Ask Dr. Elliott: Understanding The Benefits of Liposuction

One of the most important things for any prospective plastic surgery patient is to fully understand the procedure(s) they are interested in undergoing and the benefits that they are able to provide. Even cosmetic procedures as common as liposuction can still be a mystery to many people without the right guidance and consultation. So to help anyone currently considering liposuction surgery, I have taken some time to answer a few common questions on what it is capable of helping them achieve.

Question #1: What are the most common areas treated with liposuction?

Typically, the most commonly performed liposuction areas include the abdomen, flanks (love handles), arms, and back. However, liposuction is incredibly versatile and can be performed just about anywhere that excess fat persists including the thighs, neck, the area in between the underarm and breasts, and more.

Question #2: What additional benefits can liposuction help patients achieve?

In addition to the aesthetic benefit of fat removal, there can be a considerable emotional lift brought on by undergoing liposuction surgery. After a person loses weight or if a person is already fit and cannot lose that extra tiny bit of fat, they sometimes become frustrated. The emotional benefits of liposuction can include improved self-esteem, confidence, and overall self-image. This increased personal satisfaction can have a profoundly positive impact on a person’s day-to-day life and mental health.

Question #3: Can liposuction be used as a means of skin tightening?

Unfortunately not. Liposuction is only intended as a method of fat reduction and cannot help patients who seek to address significant skin laxity (or looseness). I perform many other body contouring procedures designed to help tighten the skin including tummy tuck surgery, thigh lifts, and arm lifts for patients who seek this result. Additionally, it’s helpful to know that liposuction can often be combined with these other procedures to help provide more extensive results.

I hope that anyone currently curious about undergoing liposuction surgery found these answers helpful and informative. For more information or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow along with me on Facebook for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and much more.