Charleston Plastic Surgery Explains: The Lowdown on Lipo

Liposuction has long been one of the most sought after procedures for people looking to rid themselves of stubborn fat deposits. While the general idea remains the same, there have been advancements in medicine to make the procedure more efficient and less painful. Despite these developments, there are still some factors that anyone considering liposuction should consider.

It is not pain-free

As with any cosmetic surgery, liposuction does come with a bit of pain. While it is true that modern liposuction involves flushing the treated area with a mixture that includes lidocaine to dull the pain, there will still be some discomfort during and after the procedure. The experience differs for everyone, but it is commonly reported to feel tight, sore, and itchy around the area. Bruising can also be expected, which can last around a week.

Final results are not instantaneous

It is quite common to develop swelling in the first few days after undergoing a liposuction procedure. Due to the repetitive nature of the procedure, tissues become traumatized, which causes them to swell. There can also be some fluid retention present that will add to the swelling. It can take a few months for the swelling to subside completely, making it hard to discern the final results right away.

You will have to wear a compression garment

After your procedure, your surgeon will advise that you wear a compression garment for anywhere between a few weeks to a few months. The purpose of the compression garment is to prevent the body from filling the space where your fat used to be with something else, such as fluid. Without the garment, it is possible to develop fluid pockets, which will only increase the swelling in the area.

To find out if liposuction is right for you, contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Port City Plastic Surgery serves Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant and Summerville, South Carolina from two locations in Charleston and Daniel Island.