Thinking About Liposuction? You’re Not Alone
Corrective and cosmetic surgical procedures have seen a big boom in recent years. Liposuction is no exception. This cosmetic procedure removes excess fat from the body. The surgery shapes and contours, targeting specific areas of the body where fat is difficult to remove. Liposuction is the second most common plastic surgery, accounting for a 5% growth from 2017.
What happens during liposuction?
Liposuction is an invasive technique that happens under anesthesia. The surgeon will have an assessment with the patient beforehand. Liposuction works best for patients in good health, with 30% or less body fat. Once the surgeon outlines the treatment areas, the standard technique involves a sterile injection. The surgeon can then suction the fat out of the body. Over the years, scientists have produced other methods using lasers, ultrasound, or RF technology. From there, the recovery process can take up to 2 months, involving antibiotics and compression garments.
Can lipo help with my weight loss?
Social media influencers incorrectly praise lipo as a weight-loss option, contributing to growing popularity and hype. However, If a patient is overweight, liposuction does not help. At most, the procedure can remove about 10 pounds of fat. Furthermore, liposuction removes subcutaneous or surface-level fat. Deeper fat, like visceral fat, can be shed only through diet and exercise. In terms of surgical procedures for weight loss, there is a gastric bypass instead of liposuction. Plastic surgery procedures, like lipo, have a range of myths and misconceptions that confuse patients. Here are 3 more plastic surgery myths to look out for.
1. Is lipo a fat killer?
Most people think that liposuction removes fat for good. Fat cells can reappear after the procedure, contrary to popular belief. Yes, fat cells are removed during the process, which can stop further fat production. However, the cells that are left behind can still grow. To maintain the surgery’s look, diet and exercise are essential to prevent weight gain in specific areas.
2. Breast surgery is a one-and-done
Breast augmentation procedures continue to rise year over year. But is breast surgery a one-off procedure? All surgical procedures require a follow-up. There are 3 surgeries performed, namely augmentation, reduction, and a breast lift or mastopexy. Enlargement and mastopexy can be done together; however, neither are permanent. Depending on the patient, the procedures can last anywhere between 10-15 years. Genetics, time and the environment can negatively affect breast surgery.
3. There’s more to it than cost
The high price tag is the one thing all plastic surgery procedures have in common. While cost is a significant factor, there is always some risk involved. All plastic surgery procedures run the risk of infection. Others run the risk of tissue damage or kidney and heart problems. Most of all, some patients may be dissatisfied with the results. There must be consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon before any procedure. Make sure to review the results and track record of the surgeon before choosing the doctor.
Better information means better decisions
At best, liposuction helps deal with stubborn fat, giving the body an excellent contoured shape. However, liposuction is not a weight loss solution. Through healthy lifestyle changes and exercise, patients can truly lose weight. There are several other misconceptions about plastic surgery. Patients should understand the impact and the overall facts behind the process to better prepare or make an informed decision. The only way to do that is to speak with a board-certified surgeon.
