Posted January 06, 2015 in Blog, Liposuction
Liposuction is a great way to eliminate lingering baby weight, optimize body contours, or tackle excess fat in problem areas. Although it’s not a cure-all, millions of patients have successfully had liposuction and been happy with their results. In fact, liposuction was the most popular surgical procedure for 2013, with over 350,000 procedures performed, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Many patients come to us with questions about liposuction and what they can realistically expect from the procedure—and we bet many of you have been wondering the same things! To help provide insight into this popular body contouring option, here are answers to the most common questions we hear in our practice. We answered 4 common questions about liposuction.
DOES LIPOSUCTION GET RID OF CELLULITE?
Cellulite occurs when connective tissue supporting the skin changes, causing fat deposits to look dimpled and uneven. Although liposuction can remove fat cells from cellulite-prone areas, it is not considered an effective treatment for cellulite. In fact, removing the fat cushion from problem areas may even increase the appearance of cellulite. Because of this, some patients may be dissatisfied with their liposuction results after realizing that their expectations were at odds with what the procedure can realistically provide.
If your primary motivation is reducing the appearance of cellulite, truSculpt™, medical-grade topical products, or specialized laser treatments may be more appropriate options. To make sure you pick the right procedure and avoid disappointment, communicate openly with your surgeon about your goals and desired outcome. This is absolutely critical to ensuring you’ll be satisfied with your results.
SHOULD I GET LIPOSUCTION IF I WANT MORE KIDS?
When considering liposuction after pregnancy, many women wonder how their results might be affected by future pregnancies. Because liposuction only addresses excess fat and is not a tool for correcting the surplus or sagging abdominal skin many women experience post-pregnancy, the basic answer is that liposuction results will not be ruined by childbearing, as those fat cells have been permanently removed.
However, patients who have liposuction before pregnancy may find that they once again become dissatisfied with their shape after childbearing, due to stretched abdominal skin and muscles. In that case, the solution most likely to be recommended for restoring your shape will be abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery.
CAN I GET LIPOSUCTION IF I’M OVERWEIGHT?
Although a procedure that removes fat may seem like a good weight-loss treatment, liposuction is best performed on patients who are at or near their ideal weight. Liposuction is a tool for contouring the body by eliminating stubborn bulges, but it is not ideal for removing a larger volume of fat. Overweight patients also have a higher risk for surgical complications, and when it comes to any cosmetic procedure, safety is a number one priority.
If you are overweight and considering liposuction, it may be best to start with a healthy diet and exercise routine and pursue further contouring once you are closer to a healthy weight. Not only is this a safer option, you will also likely have a more successful outcome. To determine your physical readiness and create a game plan, we recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon.
ARE LIPOSUCTION RESULTS PERMANENT?
Yes, and no. Here’s why. During the liposuction procedure, fat deposits are loosened using a special tool called a cannula and then permanently removed from the body. The body will not replace the fat cells that were removed, but there’s a caveat: the remaining fat cells can continue to store additional fat. Thus, individuals who gain weight post-operatively will find that any additional fat accumulates in new areas. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program will help your improved contours last over time.
If you have additional questions or want to find out if liposuction is right for you, contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Brothers. We would love to help you!
