For a variety of reasons, people seek cosmetic weight loss procedures in order to improve their health and appearance. With the different procedures that are available, it is possible to have little or no recovery time. Some procedures are only for those that require a small amount of fat to be removed, such as 20 pounds or less.
Cool Sculpting
This procedure uses a cooling effect to freeze fat cells. Once they are frozen, the cells die off. The body then, naturally, expels them. Once this procedure is complete, you are able to go about your daily activities without restriction.
The process for this procedure takes roughly one hour. The total time at the performing physician’s office will be less than three hours, providing that no complications occur. Complications with this procedure are quite rare.
Liposuction
The liposuction process, as far as cosmetic weight loss procedures are concerned, is the most invasive. This requires a cut to be placed on the body for suctioning equipment to be inserted. This is a procedure that is used for those that have a significant amount of weight to lose. The body is going to swell following the one to two hour procedure. Some bruising and discomfort are also expected.
Recovery time for this procedure can be several weeks, and it is completely dependent upon your body and how well it heals. Walking daily and massaging the area that the procedure took place in does help reduce some of the edema and helps the stop fat cells from reforming.
SmartLipo
With SmartLipo surgeries, fat cells are melted and suctioned out of the body. The process of heating the fat cells to liquefy them takes roughly 30 minutes. Suctioning can take another 30 minutes. A local anesthetic is usually all that is needed to ensure patient comfort during the procedure. With this procedure, the body is expected to reabsorb a small amount of the fat.
Recovery time for this procedure is a few days. Many select this process because it has immediate results with minimal edema, minimal potential for complications and less risk of infection. Patients are able to return to their normal daily routines the same or next day.
Laser Liposuction
Laser liposuction has had its fair share of scrutiny from medical professionals. In the beginning of its use, several patients experienced laser burns. The process has been perfected and has been found to be safer than anticipated.
With this procedure, those that already have loose skin are the ideal candidates. Tight skin can cause complications. More elasticity is noticed in the skin from this procedure than traditional liposuction. It is a way to see immediate results with minimal edema and little down time.
Candidacy for these Procedures
As with any medical procedure, candidacy must be determined by a healthcare professional.
Factors that are taken into consideration for cosmetic weight loss procedures include:
- Age
- Existing Medical Conditions
- Amount of fat to be removed
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Heart health
Heart health is important since many of these surgical procedures require the use of mild anesthetics.
Recovery Time
Recovery time varies from procedure to procedure but is generally only a week or so for those that require incisions to be made. Laser only procedures truly have zero recovery time other than an hour or two to rest the body.
Side Effects of Cosmetic Weight Loss Treatments
The risk factors involved in these procedures vary depending on the type of process performed. For those that require an incision and internal suctioning, internal bleeding, bruising and/or scarring are the main concerns to have. Infection is also another concern. With non-invasive procedures, those that are laser weight loss treatments only, bruising and laser burning are the only real concerns to have.
With any of these procedures, the decision has to be made as to whether or not it is the right option for your specific health needs. In Livingston, NJ, the weather is not always cooperative to maintain a healthy exercise regimen. Keeping that in mind, you can get help with trouble areas or stubborn pockets of fat to help your body look the way you want it to. These elective procedures are nearly painless and can often be performed over your lunch hour.
