liposuction and weight loss

There is a reason why weight loss is always among the most popular New Year’s resolutions – because so many people have more fat that they would like to, and because getting rid of it is much easier said than done. The idea of having one surgery and waking up to a perfectly slim physique sounds tempting, but unfortunately, that isn’t an accurate portrayal of liposuction. Weight loss and liposuction address two very different issues, and while the surgery can be a useful part of an overall weight loss journey, it has a very specific place and time – as the finishing touch.

So how do you know whether liposuction or weight loss is the right choice for you? It largely depends on what your actual goal is. Liposuction actually has very little effect on the number on the scale. Instead, its purpose is known as “body sculpting”: to remove small areas of excess fat in order to improve the curves and contours of the body. For instance, if you want to lose 30 pounds and, in the process, lose volume in your abdomen, legs, arms, back, and chin, old-fashioned diet and exercise will be more successful in getting the results you want. However, if you’re already at or near your ideal weight and are happy with your appearance everywhere except your flanks, for example, liposuction will likely be the better option.

This isn’t to say that weight loss patients won’t have a need for liposuction. In fact, the procedure is rather commonly used to fine-tune the results of overall weight loss. This is because, during the exercise and weight loss process, we cannot choose where the fat we lose comes from. You may reach your goal weight and be thrilled with the appearance of your arms, thighs, and back, but find that you still have a small area of stubborn fat on your abdomen. In this case, liposuction may be an ideal way to target and remove this fat, allowing you to more fully enjoy the results of your hard work.

For those who are progressing through a weight loss journey, another important piece of advice is not to pursue liposuction too early. Because future weight fluctuations can negatively affect the appearance of your results, it’s best to delay your surgery until you’ve been able to maintain your weight at a stable and satisfactory level for a few months. This is especially true because your ability to exercise will be limited during your recovery, so having well-established healthy eating habits will be crucial to achieving the best possible results.

Liposuction is a highly effective procedure which has allowed millions of patients in the US to feel proud of their bodies. But, as with any plastic surgery, it’s only successful for the right candidates. Proceeding with the surgery too early in your weight loss journey can leave you disappointed in your results, so remain patient and remember that by waiting until the right time, you’re allowing yourself to have the best results possible. To discuss whether liposuction is the right choice for you, schedule a consultation with me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. Or, for more helpful tips and information about cosmetic surgery, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.