If you are considering liposuction and would like to learn more about the intricacies of this procedure, the Virginia Center for Plastic Surgery is here to help. Our team can explain some common liposuction myths and facts, to help you better understand what to expect from this treatment.
MYTH: Liposuction is for Weight Loss
FACT: Liposuction is a body contouring procedure and is not designed for weight loss. The best results are with people who have a good body weight and lifestyle who have areas of fat that are resistant to change with diet and exercise. While exercising a certain muscle group cannot spot reduce fat deposits, liposuction excels at that. For instance, side leg raises, and other leg exercises cannot reduce excess fat at the hips, but liposuction can address this specific area.
MYTH: I Can Eat Whatever I Want after Liposuction without Gaining Weight Because the Fat Does Not Return!
FACT: Unfortunately, this isn’t true. While the fat cells that are removed with liposuction are gone permanently and do not return, you can still enlarge remaining fat cells in other parts of your body after surgery if you gain weight. Fat may redistribute differently after surgery, but if you eat too much, you can still gain weight. Protect your investment and maintain a healthy lifestyle and dietary habits after surgery.
MYTH: Liposuction Treats Cellulite
FACT: Cellulite is caused by fat just underneath the skin that stretches the skin between connective tissue bands, causing characteristic dimples and bumps. Since liposuction generally removes deeper soft, fatty tissue, the connective tissue bands that cause cellulite remain, which means liposuction does not address cellulite.
MYTH: Liposuction is Not for “Older” People
FACT: Liposuction results depend upon two principles. The first is that fat is removed, and the contour of the area is changed. The second principle is that after the fat is removed, the elastic fibers in the skin need to tighten up. While it is true that as we age, our skin becomes more elastic and cannot tighten as well. But with liposuction, it really depends upon Dr. Desman evaluating the elasticity and potential for your skin to tighten during your individual exam that determines whether or not you are a good candidate for surgery, not your specific age.
MYTH: Liposuction is Only for Women
FACT: More and more men are getting liposuction these days. In fact, when looking at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction ranks in the top 5 most popular procedures for both men and women. The most commonly treated areas are the chest, love handles and abdomen.
MYTH: Laser Liposuction is Better than Anything Else.
FACT: Laser liposuction or ultrasonic liposuction are techniques that have both advantages and disadvantages. Your results are more dependent on who is using the tool to do your surgery rather than the particular tool that is being used.
MYTH: Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Treatments are Just as Effective as Liposuction
FACT: There are a number of non-surgical fat reduction treatments and techniques available, including things like CoolSculpt and eMSculpt. While these approaches have certain benefits, they cannot achieve the same results as surgical liposuction procedures. It is best to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine what is the right approach for your concerns and problems.
Call Our Team About Liposuction Myths
If you have further questions about these liposuction myths and facts, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Desman today. He can answer your questions, address any concerns about liposuction, and help you determine whether the procedure is right for you. Reach out today to get started.