Many individuals who are not satisfied with the shape of their body turn to liposuction to help achieve their desired shape. Liposuction is a surgical technique that improves the body contour by removing the excess fat that sits between the skin and the muscle. Liposuction is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. However, even with its popularity, there is still misinformation and myths about the procedure. The board-certified team of experts at Arkansas Plastic Surgery in Little Rock is here to give you the facts!
Myth: Liposuction Is a Tool for Weight Loss
Fact: Liposuction is not a weight-loss method. Rather it is intended to re-contour areas of the body where fat is resistant to diet and exercise. With lipo, most patients only lose about two to five pounds in total. Liposuction is a good option for those who are within a healthy weight range and have localized fat pockets they would like to reduce through contouring.
Myth: Liposuction Is Always the Solution for Unwanted Belly Fat
Fact: Liposuction targets only subcutaneous fat, which is located below the skin and above the muscle. An abdomen that protrudes due to fat under the muscle and around the internal organs (known as visceral or intra-abdominal fat) will not be improved with liposuction. Appropriate exercise and diet are the only effective methods to combat visceral fat.
Myth: Liposuction Can Treat Cellulite
Fact: Cellulite occurs when subcutaneous fat pushes connective tissue bands beneath the skin, causing those characteristic dimples and bumps. Because liposuction is only able to remove soft, fatty tissue (and does not directly affect the skin or other tissues), the fibrous connecting bands causing cellulite are not altered.
Myth: Fat Deposits Removed Will Return After Liposuction
Fact: Liposuction not only removes fat from a wide range of body areas, such as the abdomen, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, hips, waist, love handles, and knees, but it also removes that fat for good. Once the fat cells are suctioned out, they will not grow back. That said, lipo won’t magically keep you from gaining weight in the future. There will still be some remaining fat cells that can expand. The best way to prevent this is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Myth: Liposuction Is Very Painful
Fact: Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis. While there may be soreness the first few days after the lipo, the discomfort improves significantly by 5-7 days. Some discomfort may be present for up to 2-3 weeks, but most patients can return to work in 5-7 days and resume full activity after a month.
Myth: Liposuction Is Dangerous
Fact: While every surgical procedure carries an element of risk, modern-day liposuction techniques have become increasingly sophisticated and are extremely safe in the hands of a trained professional. If performed by an experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, and if the patient follows all appropriate postsurgical instructions, lipo can be safe and successful.
Myth: Liposuction Results Appear Immediately
Fact: While liposuction does remove unwanted fat, it may take 6-10 weeks for results to become evident. That’s because the body needs time to heal and restore itself after the treatment. For example, it’s common to have some swelling in the treated areas for the first few months after lipo.
Myth: Liposuction Is Only for Women
Fact: Men frequently request liposuction and enjoy the benefits of the procedure just like women do. Common areas for treatment for men include the abdomen, love handles, and chest.
Contact Our Little Rock Liposuction Doctors
For over 20 years, Arkansas Plastic Surgery has served the central Arkansas region. You can trust us to provide you with the natural and long-lasting results you’re looking for. To find out if you are a good candidate for liposuction, schedule a consultation with our experienced, board-certified plastic surgeons. Our doctors can provide you with expert guidance and outstanding results — contact us to get started!
