Dispelling Myths About Liposuction
Are you considering liposuction? How much do you know about it? Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the world. Yet, there are a lot of myths about liposuction.
For example, many people believe that liposuction is an easy way to lose weight. The reality is, patients can lose two to five pounds of fat. But liposuction is really meant for reducing localized fat.
The procedure targets subcutaneous fat located above the muscle and under the skin. Fat that’s accumulated on the internal organs is known as visceral fat and it won’t be improved through the liposuction procedure. Diet and exercise are the best ways to combat visceral fat.
Busting Other Myths About Liposuction
Of course, the idea of using liposuction to lose weight is not the only misconception about it. We’ll take a look at some other misconceptions about this relatively simple procedure.
- There’s No Recovery Period
While it’s an outpatient procedure, there is a little recovery time involved with getting liposuction. Patients experience some swelling, soreness, and bruising around the treated area. The amount of time this takes to dissipate depends on each individual, but resting more than usual for the first week is advised. Then regular exercise and strenuous activity can be resumed as tolerated.
- It Fixes Loose Skin
As mentioned above, liposuction removes excess subcutaneous fat. But it does not tighten skin. Loose skin that comes with aging or sudden weight loss is best addressed with a skin-tightening or body contouring surgical procedure.
- Only Women Get It
Perhaps once upon a time, liposuction was the domain of women. They may have gotten it during their lunch hour. But it’s now one of the more popular procedures among men, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The most popular treatment areas where men want to rid themselves of stubborn fat include the abdomen, chest, and love handles (which they don’t love at all).
- You Can Treat Cellulite With It
Many patients are disappointed to learn that liposuction does not treat cellulite. Cellulite is the result of subcutaneous fat invested in the connective tissues beneath the skin. This is what causes the bumpy and dimpled look. Yet even though the fatty tissue is removed through liposuction, this isn’t going to affect the skin, the fibrous band, or the other tissues surrounding it. There are specific procedures that do target cellulite, however, such as Aveli.
- Older People Should Avoid It
This myth rose out of the idea that every older person doesn’t have the elasticity and firmness in their skin that would allow it to re-drape over the newly contoured area that’s been treated. And while to some degree this is true, each person’s skin is different. So it’s very possible for an older person who’s in good health and who possesses more elastic skin to get great results with liposuction.
- The Fat Will Return
The fat cells removed through a liposuction procedure will not return. It’s physically impossible. There is, however, the possibility of remaining fat cells expanding and growing into the area if a patient begins to take in too many calories. This is why a proper and balanced diet is essential in managing excess fat.
- It Can Be Unsafe
Of course, any surgical procedure carries some risk. But with liposuction, that risk is extremely minimal. The procedure is now so advanced and sophisticated that it’s almost commonplace. So when performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon in tandem with the patient’s adherence to post-surgical instructions, success is the typical outcome.
Are You Curious About Liposuction?
If there were any myths about liposuction that were previously keeping you from getting the procedure, we hope you’re feeling more self-assured now.
The next step is to set up a consultation with a board-certified physician to see if it’s a viable option for you.
Contact us today to get started. And you could soon be saying goodbye to stubborn and problematic subcutaneous fat!
