If you’re considering body contouring with liposuction, it’s natural to have questions about what happens after surgery. Recovery is a crucial part of the process, and knowing what to expect after liposuction can help you feel more confident and prepared. Below, we answer your top questions about liposuction recovery and your results.
Is Liposuction Permanent?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from targeted areas of the body. However, that doesn’t mean your results are maintenance-free. The remaining fat cells can still expand with weight gain, so keeping a stable weight through healthy eating and regular exercise is key to maintaining your new contours.
Does Liposuction Leave Scars?
Like any surgical procedure, scarring is a natural part of liposuction recovery. However, liposuction incisions are very small—often less than a centimeter—and are placed in discreet locations whenever possible.
At Ford Plastic Surgery, our Royal College-certified plastic surgeons take great care to minimize visible scarring through precise technique and meticulous wound closure. With proper care and time, most scars fade significantly.
Is Liposuction Dangerous?
Liposuction is generally very safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Choosing a Royal College-certified surgeon who operates in an accredited facility greatly reduces the risk of complications. During your consultation, we’ll review your medical history and discuss how we prioritize your safety at every step.
How Long Does Swelling After Liposuction Last?
Swelling is a regular part of recovery and can take time to resolve fully. Most patients notice significant improvement within 6 to 8 weeks, but subtle swelling may linger for several months. Wear your compression garment as directed, stay active with light walking, and follow your surgeon’s recovery guidelines to help reduce swelling and promote a smoother outcome.
How Much Weight Can You Lose With Liposuction?
Most patients lose only a few pounds with liposuction, but the visual impact is often more significant than what the scale reflects. It’s important to keep in mind that liposuction is not designed for weight loss. Instead, it sculpts and refines areas of stubborn fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise.
Typically, the upper limit for safe fat removal during liposuction is 5 litres (about 11 pounds). Most patients can achieve their desired results with far less than that.
Does Liposuction Help With Skin Laxity?
No, liposuction does not address loose skin. If you have notable skin laxity, we may recommend pairing your procedure with a skin tightening procedure, such as Renuvion® for localized skin tightening or a tummy tuck or body lift to remove excess skin and improve body contours.
How Can I Preserve My Results?
You can preserve your liposuction results by maintaining a stable weight through healthy eating and regular exercise. In the short term, follow all postoperative instructions closely—especially wearing your compression garment and easing back into activity gradually. These habits support healing and help you enjoy your new contours for the long term.
Ready To Take the Next Step?
Liposuction can be a transformative procedure, especially when it’s performed with skill and attention to detail. If you have more questions about recovery, scarring, or your candidacy, we invite you to request a consultation online or call us at (416) 925-7337 to get started.
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