Liposuction

No, liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. Liposuction is designed for body contouring and removing stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are close to their target weight but have specific areas they wish to refine.

Liposuction is not a treatment specifically for cellulite, and it may not effectively reduce the dimpled appearance of cellulite.

Typically, up to 5 liters of fat can be safely removed in a single liposuction session. However, the exact amount varies based on factors like the patient’s health and the areas being treated. Removing more than the recommended amount increases the risk of serious complications.

Liposuction can treat various areas, including the abdomen, thighs, hips, flanks, arms, back, and neck. It’s a versatile procedure that targets localized fat deposits to enhance body contours.

During the procedure, anesthesia is administered to ensure you won’t feel pain. Afterward, you may experience soreness, tenderness, and swelling in the treated areas, similar to muscle soreness, though most patients report mild to moderate discomfort that can be managed with prescribed pain medication. The intensity of pain varies depending on the extent of liposuction and individual pain tolerance.

The liposuction surgery itself takes one day, meaning you will need your consultation with Dr. Pirani, a pre-operative appointment about two weeks before the surgery, the procedure itself, and one or more additional visits to monitor your healing and progress. Dr. Pirani may be able to give a better estimate of how many additional visits you’ll need, but this will depend highly on how well the healing progresses.

Initial results can be visible within a few weeks, but significant results typically appear within 3 to 6 months as swelling subsides. Final results typically take a year to visualize. It’s essential to follow your post-surgery instructions for optimal results.

The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently gone; however, weight gain can still occur if a healthy lifestyle is not maintained. The remaining fat cells can still grow or enlarge, so it’s important to continue exercising and eating well to maintain good results.

Liposuction results are long-lasting as long as you maintain a stable weight. While the removed fat cells won’t grow back, new fat can accumulate if there are significant changes in diet or lifestyle.

Liposuction scars are generally small and discreet, as the incisions are only a few millimeters long. They are typically placed in inconspicuous locations, such as natural creases in the skin. With proper care, scars fade significantly over time and may become nearly invisible. Using silicone scar sheets or creams and sun protection can further minimize their appearance.

You can typically resume light activities, such as walking, within a few days after surgery. Most patients can return to light exercise, like stretching or yoga, after about 2 weeks. High-impact or strenuous workouts should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your surgeon’s recommendations.

Yes, liposuction is commonly combined with other procedures, such as tummy tucks, breast lifts, or breast augmentation, for more comprehensive body contouring. Combining procedures can save time and reduce overall recovery periods.

Traditional liposuction involves physically suctioning fat from the body, while laser liposuction uses laser energy to liquefy the fat before it’s removed.

Yes, non-surgical alternatives include CoolSculpting, injectable fat-dissolving solutions like Kybella (Belkyra), and other treatments that use freezing or heating technology to reduce fat. These treatments are less invasive but may not produce the same dramatic results as liposuction and typically require multiple sessions.

Like any surgical procedure, liposuction carries risks, including bleeding, infection, anesthesia complications, fluid imbalances, and contour irregularities. More specific and rarer risks include numbness, prolonged swelling, or skin discoloration in treated areas.

Choosing Dr. Pirani, a highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeon, greatly reduces the chance of these risks. At your consultation, he’ll explain the steps he takes during the procedure to give you peace of mind and ensure you can make a safe and informed decision.

To find the best plastic surgeon in Toronto for liposuction, look for board-certified professionals with extensive experience in body enhancement procedures. Look for their credentials, reviews, and before-and-after photos of previous patients—schedule consultations to assess their expertise, communication style, and facility quality. Dr. Pirani, for example, is highly regarded for his detailed approach and patient-centered care, making him one of Toronto’s top choices for liposuction and other cosmetic surgeries.