Liposuction is definitely one of the most widely known cosmetic procedures, but also one of the most misunderstood! Maybe you’ve heard that it’s only for young people or that the results will only last a few months. What if we told you that those are only myths? They’re not the only common myths about liposuction, either.
Today, we’re ready to set the record straight. Keep reading to discover six common myths about liposuction – and the real truth about this procedure that has helped many of our clients shed unwanted fat.
Myth: Liposuction is not safe.
All medical procedures come with some amount of risk. However, when performed by licensed, experienced practitioners, liposuction is just as safe, if not safer than, any other cosmetic surgery.
Your practitioner will review your medical history and assess your overall health to ensure you’re a good candidate for liposuction. If they feel it’s too risky for you, then they won’t recommend the procedure. If your practitioner does feel you’re a good candidate for liposuction, then you have nothing to fear. As long as you follow aftercare instructions during recovery, then your risk of infection and other side effects will be minimal.
Myth: Liposuction is “cheating.”
Some clients avoid liposuction because they don’t want to be viewed as having taken the easy way out. But in reality, there are many of us who can diet and exercise for years on end and still have unwanted pockets of fat in certain areas.
If your love handles or excessive under-chin fat haven’t responded to diet and exercise, then you’re not “cheating” by getting liposuction. Losing fat with diet and exercise alone can be nearly impossible, especially if you’re battling hormonal changes and trying to keep up with a busy schedule. There’s no shame in turning to modern medical techniques like liposuction, especially when the “natural approach” has failed you.
Myth: Liposuction is only for young patients.
We’re not sure why people make this assumption. Maybe they see young Hollywood stars who’ve had liposuction and figure it’s just not an option if they’re a few decades older. While we have had some younger clients opt for liposuction, we’ve had plenty of mature clients, too.
As they age, both men and women experience hormonal changes that can make it even harder to shed fat as you enter your 40s, 50s, and beyond. Maybe the gym routine that used to keep you trim is no longer cutting it. Liposuction can be life-changing in situations like these.
Myth: Liposuction can remove loose skin.
Sometimes we have patients come to us with loose skin, and they ask whether we can remove it with liposuction. We do offer several procedures to remove or tighten loose skin, but liposuction is not one of them. Liposuction removes fat from beneath the skin, but it does not remove, tighten, or tone the skin itself.
In fact, when patients have liposuction performed, they are often left with looser, excessive skin. To address this, patients often opt to pair liposuction with a skin-tightening procedure like a tummy tuck or Renuvion. Your practitioner can take a look at your problem areas and let you know whether liposuction, skin tightening, or a combination of both is the best approach for you.
Myth: Liposuction helps you lose a lot of weight.
Liposuction can remove unwanted pockets of fat and give you a trimmer look. However, most patients only have a few pounds of fat removed, at most.
If you have more than a few pounds to lose, then we usually suggest working towards your goal weight with diet, exercise, and the help of medical professionals and dietitians. Then, you can come to us for liposuction to take care of those last few stubborn pounds of fat that won’t budge from certain areas. Here’s another way to put it: Liposuction is not a substitute for healthy weight loss, but it can be a supplement to it.
Myth: Liposuction only lasts a few months.
While it’s possible to go back to your old size after liposuction, this rarely happens. Liposuction removes fat cells from beneath the skin. So, those fat cells will never again be able to accumulate and hold onto fat, and you’ll be motivated to maintain your leaner look.
Naturally, it is possible to gain weight again. However, patients who stick to a reasonable diet and exercise routine are typically able to keep the weight off.
Hopefully, this post has taught you something new about liposuction. If you’re considering this procedure or would like to explore other body contouring options, schedule an appointment with Dr. DeMercurio. We’re proud to serve the Central Florida area and look forward to helping you achieve your ideal look.
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There are a lot of myths about liposuction. Discover the real truth about this highly effective and widely used fat-reduction procedure.
