An ideal candidate is someone who is near his or her body weight, exercises regularly, has good skin elasticity (the ability of the skin to heal), and eats reasonably. Such a person may have an area or areas on their body that they are unable to reduce. Localized pockets of fat are perfect for liposuction. Liposuction patients tend to be younger in age. Though, about 28% of patients are older than 50.

Of all Liposuction patients: 44% are between ages of 35 - 40
25% are between the ages of 19 - 34
23% are between the ages of 51- 64
5% are 65 years or older
3% are 18 years or younger.

It is important to know that liposuction is not a cure for obesity. There is a limit to the amount of fat that can be removed safely from the human body. If you suffer from obesity, liposuction can actually be detrimental to your appearance. If a portion of fat is removed from your body, you can have an unbalanced or unnatural appearance.

Liposuction works best and will last longer if you are at a stable weight.

Having more areas done results in a more balanced and natural look. It is common for women to have their hips, thighs, and stomach done at one time. A benefit of doing multiple areas at one time is that you take full advantage of the operating room. You have already paid for the anesthesia and operating room fees.

There are some risks involved in having multiple areas done at one time. If you are considering multiple procedures, it is strongly suggested you speak with Dr. Karp or Dr. Choi during your consultation.

The first step to decrease the possibility of complications and to increase your satisfaction with your liposuction procedure is to choose your surgeon properly. Dr. Karp and Dr. Choi are fully trained Plastic Surgeons. They are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and there is a risk of bleeding, infection, and blood clot formation in the legs. These risks are small. The removal of too much fat can create an unnatural or undesired appearance. The results of liposuction can also be unfavorable if the skin looks wavy or lumpy to begin with. Once again, all risks are less if you chose your surgeon properly.

You first need to have a consultation with Dr. Karp or Dr. Choi. It is helpful to our surgeons if you know the areas where you wish to have liposuction.

Exercise regularly before you have liposuction. This will help you maintain your body after the procedure. Lose as much weight as you can before the procedure to achieve a stable weight. This will allow Dr. Karp or Dr. Choi to better sculpt and shape your body with liposuction.

Recovery depends upon the number of liposuction procedures you choose at one time. After surgery a compression garment is worn to help the healing process. The compression garment is one of the most important aspects of recovery. It is a fairly tight fitting and holds the area of the body firmly. An ideal garment fits tightly but comfortably and allows the use of absorptive pads underneath. It must be easily taken on and off.

There will be some discomfort for the first three days after surgery. You will be given pain medicine for the discomfort. Most patients also receive antibiotics to prevent infection. There will be some bruising and swelling. The compression garment helps to ease the swelling. Most patients return to work after 3 to 7 days after liposuction depending on the procedure.

Some general rules to follow after surgery:

• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid all alcoholic beverages.
• Wear compression garments.
• Do NOT use ice packs or heating pads over the liposuction area.
• Do NOT use hydrogen peroxide or band-aids over the incision sites.
• Do NOT soak in a Jacuzzi, bathtub, swimming pool, or ocean for at least seven days after the surgery to avoid infection.
• When ready to remove the compression garment, have someone assist you.
• Have help when you first take a shower.
• Sit down if you feel dizzy.
• Take It Slow. Most patients can walk around after surgery, but it is best to keep all activity to down for the first week after surgery.