This Article Has Been Medically Reviewed By



Dr. Jennifer Emmett, M.D.

Home Liposuction The Top Things You Must Consider Before Getting Liposuction

April 10, 2023

People may choose a liposuction procedure for a variety of reasons. Maybe you have excess fat that is stubborn to diet and exercise, or perhaps you have a medical condition such as lipomas.

The liposuction procedure can improve specific areas of your body, such as your abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and neck. 

While liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise, or a weight loss solution, it can be part of a weight loss program and motivate a healthier lifestyle. 

To determine if this cosmetic procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Emmett, a double-board certified plastic surgeon. 

During your initial consultation, you can discuss your goals, realistic expectations, and medical history. 

Learn more about prepping for the procedure, the benefits of liposuction, the liposuction procedure, and Dr. Emmett and her services. 

Prepping for the Procedure

If you’re considering liposuction, it’s essential to prepare yourself physically and mentally. 

Let’s look at our top eight tips to prep for the procedure. 

  1. Consult with a licensed medical professional specializing in liposuction to discuss your goals and expectations and any medical conditions or medications that may affect the procedure. 
  2. Follow any pre-operative instructions given to you by Dr. Emmett, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications. 
  3. Stop smoking at least two weeks before the procedure, as smoking can increase the risk of complications. 
  4. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as you may be groggy. 
  5. Prepare a comfortable recovery area at home with plenty of pillows, blankets, and entertainment to help you relax and recover. 
  6. Plan to take time off work or other activities to allow for adequate rest and recovery. 
  7. Stock up on healthy foods, such as lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables, to promote healing and avoid weight gain during recovery. 
  8. Follow Dr. Emmett’s post-operative instructions closely, including wearing compression garments, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities for several weeks. 

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and should be taken seriously. By properly preparing yourself and following your doctor’s instructions, you can help ensure a safe and successful procedure with optimal results. 

The Benefits of Liposuction Procedures

Liposuction can offer various benefits for individuals who are seeking to remove stubborn pockets of fat from certain areas of their bodies. 

For instance, liposuction can improve body contour, resulting in a more sculpted and toned appearance. 

By achieving a more desired body shape, many individuals report feeling more confident and positive about their body image. 

Liposuction can target areas of the body where fat tends to accumulate and provide long-lasting results when a healthy lifestyle is maintained. 

It can also be used to treat medical conditions, such as lipomas, which are benign fatty tumors, gynecomastia, and lymphedema. 

While liposuction is not a weight loss solution, you can maximize the results through a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. 

The Liposuction Procedure

At Emmett Plastic Surgery, we will use twilight IV sedation to place our patients in a trance-like state prior to their surgery. 

Because sedation does not numb anything, it will be paired with a lidocaine injection to numb incision sites. 

Once you are relaxed and unconscious, Dr. Emmett will make an incision near the area to be treated. 

She may use a tumescent solution which consists of a saline solution mixed with a local anesthetic and epinephrine, to help reduce bleeding, swelling, and discomfort during and after the procedure. 

Dr. Emmett will use a cannula, a thin, hollow tube, to remove excess fat from the targeted area. The cannula is inserted through the incision and moved back and forth to break up and suction out the fat cells. 

Once the fat removal is complete, your surgeon will close the incisions with sutures or adhesive tape. 

When your surgery is complete, you will be monitored in a recovery area and will be allowed to go home the same day. 

What to Expect After Your Liposuction Surgery

Recovery can vary depending on the procedure’s extent and overall health. 

Dr. Emmett will likely instruct you to wear compression garments over the treated area for several weeks following the procedure. This helps to minimize swelling and promote healing. 

It will be important to rest and limit physical activity for the first few days following the procedure. Most patients can return to work and other normal activities within a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the procedure. 

Pain and discomfort are common after liposuction, so over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription pain medication may be recommended to manage these symptoms. 

You may have follow-up appointments with Dr. Emmett to monitor the progress and ensure proper healing. 

During the recovery period, you should avoid drinking alcohol or smoking, as these can interfere with the healing process. 

It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions provided by Dr. Emmett, including caring for the incision sites and avoiding certain activities until cleared by her.

Reach Out to Dr. Emmett and Her Team

Dr. Emmett is a double-board certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience. 

Her office is located in Denver, but a top choice for those living out of state as well. 

Many of her patients have traveled worldwide to ensure a highly skilled surgeon performs their surgery. 

Dr. Emmett’s patient satisfaction rate is high because of her skills, training, education, and bedside manner. 

You can check out before and after pictures of her work to see other patient’s results. 

Her and her team also specialize in: 

Contact us or check out our blog to schedule your consultation to learn more about our services and financing