We've all been there - we've been eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and exercising on a regular basis; we feel great, but we just can't get rid of certain trouble spots, no matter how hard we try. At this point, because of the availability of surgical procedures, many of us turn to liposuction to reduce the areas that dissatisfy us. Yet, as with any surgery, there is much to know about liposuction before making the decision to go ahead with it.



Liposuction is a surgical procedure in which tiny incisions are made around a site on the body that is storing excess fat. Through these incisions, tubes are inserted that literally vacuum the fat from the body. This is not a passive procedure, however, as the surgeon must plunge the tubes into the fat to be sure to get the most results and keep the look of the area even and consistent throughout. The result of all this pushing and prodding, of course, is pain. The recovery from liposuction generally depends on the body area on which you had the procedure. You will often feel sore for quite some time. Additionally, post-surgery liposuction patients are required to wear a compression garment as part of their recovery. If you are considering liposuction, it is imperative that you understand the details of the procedure, including post-surgical care.

But most importantly, it is absolutely critical that you choose a reputable surgeon to perform your liposuction. This should include the research of the surgeon in question including background, experience, and any patient complaints that may have been lodged against him/her. Get referrals and speak with other liposuction patients about their experience with the surgeon and the results of their surgery as compared to their expectations. Most of all, you should be comfortable with the surgeon who will perform your liposuction; you should feel that all of your questions are being answered and that you have been treated with respect.

Price should also be a consideration so as to determine if you need financing for the procedure. Price should not be considered when weighing an experienced, reputable surgeon against one that is fairly unknown. In this particular situation, getting the cheaper price possibly at the cost of your safety is not worth it.

Finally, is important to remember that liposuction will not take the place of proper diet and exercise. There is no magic bullet to having a lean, healthy body. And if you have liposuction performed and continue to eat poorly and live a sedentary lifestyle, you will find the fat that you had surgically removed has just come back in another location. Do right by your body and live a healthy, active lifestyle; in many cases, this may be all you need!