Liposuction is a type of surgery that vacuums fat out of specific pockets of your body. This procedure is among the most popular types of cosmetic surgery, and its popularity is growing. A reported 1.9 million people across the globe had liposuction in 2021 alone – an increase of 25% over the previous year.
If you’re considering liposuction to refine your physique, it’s important to fully understand what it entails and how it can help you. Many myths about liposuction’s effectiveness circulate, and you need to know the facts.
Dr. Jan Garcia of the Plastic Surgery Arts Center in Webster, Texas, shares the following to help you understand the truth about liposuction.
FACT: Liposuction is NOT a weight-loss treatment. Most patients lose just a few pounds. What liposuction can do is eliminate stubborn pockets of fat from your abdomen, thighs, or arms so you look more proportional. We recommend that you be within about 30% of a healthy weight range before undergoing liposuction.
FACT: Liposuction permanently removes fat cells. They cannot replump or regenerate after the procedure. But, liposuction does not remove ALL fat cells. If you gain significant weight, you will notice the areas where you had liposuction swell back up. The best way to maintain your liposuction results is to stick to a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
FACT: Liposuction removes stubborn fat cells, but it can’t erase cellulite or tighten up lax skin. Cellulite comes from the way connective tissue bands cross underneath the skin. While liposuction can remove some of the fat that pushes through these bands to cause a bumpy cellulite appearance, the procedure cannot change the connective tissue structure.
Liposuction also can’t tighten up loose, sagging skin. Your skin becomes lax due to a loss of collagen as you age or because it was stretched out due to excess weight. Additional procedures, such as those involved in Smartlipo, can help raise up loose skin.
FACT: While liposuction is minimally invasive and performed on an outpatient basis, you’ll need to honor a recovery period after your procedure. Expect to have some soreness, bruising, and swelling in treated areas. You’ll need to take at least a week off work and four to six weeks off from vigorous activity and exercise.
FACT: Liposuction is effective for men too! It’s one of the most popular procedures that men choose to improve their appearance. Liposuction is effective on the chest, abdomen, and love handles.
FACT: While technology has come a long way and there are effective noninvasive procedures, none of them can fully rival the effects of liposuction. Liposuction will get you a predictable outcome that notably shrinks problem areas and smooths your physique.
If you’re considering liposuction, come in for a consultation. Dr. Garcia can help you determine if liposuction or another procedure, like a tummy tuck, is best for you. Call our office or use the “book online” button on this website to request an appointment.
