a smoother appearance in treated areas.

Eat Healthy and Exercise Regularly

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important after a liposuction procedure. As long as you continue to eat well and exercise, you can keep your newly sculpted figure forever. In these ideal conditions, liposuction has shown to be permanent. So, give your body all the nutrients it needs and work out to keep your muscles and skin firm.

Sara Thompson writes about beauty and fitness on behalf of Alexandria Body Sculpting in Alexandria, LA. Her published work can also be found on Healthline, EmpowHer, and eHealthMD.