Misconceptions and Facts about Liposuction

Liposuction or lipoplasty, with its effective results is one of the top body contouring

procedures in the U.S. This article discusses some common liposuction myths and facts.

One of the top five cosmetic surgery procedures, liposuction is a procedure specifically

designed to treat fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise. It can be performed for

almost all body areas, most commonly the abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks. The

procedure is often combined with other plastic surgery procedures such as facial plastic

surgery or abdominoplasty, for enhanced results. Ideal candidates for the procedure are adults

within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone.

If you're considering lipoplasty, along with knowing about the procedure’s recovery period,

risks and long term benefits it is also important to be aware about the misconceptions and

facts associated with the procedure.

Common Misconceptions Regarding Liposuction

• Fat Returns after Liposuction: This is a misconception. The American Society of

Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) published a study in their official medical journal in 2012

that found that after the surgery, fat cells will not return to treated areas and untreated

areas of the body. The study refutes an earlier report published in the journal Obesity

that concluded that fat returns to untreated areas of the body, especially the abdomen,

shoulders, and arms within one year after liposuction. However, future weight gain

and poor diet may affect the results achieved through the procedure. It is crucial to

maintain a healthy lifestyle for lasting results.

• The Procedure Is Only for Women: Wrong! Cosmetic surgery is not for women

alone. Appearance is as important for men as it is for women. According to the ASPS

report, of the total 202,128 liposuction procedures performed, 22,914 procedures

were performed on men in 2012.

• Lipolysis Is a Substitute for a Weight Loss Plan: Misconception. It is not a weight

loss tool. The fact is that it is intended to treat problem areas with excess fat deposits

that are resistant to diet and exercise. The fat removed rarely weighs more than five -

seven pounds. So the procedure can't remove enough weight to significantly affect the

patient’s overall weight.

• The Procedure Is Effective for Cellulite Reduction: Misconception. Cellulite

cannot be removed with lipoplasty. Cellulite is a web of fibrous bands that connects

your skin to the underlying muscle. In fact, liposuction may worsen the appearance of

the skin by sucking out the cushion of fat that resides just under the skin. The result is

additional dimpling of the skin.

• Liposuction for the entire body can be performed in a single sitting: This is a

myth. It is not safe to perform liposuction for more than 10% of your body weight.

The number of areas that can be treated in one sitting would depend on factors such

as the surgeon’s fatigue, patient’s discomfort and anesthesia time.

• Liposuction may cause complications during pregnancy: Myth. This procedure

has nothing to do with the reproductive system. It only removes fat from problematic

areas.

How to Make Your Liposuction Procedure Safe

Be aware of the latest developments in plastic surgery. Reliable AAAASF-accredited plastic

surgery practices use innovative fat removal technologies such as Smartlipo Triplex that

helps you get the results of traditional procedure but with less pain and minimal downtime.

With expanded clinical capabilities, this laser workstation from Cynosure ensures excess fat

removal along with skin tightening. It is the first laser workstation that employs triple laser

wavelengths 1440, 1064 and 1320nm. The device is also equipped with intelligent delivery

systems such as SmartSense™, ThermaView™ and ThermaGuide™, to ensure greater safety

and minimal complications. While considering laser liposuction or any other procedures,

make sure to choose a qualified and skilled plastic surgeon experienced in providing

successful liposuction.