Understanding Common Myths About Liposuction Surgery
In recent years, it has been amazing to see so many patients come to their cosmetic surgery consultation appointments prepared and knowledgeable about their respective procedures. This is largely due to the abundance of helpful and available information available online. However, no amount of reading can substitute for counseling from an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon and the internet can contribute to certain misconceptions about cosmetic procedures. Today, I thought it would be helpful to address some common myths about liposuction surgery to help differentiate fact from fiction.
Myth #1: Fat Cannot Return To A Treated Area After Liposuction
This depends. It is a fact that liposuction is able to effectively damage and remove fat cells from any treated area. However, certain lifestyle habits like unhealthy eating and a lack of exercise can result in the development of new fat deposits. This is why it is so important for liposuction patients to reach their goal weight before the procedure and work to maintain it afterward.
Myth #2: Liposuction Will Provide Dramatic Skin Tightening Results
This is false. Liposuction is intended to help remove pockets of excess fat, not tighten the skin. Unfortunately, any skin laxity (or looseness) in the treated area that exists before liposuction will not be affected by the procedure. This is why liposuction is often used to complement the results of other body contouring procedures that are intended to tighten the skin like tummy tuck surgery, thigh lift surgery, and arm lift surgery.
Myth #3: Liposuction Results Will Be Visible Immediately Following The Procedure
While it’s true that the fat removed during liposuction will be gone once the procedure has been completed, it will take weeks (if not months) for the final results of liposuction to be seen. Swelling in the treatment area is natural after liposuction. As this swelling decreases and the body heals, the results will continue to improve.
I’m always happy to help guide my patients to the best possible procedure options for their specific needs. And this begins in my office with a plastic surgery consultation appointment where we will discuss all the relevant factors and pertinent information related to the procedure being considered. For more information on liposuction or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. You can also follow me on Facebook for additional cosmetic surgery tips, news, and much more.