14 Dec 2023
When body fat in specific areas won't go away despite diet and exercise, many people choose liposuction. Liposuction procedures are specifically designed to target these resistant, excess fat deposits and remove them. At the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, our liposuction experts selectively sculpt away fat and enhance the patient’s ideal body contours.
However, there are still many misconceptions about liposuction. The ability to remove unwanted fat deposits from your body has changed many people's lives. During liposuction, the surgeon will break up stubborn fat cells with suction-assisted liposuction or power-assisted liposuction, and the patient can be under local anesthesia. The choice of technique depends on the patient's needs and the surgeon's expertise. Liposuction typically involves using a thin tube, called a cannula, to suction out fat cells from targeted areas. The result is a more defined and sculpted physique. Renuvion may then be administered to help tighten excess skin if the surgeon deems it necessary.
In this article, we will address five common liposuction myths and misconceptions.
Misconception 1: Liposuction Helps You Lose Weight
Since its creation, undergoing liposuction has grown a reputation as the way to get rid of all unwanted fat. This is a misconception as it is not a weight loss method.
Liposuction Is Not a Weight Loss Procedure
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure specifically designed to target and remove localized fat cells that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction doesn’t significantly reduce overall body weight, unlike broader weight-loss procedures such as bariatric surgery.
Liposuction Removes Isolated Fat Deposits, Not Overall Body Fat
Liposuction is specifically designed to remove isolated fat deposits, not overall body fat. This common misconception often leads to unrealistic expectations about the results of the procedure. In reality, liposuction is a body contouring method that targets specific areas of the body where stubborn fat cells have accumulated.
Nutritious Diet and Exercise Required
A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for effective results after plastic surgery. A liposuction surgical procedure should not be seen as an alternative to these healthy lifestyle practices. It is crucial to sustain the results after a liposuction procedure.
Misconception 2: Liposuction Is Not Good For Older Patients
Another misconception is that liposuction is not suitable for older patients.
Liposuction Can Be Performed Safely on Older Patients
Age is not a determining factor for liposuction candidacy. The procedure can be performed safely on older patients, provided they are in good health, do not have a weak immune system, and have realistic expectations about the results.
Benefits for Older Patients
Older patients mostly want to undergo liposuction because they struggle with fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. This procedure can help them achieve a more youthful and toned physique.
Misconception 3: Liposuction Is Dangerous
One popular liposuction misconception is that it is a dangerous procedure.
Liposuction is a Relatively Safe Procedure
With advancements in medical technology, modern liposuction techniques have made the procedure safer than ever. Methods like tumescent liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, and syringe suction have significantly reduced the risks associated with the procedure. This is also an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day to rest.
Risks Include Infection, Bleeding, and Scarring
Like any other procedure, liposuction plastic surgery does carry some risks, such as infection, bleeding, and scarring. However, these risks are significantly minimized when the procedure is performed using proper surgical techniques by a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Choose Wisely
Choosing a plastic surgeon with a track record of successful liposuction procedures is critical to ensuring the safest possible procedure and the best possible results. These procedures should take place at an accredited surgical center.
Misconception 4: There Is No Recovery Time Associated With Liposuction
Contrary to this belief, liposuction does require a recovery period.
Liposuction Recovery Is Required
After undergoing the procedure, patients typically need a brief period of liposuction recovery. The recovery process's exact duration can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and the individual's overall health.
Swelling, Bruising, and Mild Pain are Common
It's common for patients to experience moderate pain related to swelling, fluid retention, and bruising during the first 1-2 weeks following the procedure. Skin sensation or temporary numbness is common but will improve during the healing process. These side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with prescribed pain medication.
Avoid Strenuous Activity
To facilitate healing, patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activity for 3-6 weeks following the procedure. Light exercise, such as walking, can usually be resumed within a few days. In the first few weeks, it is very important to rest and get plenty of sleep to let your body heal.
Compression Garments Worn to Help Healing
To support the healing tissues and help reduce swelling, patients are typically required to wear a compression garment for 2-3 weeks after the procedure. While your body heals, these compression garments also help contour the body. Wearing compression garments can provide a sense of security and psychological support during the recovery process.
Misconception 5: Liposuction Is Only For Belly Fat In Women
One of the most pervasive misconceptions about liposuction is that it's solely for removing belly fat in women.
Liposuction Can Remove Fat From Many Areas
Liposuction is a highly adaptable and versatile method that can be utilized to extract fatty tissue from a wide range of body parts. This body contouring technique is not limited to a single area but can be applied to multiple regions where stubborn fat cells have accumulated. These areas can include, but are not limited to, the upper arms, thighs, flanks, and even under the chin.
The Procedure Is For Both Men and Women
Liposuction procedures are not gender-specific. It can be an effective procedure for both men and women looking to reshape specific areas of their bodies. The procedure can be tailored to meet the unique needs and aesthetic goals of each patient.
Treatment Areas
While the abdomen is a common treatment area, liposuction can also address other areas. These include the hips, thighs, upper arms, back, neck, and even under the chin. The procedure can be tailored to meet the unique needs and aesthetic goals of each patient.
Conclusion
Understanding the realities of liposuction can help prospective patients make informed decisions about their body sculpting options.
Liposuction is not an effective way to lose weight but a procedure to remove isolated fat deposits. It can be performed safely on patients of varying ages, and while it carries some risks, these can be minimized with proper surgical techniques and post-operative care. Recovery time is necessary, and the procedure is not limited to women or the removal of belly fat alone.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're considering a liposuction procedure, don't let misconceptions stand in your way. It's essential to have a thorough consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon. At the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, our team of experienced plastic surgeons can provide personalized advice and guidance to help you make the best decision. Contact us today to schedule your personalized consultation.
