Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

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For many people, concerns like stubborn belly fat, love handles, and fat pockets in areas like the thighs and arms simply don't respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction is designed specifically for these situations, and ideal candidates are healthy adults who are near their goal weight but frustrated by localized fat that won't budge. 

At L Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, CA, our team helps patients determine whether liposuction is the right fit for their bodies and goals. Call today to discover more about this procedure and schedule a consultation. 

How does body contouring work? 

So, does body contouring work, and how exactly? Liposuction is one of the most popular and well-known body contouring procedures available because it targets unwanted fat at the source. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions and used to remove fat cells directly from the treatment area. 

Once those fat cells are removed, they don't come back. The result is a slimmer, more defined look in areas that were once resistant to diet and exercise. 

Who gets the best results from liposuction? 

The ideal liposuction candidate is in good general health, at or near a stable weight, and bothered by stubborn belly fat or other fat pockets that have not responded to consistent lifestyle changes. The best results come from patients who are already living a healthy lifestyle and are looking to address specific problem areas. 

Patients should also understand that liposuction is not a weight loss surgery, and those with loose or sagging skin may be better served by a procedure that addresses both fat and skin laxity. During a consultation at L Plastic Surgery in San Francisco, CA, our team will assess your anatomy and determine whether liposuction is the right approach for your situation. 

How your body will change after liposuction 

Most patients will see improvements in their appearance once side effects, like swelling, subside, which typically takes a few weeks to a few months. Fat pockets that were once resistant to diet and exercise are gone, and treated areas like love handles look slimmer and more proportionate. 

Maintaining a stable weight after the procedure is one of the best ways to preserve your results long term, since significant weight gain can affect the surrounding untreated areas. 

Is liposuction safe? 

So, is liposuction safe? For healthy candidates who have been properly evaluated, yes. Like any cosmetic surgery, liposuction carries some risks, including bruising, swelling, temporary numbness, and, in rare cases, contour irregularities. Choosing a qualified, experienced surgical team significantly reduces these risks. 

Of course, the answer also depends on the individual, and it's one of the many reasons a thorough consultation and health evaluation are so important before moving forward. Our team takes precautions to ensure your safety from the moment you walk in the door. 

Get answers about body contouring 

Stubborn belly fat and love handles are frustrating, especially when you've already put in the work. At L Plastic Surgery, we are here to help you figure out whether body contouring is the right next step. 

If you have questions such as, "How does body contouring work?" or "Is liposuction safe?" our team has answers for you every step of the way. Call now to schedule your consultation in San Francisco, CA.