LOS ANGELES LIPOSUCTION

Dr. Moein will give you instructions on how to prepare for your liposuction surgery. In general, you will be given a full medical workup and care plan. Your care plan may include blood tests, medication adjustments, and medications to refrain from taking.

Dr. Moein will also discuss and prepare a pain management plan before the surgery. In this plan, he will consider your past experience with pain medications, your risk factors for opioid addiction, the anticipated discomfort after surgery, and your individual pain tolerance and goals. Most patients choose a combination of prescription and over-the-counter pain medication, though many find over-the-counter medications alone sufficient. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, or any other blood thinners should be avoided during this time.

It is mandatory that all patients stop smoking at least four weeks before having liposuction. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process, thus impacting your final results. Dr. Moein offers smoking cessation resources to help support his patients. You may be advised to not intake any food or fluids after midnight the night prior to your surgery.

After your liposuction procedure, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from surgery and help you around the house for a few days while you recover.

The body part(s) treated and the degree of fat removal will determine your recovery time. You can expect general soreness and swelling immediately after the procedure. A compression garment will be placed on your treated areas to reduce swelling. In some cases, temporary drains may be placed along the incision areas to drain fluids. Dr. Moein will also prescribe you medications for pain management as well as antibiotics to prevent infection. Please make sure to follow all of your post-operative instructions very carefully to optimize healing. After assessing your status, Dr. Moein will give you a timetable for recovery before you can return to your normal physical activities.

The amount of time you will spend in the surgical facility following liposuction will depend on the type of anesthesia that is used. Local anesthesia allows patients to return home about 30 minutes after the procedure, whereas general anesthesia will require a 1-3 hour observation period in the facility. Downtime with tumescent liposuction tends to be about 2 days, with the ability to return to physical activity not long after.

As with most cosmetic procedures, liposuction recovery and results vary from person to person. You should notice a slimmer look right away, but due to residual swelling, it may take a few months up to a year to see your complete results.

Once the bulk of your swelling is gone, your new shape will be revealed. Fat cells do not grow back once they are removed, but that does not mean you can not gain weight. The remaining fat cells can continue to grow and can change your body's contours. That is why it is essential to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen to continue to enjoy your results long-term.

In 2018, the average cost of liposuction was under $4000. You should consult with Dr. Moein and his team about various financing options, including any additional expenses you could incur to make sure you’re financially prepared for a liposuction procedure. There are many financing options available to patients, and the team at Healthy Life Bariatrics is well-versed in the best ways you can pay for liposuction. Don’t be afraid to ask about the payment schedule and cost of any follow-up appointments so you’re sure to cover your bases.

To find out more about Dr. Babak Moein, we advise you to request a consultation online. If you prefer, you are more than welcome to call our office to schedule your appointment.

Does liposuction cause scarring?

Because of Dr. Moein’s background in minimally invasive surgery and the small cannulas that are used during your liposuction procedure, there is little visible scarring involved. Dr. Moein uses advanced techniques and technologies as well as discreet locations on the body to help mask any sign of surgery.

What are the risks involved in liposuction surgery?

There is always some risk involved when having an invasive surgical procedure such as liposuction. However, most of the high-risk complications stem from an inexperienced and/or unqualified professional performing the procedure. Infection, bleeding, and nerve injury can occur but are rare. Seeking a qualified cosmetic surgeon like Dr. Moein, who specializes in body contouring techniques, and following his pre- and post-op guidelines will help significantly reduce your risks.

Is liposuction painful?

Your discomfort level will vary depending on the type of liposuction you have and the anesthesia used. Typically, the most soreness is experienced 2 to 4 days after the lipo procedure. Tenderness and discomfort usually last anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks but should gradually diminish over the next few weeks. Your comfort can be optimized by following the pain management plan established prior to surgery. We recommend filling your prescription before your procedure to ensure you have them ready for discomfort management.

Is it necessary to wear a compression garment?

Elastic compression garments are beneficial after your lipo procedure because they work to reduce bruising and swelling after surgery. This means better recovery and even better results. Dr. Moein recommends wearing your compression garment for at least 4 weeks while your body continues to heal and swelling diminishes.