The Internet can offer a wealth of knowledge and be a great place to start when researching a cosmetic procedure. However, it can also create confusion when myths and misinformation are posed as facts. Don’t be fooled by common myths about liposuction — here are four liposuction facts you should know before booking an appointment.
1. Liposuction Doesn’t Significantly Drop Pounds
Liposuction has come to be known as a way to shed unwanted fat and get a slim, sleek beach body. However, while liposuction can absolutely help you get rid of exercise-resistant fat in areas like your hips, thighs, abdomen and upper arms, it can’t be used as a substitute for traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise to lose a significant amount of weight.
Most people lose anywhere from 1 to 10 pounds as a result of liposuction.
This is because liposuction only targets subcutaneous fat, which is the “pinchable” fat directly beneath your skin. Visceral fat, which surrounds your organs more deeply within your abdomen, cannot be removed via liposuction and must be addressed through diet and exercise.
2. Liposuction Results Aren’t Exactly Immediate
While fat cells that have been removed during liposuction are gone for good as soon as your procedure is over, don’t feel discouraged if you don’t see an immediate improvement in your body shape. Swelling after liposuction is common and can temporarily hide your results while your body heals. Within the next 1 to 3 months, swelling should diminish and you should begin to see your final liposuction results developing.
Wearing a compression garment, moving around during recovery and avoiding salty foods can help to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process after getting liposuction.
3. Liposuction Does Not Usually Cause Loose Skin
One of the most common questions that cosmetic surgeons get asked is, “Will liposuction cause loose skin?” The good news is that in the majority of cases, your skin should be able to snap back into place without causing any cosmetic issues after liposuction.
If a relatively large amount of fat is removed and/or your skin is already somewhat lax and some amount of loose skin does occur, nonsurgical skin tightening devices can often remedy the issue without further surgery.
If you are concerned about the possibility of loose skin after lipo, talk with your cosmetic surgeon during your consultation to review the likelihood of complications such as loose skin, as well as your body contouring options.
4. Liposuction Yields More Dramatic Results Than Non-Surgical Devices
Non-surgical body contouring devices like CoolSculpting® can be excellent alternatives to liposuction if you are looking to skip the recovery time associated with surgical procedures like liposuction. However, liposuction allows for more dramatic and oftentimes quicker results than non-surgical alternatives.
The best body contouring treatment for you will largely depend on your goals, timeline, budget and personal preferences. Sit down with an experienced cosmetic surgeon to discuss your goals and help you decide if liposuction could make the most sense in your particular situation.
Dr. James Koehler at Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery provides today’s most popular cosmetic surgery and nonsurgical options. Choose from breast enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation, body sculpting procedures including liposuction and tummy tucks, and facial procedures such as facelifts, BOTOX® Cosmetic, and much more. We are dedicated to providing outstanding care and results. Come in for a visit and see our difference for yourself!
