At this point, liposuction is just part of the culture which has its pros and cons. While the stigma around liposuction may be dwindling, its prominence as part of our zeitgeist makes it prone to misinformation, misconceptions and straight up lies. If you’re thinking, “Well, what can liposuction do for me?” You should also be considering its limitations and what it can’t help you accomplish. Here are 5 faux facts about liposuction that you need to know.
1. Liposuction Is a Weight Loss Procedure
One of the most common misconceptions about liposuction is that it is a weight loss surgery. Liposuction is designed to remove large amounts of fat or drastically change the size and shape of your body. In fact, most people who had liposuction only lost between two and five pounds of fat during the procedure.
Liposuction should be considered a contouring procedure. It can help you achieve a more flattering shape to the body and tackle small pockets of stubborn fat, but it’s not going to be able to completely reshape your figure or result in significant weight loss.
2. Lipo is Just for the Ladies
The best liposuction candidates are people who are at or close to their goal weight and who are dealing with small, stubborn pockets of fat that aren’t responding to diet or exercise.
The idea that liposuction is restricted to housewives trying to fit into their bikinis is outdated and problematic. These days, more and more men are turning to liposuction and other forms of plastic surgery to help them find their best bods. Men do, however, turn to liposuction for different reasons than their female counterparts. Many men look to lipo to help them achieve their ideal shape or even chisel a six-pack out of stubborn fat not responding to a stellar diet and hours in the gym.
3. Liposuction Will Cure Your Cellulite
Liposuction can do many things for your body, but it can’t help cure your cellulite. This is because the bumps caused by cellulite are not just little pockets of fat. Cellulite happens when fat pushes through bands of connective tissue beneath the skin, which causes the distinctive lumps, bumps and dimples. Lipo doesn’t touch these bands, which means it won’t improve your cellulite.
4. Lipo Will Fix Your Loose Skin
Same goes for loose skin. Because traditional liposuction doesn’t deal with anything but the soft, fatty tissue, lipo won’t address any issues with sagging skin, like a double chin or sagging stomach. Your plastic surgeon may recommend a skin tightening procedure, like a tummy tuck, instead of or in conjunction with your liposuction for the best results.
5. Liposuction Is Taking the Easy Route
Ask not “what can liposuction do for me?” but rather, “what can I do for my body to prepare it for liposuction?” Liposuction is anything but the easy way out. In order to make the most of your liposuction, you’ll need to maintain a commitment to your own health — both mental and physical. Again, it’s not for weight loss. And liposuction is still surgery, that will involve a recovery period and a responsibility to your own health and healing. No matter what anybody says, having liposuction is no copout.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is also fellowship trained in hand and microsurgery. Dr. Campanile knows that making a lasting change to your appearance is a big decision. His calm, professional approach and deep caring for his patients set a tone that will help you feel confident and relaxed while reviewing your options and learning all about the procedures that can benefit you. Request a consultation today to meet with Dr. Campanile in person.
