Liposuction – Less Commonly Asked Questions

If you have been researching liposuction for any length of time, you have likely come over a list or two of FAQs about the procedure. This is not one of those lists. Instead, this is some of the less-frequently-asked questions that are still probably floating around in your mind.

Will I Lose a Dress Size?

Lipo is highly effective at trimming and toning problem areas for many patients. Some patients will even report a lost dress or pant size after the procedure, but doctors cannot guarantee this type of result. The answer really depends on how much fat was present to begin with and what area of the body is treated.

For instance, if you have liposuction on your belly and gut, you may find that you lose a dress size, at least in your skirt or pant size. But, your chest and arms are going to be the same size, so your shirt size is going to stay the same, and the actual size of dresses that you buy may not change. If you have your arms or thighs treated, your clothing size may not change at all.

How Long After Lipo Can I Exercise?

Again, the answer to this question depends, and it depends on how extensive your procedure was. For the more extensive liposuction procedures, you will need a full month of recovery before you do any strenuous exercise. For smaller areas, your surgeon may allow you to return to exercise after just three weeks. This is one question you will need to ask your doctor, but plan for at least three weeks without any strenuous exercise. Light exercise, such as walking, is probably fine as soon as you feel comfortable doing it.

How Much Fat Will I Lose?

Many patients are surprised to see that the scale does not move that much after they have lipo. This is because it focuses more on aesthetic improvements and smoothing out the area rather than weight loss. Surgeons typically have a maximum of five liters that they will remove in any one session. This typically equals 11 pounds. Since that is the maximum, your amount may be less.

Should I Lose Weight First?

Liposuction works best on patients who are near their healthy weight but are dealing with excess fatty deposits that diet and exercise are not touching. If you are overweight, you will have better results if you lose some weight prior to the procedure. That said, it is not usually considered a prerequisite. Each surgeon will evaluate patients on an individual basis to determine if they are good candidates for the procedure or not.

Are Results Permanent?

This question depends largely on you. The fat that is removed will not magically reappear, so in that way it is, but you always have the ability to grow new fat. Liposuction results will be permanent as long as you maintain your weight. If you allow yourself to become overweight, the results will fade along with your waistline.