Liposuction: Nothing to Do With Fat, Everything to Do With Skin
In any plastic surgery procedure, setting realistic expectations for the patient is vital, even though we plastic surgeons genuinely hate to burst the bubble of people who come to us expecting quick fixes or miracles. It is crucial to have a clear idea of what a procedure can or cannot do for you. No other plastic surgery procedure has as many myths and misconceptions as liposuction does.
Liposuction is a fat reduction surgery that removes excess fatty tissue from targeted areas, such as your abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and hips. It is not for weight loss and it does not remove loose skin. If you suffer from obesity, meaning you have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of over 35, then liposuction might not even be a good option for you. However, if you are only looking to eliminate unwanted fat deposits from your midsection or other specific areas, areas with good tight skin, then liposuction surgery can be helpful. This post will aim to address many of the misconceptions surrounding liposuction.
It Will Not Tighten Skin That Is Sagging or Loose
If you have loose skin before liposuction, it will not become tighter after the procedure. Conditions such as weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and even genetics can cause your skin to lose its elasticity. Liposuction is not the answer to that ailment. It only removes the extra fat not the excess skin. A tummy tuck or other skin-tightening surgery is a more suitable option for getting rid of loose, hanging skin to make it look more contoured and toned.
It Will Not Remove Cellulite
Fat cells pushing against the skin and fibers pulling down on the skin causes cellulite. Cellulite lives in a very superficial layer of the skin and liposuction at this level can lead to dimples and contour irregularities. Most liposuction is performed in the deeper layers of fat where these risks are lower.
It Will Not Remove Stretch Marks
If you have stretch marks on your skin, due to pregnancy or extensive weight loss, liposuction will not remove them. Despite the promises of lasers and lotions and potions most stretch mark removal involves removing the damaged skin as is commonly done in tummy tuck surgery.
It Will Not Reduce Your Weight
Again, a liposuction procedure will not reduce your weight dramatically. While fat makes us “fat” it is not dense or heavy tissue. While there will be some decrease in weight it is not as much as one would think. It is the contour that changes most in the properly selected patient. If patients think of this as a weight loss surgery they run the risk of disappointment.
It Will Not Replace the Need for a Bariatric Surgery
If you are obese and want to lose weight via surgery, you should consider a bariatric or weight loss surgery. Large volume liposuction can be lethal. After bariatric surgery most patients will undergo skin tightening procedures, not further liposuction as demonstrated in the post massive weight loss section of my website.
It Will Not Replace Good Eating Habits
Patients who undergo liposuction must eat healthy to maintain their new shape. Yes, liposuction will reduce the number of fat cells in the targeted areas of your body, but it cannot stop your body from creating new ones or enlarging what is left behind. If you indulge in unhealthy junk or fried foods regularly after your operation, you’ll regain the fat you lost. Therefore, I always advise my patients to be as healthy as they can be to maintain their results.
Contact Dr. Tattelbaum To Get in Shape in a Healthy, Safe Way
During consultation, I evaluate your skin tone and your goals. I try to sort out what is realistic and what is not, what will be most gratifying. For the patient with loose skin liposuction will make them looser not tighter. I sometimes have to help patients switch gears in their thinking.
The best candidates are those who are healthy and already doing what they can. I am there to help with diet resistant areas.
If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate contact us through my website
Choose Dr. Adam Tattelbaum for Your Next Liposuction Procedure
Call our office today at 301-656-6398 or 703-442-4919 to schedule a consultation and learn whether liposuction is the right option for you.
May 18, 2020 1:11 am
Categories: Blog
