Does liposuction remove cellulite?

Liposuction doesn’t remove cellulite. Cellulite is a common skin condition that causes your skin to look dimpled and often appears on your abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs. Liposuction only removes soft tissue from your body. Since cellulite is caused by fibrous bands of tissue under the skin rather than soft, fatty tissue, liposuction doesn’t affect it.

What is the difference between liposuction and tummy tuck?

Liposuction and a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) are both cosmetic procedures, but they serve different purposes:

  • Liposuction: Permanently removes fat cells from specific areas to get rid of unwanted fat deposits.
  • Tummy Tuck: Removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. It also removes some fat along with the excess skin. It's typically considered when there's excess skin from pregnancy or significant weight loss.

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

The amount of weight you lose varies based on your goals and the amount of fat removed. On average, liposuction results in fat loss but is not a solution for significant weight loss or overall body weight reduction.

Is there a noninvasive form of liposuction?

Several minimally invasive or noninvasive liposuction alternatives are available, which can speed up recovery and reduce scarring. These include:

  • CoolSculpting™
  • CoolSculpting Elite™
  • BodyTite™
  • truSculpt™
  • SmartLipo™
  • SculpSure™

What is 360 liposuction?

360 liposuction, or Lipo360™, removes fat from several areas of the body at once, focusing on the midsection, including the upper and lower abdomen, love handles, and sometimes the back. Unlike traditional liposuction, which targets a single area, Lipo360 provides a more comprehensive fat removal in a single procedure.

A note from Covai Cosmetic Surgery

Liposuction is a permanent solution for stubborn fat deposits. If diet and exercise haven’t worked for you, consider discussing liposuction with your healthcare provider. While it can improve body contour, it's not a weight loss treatment, and maintaining a healthy weight post-procedure is crucial to keeping your new shape.

Medical Conditions Treated with Botox

Botox has been used for decades in the medical industry. It may be recommended for treating:

  • Crossed eyes (strabismus)
  • Excessive muscle contractions (dystonia)
  • Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
  • Eyelid twitching
  • Chronic migraines
  • Overactive bladder
  • Pediatric upper limb spasticity
  • Adult spasticity
  • Blepharospasm
  • Cervical dystonia

Can Botox Help Reduce Pain?

Yes, Botox can help reduce pain by blocking nerve signals that control muscle activity, leading to relaxation and pain relief. Botox injections can treat:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Jaw pain
  • Nerve pain
  • Sciatica pain
  • Neuropathy (peripheral neuropathy)
  • Pelvic pain
  • Chronic myofascial pain (CMP)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Joint pain
  • TMJ pain

What is Botox Made of?

Botox is made from a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. The specific neurotoxin used for medical injections is type A, which is produced in a lab for safety and efficacy.

Technicians dilute and sterilize the toxin to prevent botulism, a serious nervous system disorder caused by large amounts of botulinum toxins.

Is Botox Safe?

Botox is generally safe when administered by a licensed healthcare provider. Always consult your medical team to ensure Botox injections are right for you.

How Should I Prepare for Botox?

Before treatment, inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking. Avoid alcohol and blood thinners like NSAIDs and Warfarin® 24 hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising.

What Should I Expect During Botox Treatment?

Botox is an outpatient procedure. A fine needle injects small amounts of Botox into the treatment area. Your healthcare provider may give you anesthesia if you are receiving injections for certain conditions, such as an overactive bladder.

Botox Aftercare

After treatment, you can return to most activities right away. To minimize side effects like swelling or bruising, follow these tips:

  • Avoid rubbing or applying pressure to the treatment area for 12 hours.
  • Stay upright for 3-4 hours after treatment.
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.

Risks and Side Effects of Botox

Common side effects include:

  • Pain, swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Indigestion
  • Temporary drooping eyelids (ptosis)
  • Eye irritation or redness

People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have neuromuscular diseases should avoid Botox.

Recovery and Outlook

How long does it take for Botox to work?

Most people notice the effects of Botox around the third or fourth day after treatment, with full results visible within 10 to 14 days.

How long does Botox last?

Botox results usually last between three to six months, after which the muscles regain movement and wrinkles return. To maintain results, you can receive more Botox injections as advised by your healthcare provider.

When To Call the Doctor

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Botox is generally safe, but you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Vision problems (blurred vision, drooping eyelids).
  • Signs of a urinary tract infection (blood in your urine).
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Trouble swallowing or slurred speech.
  • Numbness or paralysis in an untreated area.
  • Severe stomach upset.

Additional Common Questions

How does Botox for migraines work?

Botox is FDA-approved for treating chronic migraines. It works by blocking pain signals at nerve endings. Best results are usually seen after the second or third treatment session.

Does Botox hurt?

The needles used for Botox injections are small, so most people feel little to no discomfort. If you’re concerned, your healthcare provider can apply a numbing gel to the area.

Can you get Botox while pregnant or breastfeeding?

While Botox isn’t likely to harm your baby, most healthcare providers recommend waiting until after pregnancy or breastfeeding to undergo treatment for safety reasons.

Are there other types of botulinum toxins?

Yes, besides Botox, options include:

  • Dysport® (AbobotulinumtoxinA)
  • Xeomin® (IncobotulinumtoxinA)
  • Jeauveau® (PrabotulinumtoxinA)

What should I know about Dysport vs. Botox?

Dysport may offer quicker results, but Botox tends to last longer. Discuss with your healthcare provider to decide which is best for you.

Is it safe to get Botox and the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, it is safe. There are no known adverse interactions between Botox and the COVID-19 vaccine, though there have been rare cases of temporary swelling in people with dermal fillers.