Liposuction, also known as lipo sculpting, is a popular procedure here in Northern California that can help people achieve a more toned and sculpted physique. One of the most common questions that people ask about this treatment is whether it’s permanent. The answer is that liposuction can provide permanent results, but there are some factors that can affect the longevity of the results. At Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in NorCal, we can answer your questions and help you decide if lipo sculpting is for you.
Is Lipo Sculpting Permanent?
For many people, it can be! There are a number of factors that can affect the longevity of liposuction results, however, that you should be aware of:
Weight Gain
If you gain weight after liposuction, the fat cells that were removed will not return, but the remaining fat cells can still expand. It would not be healthy to remove all the fat cells from any part of the body: nature gave us those for a reason! This is why it is important to maintain a healthy weight after liposuction.
Age
As we age, our bodies naturally produce less collagen. This can lead to the development of loose skin, which can make the results of liposuction less noticeable.
Genetics
Some people are more prone to developing loose skin than others. If you have a family history of loose skin, you may be more likely to experience this after liposuction.
Tips for Maximizing Your Results
There are a number of things that you can do to maximize your liposuction results and ensure the longevity of your new, sculpted look:
Work Hard to Maintain Your Weight
This is the most important thing that you can do to keep your liposuction results looking their best. Eat a healthy diet that contains plenty of complete protein, healthy fat, and vegetables in bright colors. Avoid starches, processed foods, sugar, and trans fats. Enjoy alcohol, fruit, and treats in moderation.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise doesn’t really do much to help you lose weight, except temporarily when you over-exercise and under-eat, which no one can keep up indefinitely. Where exercise is valuable, however, is in helping to tone the muscles and improve circulation, which can help to keep the skin looking firm and smooth.
Choose Wisely
A healthy diet provides your body with the nutrients it needs to heal and repair itself. If you’re not eating well, your skin will show it. Smoking is also likely to damage the skin and make it more likely to sag. Alcohol is fine to enjoy in moderation, but regular drinking can interfere with collagen production and accelerate the effects of aging. Finally, be sure to wear sunscreen. Sun exposure can damage the skin and make it look older.
Understanding Lipo Sculpting
Liposuction is a popular and effective cosmetic procedure that has transformed the lives of countless individuals. This procedure helps patients achieve their desired body contours by eliminating stubborn fat deposits that have proven resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is a versatile technique that can be tailored to suit the specific needs of each patient, delivering long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing results.
The Science
The principle behind liposuction is relatively simple: it’s the targeted removal of fat cells from various areas of the body. The procedure employs specialized equipment and the expertise of a skilled physician like Michele Zormeier, MD, to achieve precise results.
Fat cells are first loosened from the surrounding tissue using a specially designed cannula, which is a thin, hollow tube. The cannula is inserted into the treatment area through tiny incisions, and a gentle back and forth motion is used to dislodge the fat cells. Once the fat cells are separated from the surrounding tissue, they are aspirated, or suctioned out, using a vacuum device attached to the cannula.
The extracted fat is then discarded, leaving behind a smoother and more contoured appearance. This process can be performed on various body parts, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, and arms, as well as smaller areas like the chin and neck.
Types of Liposuction Techniques
Over the years, advancements in liposuction technology have resulted in the development of various techniques, each with its unique benefits. We always strive to provide our patients with the most suitable method for their individual needs, and we offer quite a few different techniques:
Tumescent Liposuction
Lipo involves the manual loosening and removal of fat cells using a cannula and vacuum suction. In this technique, a large volume of a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and a vasoconstrictor is injected into the treatment area before the liposuction process begins. The tumescent fluid serves to numb the area, minimize blood loss, and facilitate the removal of fat cells.
Cool Lipo Laser
Cool Lipo Laser liposuction utilizes laser energy to target and break down fat cells without the need for surgical incisions or suction. The laser device is applied externally to the skin, where it emits a specific wavelength of light that penetrates the tissue and selectively heats the underlying fat cells. The thermal energy from the laser damages the fat cells’ membranes, causing them to break down and be released into the surrounding interstitial fluid.
Microaire Power Assisted Liposuction
Microaire Power Assisted Liposuction employs a specialized cannula equipped with a reciprocating (back-and-forth) motion. The rapid oscillation of the cannula enables the surgeon to break up and remove fat cells with greater ease and precision. The Microaire PAL system reduces the manual effort required for traditional liposuction techniques, minimizing surgeon fatigue and allowing for a more controlled and refined fat removal process.
SmartLipo Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL):
LAL uses a laser to break down and liquefy fat cells, which can then be removed more easily. This method can also stimulate collagen production, resulting in a firmer and tighter appearance post-procedure.
The Right Candidate for Liposuction
Liposuction is an excellent choice for individuals who are looking to eliminate stubborn fat deposits and achieve a more contoured physique. However, it is important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss solution, nor is it a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who is in good overall health, has a stable body weight, and has realistic expectations about the results that can be achieved.
During the initial consultation, we will assess each patient’s suitability for the procedure, taking into account factors such as their medical history, skin elasticity, and specific goals. This thorough evaluation ensures that we provide the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs and expectations.
Preparing for Your Sculpting
Once we have determined that you are an ideal candidate for liposuction, we will guide you through the preparation process, which involves several crucial steps. We may recommend that you avoid certain medications or supplements, such as blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure.
We also encourage patients to maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the surgery, which includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate hydration. These practices will help to optimize your body’s condition and facilitate a smoother recovery.
The Liposuction Procedure and Recovery
On the day of your liposuction procedure, you will be administered anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the process. The type of anesthesia used, whether local or general, will depend on the specific technique being employed and the extent of the procedure. Once you are comfortably sedated, our specialist, Michele Zormeier, MD, will make the necessary incisions and perform the liposuction using the chosen technique.
After the procedure is complete, you may be required to wear a compression garment, which helps to minimize swelling, support the treated areas, and promote optimal healing. Recovery times can vary depending on the individual and the technique used, but most patients can return to their regular activities within one to two weeks. We will provide you with detailed post-operative care instructions and closely monitor your progress to ensure a smooth and successful recovery.
Get Lipo Sculpting in Northern California
Liposuction can provide permanent results, but there are a number of factors that can affect the longevity of the results, and things you can do to maximize your results and enjoy a more toned and sculpted physique for years to come. Contact Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, Shelbyville, IN, Danville, IL, Healdsburg, CA, and Ukiah, CA today to ask any questions and schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Zormeier.