Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic surgical procedures in both the United States and the rest of the world. This is surprising given the number of myths that still exist. Here is a list of the top ten liposuction myths we face as plastic surgeons, coupled with the truths.
In actuality, most patients only lose two to five pounds overall. The best candidates are those who want to get rid of localized fat pockets and are within 30% of their healthy weight range. Liposuction can eliminate small quantities of localised fat, but it cannot target larger amounts, and it shouldn’t be used as a substitute for leading a healthy lifestyle. A different bariatric operation that will change the size of the stomach should be considered by patients interested in surgery for considerable weight loss. Optimum liposuction patients are aiming to flatten their features and are within a few pounds of their ideal weight. Patients may see that their clothing will fit better and, on rare occasions, they may go down one or two sizes. Depending on their body type and how well they maintain their results, outcomes might differ.
The distinctive dimples and bumps of cellulite are caused by subcutaneous fat pushing on connective tissue bands beneath the skin. Cellulite is more than just an irregular pocket of fat. Liposuction, which can only remove soft, fatty tissue, does not immediately damage the skin or other tissues, therefore the fibrous connective bands that cause cellulite are unharmed.
Liposuction may be performed safely on any patient who is in excellent health and has passed a medical check. A lack of firmness and flexibility in the skin may make it more difficult for it to redrape over newly diminished or changed features (both of which usually decline with age). Skin quality is one of the main barriers to liposuction.
Like other procedures, liposuction is an invasive cosmetic procedure that carries some risk. Even though a very small percentage of people have reported negative side effects, the majority of liposuction patients never suffer anything more serious than minor bruising and swelling. Since liposuction is done under anaesthetic, it is not painful and is not harmful. Although there is some risk with every treatment, liposuction techniques have greatly improved. If performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon and under the condition that the patient follows all postoperative instructions, liposuction may be as safe and effective as any other surgical procedure.
Liposuction is the only cosmetic operation that may specifically target excess fat. Unfortunately, liposuction merely addresses fat as a problem. Skin laxity brought on by ageing or as a result of past weight changes cannot and is not treated by liposuction. A stomach tuck, thigh lift, arm lift, or butt lift may be desired if a patient exhibits moderate to severe skin laxity because liposuction alone might exacerbate the issue (because the volume of the region would be lowered).
The appearance of a double chin or a huge stomach may be accompanied by additional fat as well as some sagging skin that is less flexible. Since liposuction alone could leave you looking deflated, your surgeon may occasionally advise skin tightening instead of (or in addition to) liposuction.
Following liposuction in other areas of the body, some people gain weight right away. Many of those people are persuaded by this circumstance that the weight was not eliminated by liposuction but rather shifted. Likewise false is this. Liposuction is “permanent” in the sense that fat cells cannot regrow after being suctioned away. However, there will still be some fat cells that can enlarge and spread the area if one consumes a lot of calories. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is the best defense against this.
Liposuction is not a weight loss technique, as was previously stated, and sustaining excellent postoperative outcomes should involve a general commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction (or any other body contouring technique, for that matter) targets localized regions for streamlining and contouring; ideally, this is done on a person who is within a healthy weight range.
Even though liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure and is generally safe, it still requires a recovery period like any other surgical procedure. The most common side effects include swelling, bruising, and pain in and around the treated areas. Although each patient’s recovery is unique, it is recommended for most to take at least a week off work to rest and recuperate. Before a patient may resume challenging activities or exercise, it may take four to six weeks.
Males frequently desire liposuction, according to ASPS data; in fact, it was one of the top five procedures carried out on American men in the previous year. The chest, love handles, and abdomen are frequently treated areas
Only subcutaneous fat, which is found beneath the skin and above the muscle, is targeted by liposuction. Liposuction won’t help a protruding belly caused by visceral or intra-abdominal fat, which is fat that is under the muscle and surrounding the internal organs. Diet and exercise are the only effective ways to reduce visceral fat.
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