Frequently Asked Questions | Northern Colorado Plastic and Hand Surgery, PC

2315 East Harmony Road, Suite 160 Fort Collins, Colorado 80528 | 970-493-8800

Frequently Asked Questions about Liposuction

Like any other surgical procedure, you should give careful consideration to whether liposuction is the best option for you.

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical technique used to remove unsightly fat from selected areas of the body. In some cases, this fat can be transferred to parts of the body where it can accomplish things like reducing or eliminating wrinkles. In other cases, the fat is simply removed from the body. Liposuction is one of the many cosmetic options available to you through Northern Colorado Plastic Surgery.

Liposuction: What Is It and Is It Right for Me?

The amount of fat which can safely be removed from the body depends on a number of factors, including the patient's age, weight prior to surgery, gender, and overall health. The procedure can be performed under either general anesthetic or regional anesthetic. Because there are several factors which can come into play regarding how much fat can safely be removed from your body and where it can or can't be removed from, you should consider consulting one of the experts at Northern Colorado Plastic Surgery if you are considering having liposuction.

Liposuction is not for everyone. It should not be considered a valid weight loss alternative to a healthy diet and exercise. Rather, liposuction is valuable for those who, despite proper diet and exercise, are unable to lose those last few pounds of fat, especially if that fat is localized in a few areas of the body.

Some of the typical body parts where liposuction is performed include:

• Abdomen
• Chest
• Flanks
• Thighs (Inner, Outer and Anterior)
• Arms
• Buttocks
• Legs
• Ankles
• Back
• Face
• Neck

There are a number of liposuction techniques in use today. The plastic surgeons at Northern Colorado Plastic Surgery will be happy to go over your options, giving you sound advice regarding which procedures are most appropriate to your situation. No two bodies are exactly alike, and Northern Colorado Plastic Surgery will treat you as you deserve to be treated, as an individual.

Different liposuction techniques have differing costs. While Northern Colorado Plastic Surgery understands that cost is a factor for most patients, it should not be the sole factor upon which you decide what kind of liposuction is right for you. The most important thing is that the procedure is performed safely and that you are happy with the end results.

Before liposuction, you should work at becoming as fit as you can. Being in the best health you can be in will make the procedure more effective and safer. As mentioned before, liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet, exercise, or other healthy life choices, but it can be an effective way to help you reach your fitness goals when used alongside these healthy lifestyle choices. If you smoke, stop smoking several months before scheduling a liposuction procedure.

As with any surgery, there are some risks involved with liposuction, and you should discuss these with your plastic surgeon and your family doctor before making the choice to have liposuction. The extent and types of risks faced vary significantly depending on which type of liposuction procedure is performed and which type of anesthesia is utilized.

Most of the time, liposuction is performed as an in office procedure. Still, you should plan on having someone help you to drive home after your surgery, and you should plan on getting adequate rest during your recovery time. The length of recovery time depends on several factors, but especially on the type of procedure you opt for. When making plans for liposuction, make sure you discuss and make plans for all necessary post operative care.

Even though most liposuction is performed in the office, it is always important to make sure that the surgeon performing the operation has privileges to perform the same procedure you are having at a local hospital or ambulatory center if necessary. Northern Colorado Plastic Surgery has surgery privileges for liposuction procedures at several surgical centers in the Fort Collins area.