Liposuction FAQ

How long does liposuction last?

If you maintain your weight, liposuction is permanent. The fat cells we remove can never return. However, any remaining fat cells can grow larger if you do not take care of yourself.

What are the different types of liposuction?

There are various liposuction types using multiple tools and techniques, but they are essentially the same. At Lawton Plastic Surgery, we practice three forms of liposuction to guarantee outstanding results.

Liposuction is best suited for tightening and removing fat deposits from larger areas such as the abdomen and hips (liposuction 360) or thighs. Liposculpture can remove fat and sculpt smaller areas. Tumescent liposuction is used to reduced bruising bleeding and anesthestic requirement, reducing recovery time and side effects. At your consultation, we will discuss all options to determine which form of liposuction will give you the best results.

What are the risks of liposuction?

There are risks with any surgery, including the risk of skin texture irregularitie, over-suction, or under-suction.

Is liposuction surgery painful?

The surgery is not particularly painful. In the first few days of recovery, it will feel like you have a bruise, which is easily controlled with pain medications.

What is the recovery time for liposuction surgery?

We advise patients to take one week off from work after liposuction surgery. Work from home can be undertaken the day after surgery.  You can return to work after one week. However, you may not engage in any strenuous activity. At one month, you can start low-impact cardio. At two months, you can engage in more strenuous physical activity. A compression garment is worn for at least six weeks to control swelling.

Is swelling after liposuction normal?

It is normal to swell to a certain extent in the areas of liposuction. It is also common to have generalized swelling because of the fluid shifts throughout the body. All of this will resolve in time. Some will resolve in the first few weeks, some over the next six months.

Are there any alternatives to liposuction?

There are no effective alternatives to liposuction.

When will I see the results?

Do not expect to see the final results immediately. Some patients do too much too soon. If you exercise and the swelling worsens, you need to give yourself more time to heal. If you can do cardio with no additional swelling, then burn calories and be patient. It will take at least six months to see the final results.

What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, treats the excess skin and muscle weakness of the abdomen as well as any fat between the belly button and the pubic hairline. Liposuction treats only the fat. Liposuction can thin out the waist, but the skin must be in good condition with no excess, and there should not be any muscle weakness. We do not to combine abdominoplasty with liposuction because of the added risks of fluid collection under the skin, wound healing problems, and a significant increase in physiologic risks.

If you are interested in liposuction to remove excess fat, please get in touch with us at 210-496-639 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lawton.