Liposuction

Most of our Portsmouth patients describe the post-operative pain as manageable and similar to the soreness felt after an intense workout. Liposuction is generally performed under anesthesia so that you won’t feel pain during the procedure itself. However, it’s common to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated areas during recovery. Your surgeon will provide pain management options and detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.

The number of appointments you’ll need for liposuction typically includes an initial consultation, the surgery itself, and several follow-up visits. During the initial consultation, you’ll discuss your goals, medical history, and the specifics of the procedure with your surgeon. After the surgery, you’ll have follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery, remove any stitches, and ensure that you’re healing properly. Most patients have at least two to three follow-up visits over the course of a few months to track their progress and address any concerns. 

You can expect to see initial results from liposuction surgery within a few weeks as the swelling starts to subside. However, the most noticeable changes typically appear between one to three months post-surgery as your body matures and adjusts. Full results are usually visible around the three to six-month mark once all residual swelling has diminished.

With the expertise of a skilled surgeon like Dr. Alexander Slocum, the incisions are strategically placed to ensure they are as inconspicuous as possible. Post-liposuction scarring is generally minimal and discreet. The scars typically appear as small dots, resembling the size of a freckle, due to the tiny incisions made during the procedure. Initially, these scars may be red or pink, but they usually fade to a lighter color over time, becoming less noticeable within a few months. Proper aftercare, including wearing compression garments and following your surgeon’s instructions, can help minimize the appearance of scars.

You can typically start light exercise about three to four weeks after your liposuction surgery. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities during this initial recovery period to allow your body to heal properly. Most patients can gradually return to their regular exercise routines by six weeks post-op, but following your surgeon’s specific recommendations is crucial.

Absolutely, you can combine liposuction with other procedures to achieve more comprehensive results in a single surgical session. Many patients in Portsmouth opt to pair liposuction with treatments like abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), breast augmentation or reduction, facelifts, or body lifts. This approach enhances multiple areas simultaneously, reduces overall recovery time, and can be more cost-effective. Dr. Alexander Slocum is experienced in performing combination procedures, ensuring that each treatment is tailored to your unique goals and body type for optimal results.

No. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, and they do not grow back. Your body also will not compensate by growing new fat cells elsewhere. If you gain weight after undergoing liposuction, then your body will simply increase the size of your remaining fat cells. If you undergo a fat transfer, then the fat cells removed from one area will “take” or stay in the area where they are grafted.

For patients in Portsmouth considering liposuction, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with the procedure. Common risks include bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. You might also experience contour irregularities, where the skin appears bumpy or uneven due to uneven fat removal. Other risks include fluid accumulation, numbness, and scarring. More serious complications, though rare, can include deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary issues, and damage to deeper structures like nerves and blood vessels.

Finding the best liposuction plastic surgeon in New England involves researching qualifications, patient reviews, and surgical expertise. One highly recommended option is Seacoast Plastic Surgery and Medical Aesthetics in Portsmouth, led by Dr. Alexander Slocum. Look for board-certified surgeons with extensive liposuction experience and a strong patient satisfaction track record. Dr. Slocum’s impressive credentials, including a PhD from MIT and an MD from Marshall University School of Medicine, combined with his compassionate approach, make him an excellent choice for achieving your aesthetic goals. Scheduling a consultation with Seacoast Plastic Surgery can help you take the first step towards a successful liposuction journey.