Common Myths about Liposuction
June 22nd, 2016 | Posted in: Liposuction |
The 8 Most Common Myths about Liposuction
A lot of people have the misconception that liposuction is a fix-all body solution for your body problems, when, like any other procedure, it can and can’t do certain things for you. Here’s a quick look at the top 8 most common myths about liposuction.
1. Liposuction is a Great Way to Lose Weight
If you are trying to lose weight, then liposuction is not the procedure for you. Liposuction works to remove fat that isn’t affected by diet or exercise. You can choose to get liposuction after you’ve already lost weight, to help get rid of that stubborn fat, but the best way for you to lose weight is to change your diet and exercise routines.
2. Liposuction Gets Rid of Cellulite
Cellulite is the fat right below the skin’s surface, that usually looks bumpy and uneven because the fat pushes through the connective tissue. While cellulite may be considered unattractive, it isn’t a health concern. Liposuction can help make cellulite less visible, but it does not outright remove it.
3. Fat Will Return Somewhere Else
While liposuction works to remove part of the fat in the targeted area, the body can still be overwhelmed by large amounts of calories that aren’t burned off. These extra calories are stored proportionately in the remaining fat cells in the body. However, fat cells aren’t distributed evenly, which means that you may gain fat in areas of the body that you aren’t used to. The targeted area will have fewer fat cells left, so those places won’t fill out in the same way that they did before liposuction.
4. You can be too Old for Liposuction
Liposuction can work on all ages, since your age isn’t a determining factor. If you have no serious health conditions and no current medications that may cause problems during the surgery, then you may be a good candidate for liposuction no matter your age. Regardless, your eligibility will be determined during a consultation with Dr. Chiu.
5. An Obese Patient is the Best Candidate
The ideal candidate for liposuction is just a little over their ideal weight. Liposuction typically won’t be performed on someone who is extremely overweight, just on people who have localized fatty deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise. If you are too heavy for liposuction, you will be advised of how much weight you’ll need to lose or alternative procedures that may be better suited to you.
6. Liposuction is Just for Women
Liposuction is actually one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries among men. The areas that men and women seek to be treated by liposuction tend to differ, as most women want to remove fat from their thighs and hips, while men tend to focus more on the stomach area (like love handles) and even under the chin.
7. You can Return to Your Normal Routine with no Downtime
The initial recovery period after liposuction can be anywhere from two to 10 days. It is usually recommended that patients take about a week off from work. Most patients can usually return to normal activities between four to six weeks after surgery, with some swelling remaining for up to six months. You can read more about recovery times here.
8. Liposuction and Tummy Tucks are the Same
Liposuction removes fat, and a tummy tuck removes excess skin and repairs abdominal muscles. While these procedures are quite different, they are often used in tandem to create a more dramatic body transformation.
Consult with Dr. Chiu
Make sure to book a consultation with your doctor to discuss any questions or concerns that you might have about liposuction surgery. Consult with Dr. Chiu today so that he can help you decide if liposuction is the best option for you or if there are other procedures better suited to your needs.
