Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction isn't a cosmetic procedure for everyone. For example, if you are obese you are not a good candidate for this procedure. Liposuction is only intended to remove a certain set amount of fat deposits, usually under ten pounds, so if you need more than this removed you likely will not see results from this surgery. The nice thing about this type of cosmetic surgery is that it can get rid of those little flaps of fat in areas that are hard to exercise and are not touched by dieting, such as your double chin, the extra inch of fat around your belly, that little bit of fat on your back or your under arm wobble.

This is a cosmetic procedure, but it is also an elective surgery, and it's important that you understand the risk and potential complications from any surgery - even a cosmetic one. The most common risk factors of surgery occur after the procedure, not during it. For example post op infections and blood clots are very common complications that are seen in patients who do not follow their doctor's orders in aftercare.

You may not feel like getting up and walking around after your surgery but it is important that as soon as you are physically able you begin to move as much as possible in order to avoid the formation of blood clots. It is also important that you keep your incision sites clean and follow your doctor's orders in post-op care, in order to avoid an infection.

In addition to making yourself a savvy consumer about the potential risk and complications it's also important that you understand what to expect from liposuction. Patients, who are unhappy after their surgery, generally have gone into the procedure with unrealistic expectations about what to expect from the outcome of their procedure. For example, it's normal to experience swelling and some bruising and discomfort after your surgery. You have to remember that surgery is a traumatic event for your body to undergo and the healing process can be uncomfortable or even painful.

If you have liposuction done around your belly which is the most common area, it may be a while before the swelling goes down and you are able to see the results of your surgery. If you expect instantaneous results you are going to be disappointed regardless of what type of cosmetic surgery you undergo. All cosmetic procedures take time to show themselves as your body heals and recovers from the surgical event.

But if you are patient, educated about the procedure and the outcomes, and have realistic expectations you should be pleased with your surgical results.

Talk to your cosmetic surgeon and find out if you are a good candidate for liposuction, as well as get the facts, get educated and get realistic about what to expect before, during and afterward.