During my liposuction consultations in our Tucson, Arizona office I frequently get asked questions about different myths of liposuction and I thought I would put together a post to dispel some of those myths.
Myth #1: Liposuction is a cure all.
Liposuction removes fat from the intermediate and deep layers, and this allow improved contour. However, liposuction only address fat it does not address excess skin. If you have significant excess skin in the area that is undergoing liposuction, it is unlikely that the skin will snap back.
Myth#2:Liposuction is temporary and the fat will come back.
Any fat removed by liposuction can only come back if one were to gain significant amounts of weight. If you are interested in using liposuction to get rid of stubborn areas of fat in your hips, buttocks, abdomen or flanks that has not responded to diet or exercise, then liposuction will work well. The results of liposuction will be long standing if you are able to continue to adhere to a healthy lifestyle
Myth#3: Will the fat that was removed with liposuction just come back in another area.
Liposuction removes fat cells from the area that is addressed. When we gain weight the fat gets distributed throughout the remaining fat cells in your body. People tend to have areas where they carry their fat; some carry it in their hips and thighs, while others tend to notice most weight gain in their abdomen, buttocks, or breast. While there are less fat cells remaining in the areas that have undergone liposuction, there is still a possibility that fat can re-accumulate their as not all fat cells can be removed from any one area.
Myth#4: Liposuction is a weight loss tool.
Liposuction is a way to address stubborn areas of fat. It is not a way to lose weight in the same way that diet or exercise or bariatric surgery would help one to lose weight. The amount of fat that can safely be removed on an outpatient basis is just less than 5 liters. If more than 5 L is removed, than an overnight hospital stay is required for monitoring purposes. The take home message is unfortunately there are no short cuts to weight loss, but if you have reached your ideal weight and some areas are still not aesthetically your ideal, liposuction is a very rewarding procedure for eliminating stubborn areas of fatty prominence.
Myth#5: You will be able to fit into that old pair of skinny jeans right after surgery.
When we perform liposuction we infuse tumescent fluid, which helps with removal of the fat, helps control bleeding, and contains a local anesthetic to help with pain. While a large amount of the tumescent fluid is removed there is still some that remains after surgery is completed. This fluid, in combination with the regular swelling that persists after surgery, means that it will take several weeks to months before you can fully appreciate the final slimming results.
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