What to Expect After Liposuction

After years of carrying around extra pounds and feeling insecure about your appearance in Pasadena, CA, you may have decided to finally do something about it. Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure at Omar Ahmed, M.D. that can help sculpt the body and give you the appearance you've always wanted.

The first step in considering liposuction as an option is to understand what it does and how it works. Board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgical specialist Dr. Omar Ahmed can discuss the benefits of liposuction and what to expect after treatment.

How does stubborn fat form?

Our bodies need fat to perform certain functions, like storing energy and protecting vital organs. Sometimes, however, people accumulate extra fat, causing an unattractive appearance. This is most common in areas around the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.

There are several factors that can lead to the development of excess body fat or belly fat. In general, people gain weight as they age, as well as after pregnancy and during menopause. Genetics, medical conditions, lack of physical activity, and poor diet are additional contributors.

What are the benefits of liposuction?

Liposuction is a body sculpting treatment that targets small pockets of body fat with the help of a flexible tube called a cannula. We insert the cannula through small incisions in the skin, which lessens your time in recovery and leaves less noticeable scars. Once inserted, the cannula uses suctioning pressure for belly fat removal with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

What happens after liposuction?

If you've chosen liposuction to improve your appearance, you should expect recovery to last 1 – 3 weeks based on the size of the treatment areas. You'll have some bruising and swelling during this time, but our clinic provides medications and other ways to reduce any discomfort. Sutures are typically removed during a follow-up appointment 7 – 10 days after surgery in Pasadena.

There are ways to speed recovery and make the healing process more efficient. The best way to achieve long-lasting results during recovery include:

Refraining from smoking, which can impede healing and impact results
Staying hydrated to improve skin elasticity
Eating a healthy diet and exercising
Using sunscreen to prevent scarring
Following Dr. Ahmed's post-operative care instructions

What results can I expect from liposuction?

You're most likely to see positive changes once the initial swelling has subsided. Some body sculpting results are seen after six weeks, but it can take 6 – 10 months until your final outcomes are apparent. Even though the waiting period may seem frustrating, patients agree that it's worth it! After liposuction, you can expect to wear smaller-sized clothes that are more flattering to your body. You'll look slimmer and feel more confident about your curves.

Fat removal that works

It's not too late to get the shape you want. If you're considering liposuction, it’s important to make sure you know what the recovery process will be like. The team at Omar Ahmed, M.D. hopes this has given you an idea of what to expect. Now it's time to do something about stubborn areas of belly fat and more in Pasadena, CA. If you want to make lasting changes that give you more confidence, meet with board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgical specialist Dr. Omar Ahmed for a body sculpting consultation today.