Does Lipo Hurt?

As you research body sculpting with liposuction, it is understandable that you will have questions about the procedure, its benefits and its risks. One of the questions that frequently arises in liposuction consultations with Dr. Julio Clavijo-Alvarez at ReNova Plastic Surgery is whether liposuction is painful. Here, the doctor explains the answer in detail.

During Surgery

The surgery itself is not a painful experience. Tumescent anesthesia and oral sedation medications are administered orally or intravenously in order to keep patients comfortable for the duration of the operation. The anesthetic medication numbs the pain receptors and the oral sedation medication puts the patient into a comfortable state. The patient’s vitals are monitored continuously throughout surgery to ensure the medications are administered continually and in safe dosages.

A scenario in which liposuction surgery might be painful is if the procedure is performed by someone other than a plastic surgeon in a shoddy or outdated facility. Luckily, that is not a concern with Dr. Clavijo, a board-certified plastic surgeon that operates in accredited hospitals or surgical centers.

During Recovery

Everyone has a different threshold for pain; some have a very high tolerance and others are more sensitive. However, the vast majority of liposuction patients note that, while they may feel sore (as if they just completed a difficult workout), they don’t generally experience pain. Oral medication is prescribed if a patient starts feeling very uncomfortable. Applying ice packs to the treated area can also help decrease discomfort.

Patients that ignore Dr. Clavijo’s instructions during recovery and push themselves to resume physical exercise or work too soon could experience complications that cause pain. As long as patients follow his directions and limit physical exertion during the recovery period, pain should not be an issue.

A Non-Surgical Alternative to Liposuction

If, after learning more about liposuction, you are still hesitant about having surgery to eliminate unwanted body fat, Dr. Clavijo offers several non-surgical body contouring alternatives, including the revolutionary SculpSure treatment. SculpSure uses a laser to damage fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated from the body. SculpSure does not require anesthesia, incisions or injections, and the recovery downtime is minimal. Though the results may not be as dramatic as liposuction, it is a worthy alternative.

To learn more about SculpSure or liposuction, please schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Clavijo. Call ReNova Plastic Surgery today at (412) 638-2391 to make your appointment.