Weight gain is a problem that affects nearly everyone at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, after weight gain occurs, subsequent weight loss is sometimes inadequate to restore the desired appearance once had. At the office of Dr. Gregory E Rauscher, M.D. in Hackensack, NJ, we commonly perform liposuction to help our clients restore their self-confidence.
How Much Weight Can You Lose With Liposuction?
You can lose approximately 11 pounds with liposuction. However, you must understand that individual results vary. This procedure is most effective when there is a large volume of fat close to the surface of the skin. If your fat is deep beneath the surface of your skin, you should not expect the same results as someone with the same aesthetic concerns as you who has fat closer to the surface of the skin.
You should also understand that you shouldn’t expect 11 pounds of weight loss if you are short and lighter, to begin with. It is also important to note that we can only safely remove four or five liters of fat. Since a liter of fat weighs two pounds, only eight to 10 pounds of the weight loss you experience will be fat loss. The other one to three pounds of weight loss that will occur is liquid loss, and this will return over time.
How Quickly Will You See the Results?
You will notice immediately after your procedure that your contours are improved because the fat is removed from the targeted area during the procedure. However, it can take up to six months to see the final results of your procedure. You won’t see the full results immediately because once the fat is removed from your body, your skin has to settle into its flush position.
How quickly your skin settles depends on its elasticity. This depends on your age, lifestyle, genetics, and the health of your skin. If you want to see your skin tighten as quickly as possible, make sure you stay hydrated, get enough micronutrients and protein every day and minimize your consumption of processed foods. You should also wear your compression garment as instructed for the first three weeks post-op.
How Long Do the Results of the Procedure Last?
The results of this procedure last forever. During the procedure, between 20 and 80% of the fat cells in the targeted area are destroyed. Then, those fat cells are suctioned out of the body. Luckily, your body stops growing new fat cells by the time you reach your mid-20s. Therefore, as long as you are at least 25 when you undergo your procedure, your body cannot grow new fat cells.
To be clear, it is still possible to gain weight after the procedure. Weight gain occurs when your body stores fat, which happens most easily when you consume too many carbohydrates. When excess sugar is consumed, your body will first convert the sugar to energy for your liver, brain, and muscles. When it can no longer create glycogen, or your body doesn’t need it anymore for normal functioning, the remaining excess energy will be stored in your fat cells. This may include the remaining fat cells in the areas you targeted for fat removal, which will cause them to expand.
Who Is a Good Candidate for This Liposuction Procedure?
The best candidate for this procedure is a healthy adult who is at or near his or her ideal weight. Even though you can lose up to 11 pounds with this procedure, it is not a weight-loss procedure. It is a fat removal procedure designed to help people sculpt their ideal contours through targeted fat removal. You will enjoy the best results if you are within 11 pounds of your goal weight. If you are over 30 pounds from your goal weight, you won’t be satisfied.
We will discuss your medical history and current health to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo this procedure. Medical conditions that will preclude you from this procedure include uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes, asthma, a recent stroke, or a recent TIA. If you have a heart or blood condition that you take blood thinners to treat, ask your doctor if you can safely stop taking your medication for several weeks.
Who Isn’t a Good Candidate for This Procedure?
You will not be considered a good candidate for this procedure if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, even if you aren’t trying to remove unwanted fat from your lower abdomen or chest. If you are currently breastfeeding, don’t consider this procedure until you have not been breastfeeding for at least six weeks. Breastfeeding takes a lot of energy out of you and so will your post-op recovery process.
You are also not an ideal candidate for this procedure if you plan to have children in the future. Hormone fluctuations that occur during pregnancy can lead to fat gain and negate the results of the procedure. You may want to wait until you are done adding to your family to consider this procedure.
Learn More About This Life-Changing Procedure Today
Sometimes, losing weight after weight gain isn’t enough for you to improve your contours. With liposuction, you can sculpt your ideal body and lose up to 11 pounds in the process. To learn more about this life-changing procedure, please contact us at the office of Dr. Gregory E Rauscher, M.D. in Hackensack, NJ to schedule an appointment with New Jersey’s top doctor.