The “Quarantine 15” is real. We’ve all been under a ton of stress over the last few weeks. And, with precious few ways to process it, many of us are turning to the fridge or the pantry, again and again.
It’s important to remember, though, that this situation is temporary. I say that not only to offer hope during a challenging time but as a reminder that these shelter-at-home restrictions will eventually lift. When we return to a life beyond sweatpants and yoga pants, do you want to be saddled with your “Quarantine 15,” or perhaps even more? Of course not.
Enter liposuction, a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that removes excess fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, butt, arms, and neck and, in the process, contours the body.
Starting fresh
Liposuction continues to grow in popularity—it was the second-most performed cosmetic surgical procedure in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons—even as nonsurgical fat-reduction treatments have become one of the fastest-growing segments of cosmetic plastic surgery. And that’s because only liposuction has the ability to provide patients with dramatic results after only one session.
Using a thin tube called a cannula, a board-certified plastic surgeon can remove stubborn pockets of fat through tiny incisions in much larger volumes than is possible with nonsurgical treatments. The surgeon can also contour the body as the fat is removed and transfer the fat, after it’s been purified, to other areas to add fullness.
In 2018 alone, 1.7 million liposuction procedures were performed worldwide, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. In many of those cases, people simply wanted to fit in their clothes a little better and feel a bit younger in the process. But, shedding a significant amount of weight so quickly also tends to have the effect of kickstarting a healthier lifestyle. Imagine coming out of quarantine with a chance to start fresh.
Finding the right surgeon
As with any type of cosmetic surgical procedure, finding a qualified plastic surgeon is critical to achieving your desired results.
For starters, look for a plastic surgeon who’s board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Physicians who pursue cosmetic surgery can have varied backgrounds. And it’s not always a given that they include formal plastic surgery training in an accredited program. However, an ABPS-certified plastic surgeon is required to complete a residency specifically for plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Beyond that, use experience as a filter. Find a plastic surgeon who’s not only been practicing for at least 10 years but who’s been performing this particular procedure for much of that time. That’ll ensure that they understand the nuances of the procedure and can tailor the treatment to your particular needs and wants.