Five Misconceptions About Liposuction

Posted in Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most predictable and effective cosmetic surgeries performed worldwide. Thanks to its ability to remove stubborn fat from almost any region of the face or body with minimal downtime, liposuction has maintained its popularity for decades among women and men alike. As the procedure evolves, it’s natural for certain misunderstandings to culminate regarding what liposuction can actually accomplish. Keep reading below to find out which liposuction myths are misconceptions according to our board-certified plastic surgeon, David Durst, MD:

• Liposuction can help you lose weight: On the contrary, most liposuction patients lose only two to five pounds at most during surgery. Liposuction is a body contouring technique intended for patients who are already near their ideal weight—not individuals who desire a weight loss procedure.
• Liposuction makes you immune to future weight gain: It’s true that extracted fat cells cannot regenerate after being removed, but this doesn’t mean patients are protected from additional weight gain following their procedure. Surrounding fat cells can still enlarge with extra weight, highlighting the importance of a healthy lifestyle after surgery.
• Liposuction can flatten the abdomen: Liposuction can indeed slim and smooth the subcutaneous fat under the skin, but it does not address visceral fat beneath the abdominal muscles and around the internal organs. If you still have abdominal bulges following liposuction, this may be caused by the presence of visceral fat, which can only be removed through dieting and exercise.
• Liposuction can get rid of cellulite: Unfortunately, liposuction cannot correct bumps on the surface of the skin or skin dimpling. The procedure is designed to address excess fatty tissue alone, and does not usually affect the fibrous connective bands that cause cellulite.
• Liposuction is a substitute for working out: Actually, liposuction is often most successful when paired with a regular exercise regimen. The fat reduction technique can contour resistant pockets of fat, but an active lifestyle is necessary to preserve the results of surgery.

Dr. Durst and our team are committed to helping individuals fully understand the benefits and limitations of their treatment options through ongoing patient education. If you have a question about liposuction, or if you would rather speak to Dr. Durst about your concerns in a consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Huntsville today.