Liposuction has been around for so long that there is an enormous amount of misinformation floating around. Dr. George Sanders, a board certified plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of liposuction procedures, thought it would be wise to clear up some of the more common misconceptions about liposuction.
Liposuction is a great way to drop a few pounds.
One of the most widespread liposuction myths is that it is a weight loss procedure. In truth, liposuction is no substitute for healthy lifestyle habits like diet and exercise. Plastic surgeons do not perform the procedure on people struggling with being overweight; they only recommend it to individuals that maintain a healthy body weight and wish to target one or more problematic areas of excess body fat.
Liposuction is painful.
Somewhere the myth originated that having liposuction is a painful experience. While it is untrue that liposuction is extremely painful, no surgery is as enjoyable as, say, having a massage. Anesthesia is administered during surgery so the patient feels little to nothing during the operation. Some degree of post-operative swelling and bruising is to be expected. By following all of the plastic surgeon’s instructions and taking medication as prescribed, patients can make their recovery as pleasant an experience as possible.
After liposuction, body fat redistributes.
This is patently false. As long as the liposuction patient maintains their weight through healthy diet and regular exercise, their body shape won’t change. Many people find they are even more motivated to exercise and eat right after seeing their liposuction results. However, if someone gains weight after liposuction, their size may change but not their shape.
Liposuction gets rid of cellulite.
Cellulite is more than just excess body fat, and liposuction is not used to treat it. In fact, some doctors believe liposuction can actually worsen the appearance of cellulite. Other treatments are available for cellulite.
Liposuction is exclusively for women.
Totally untrue! Many men have benefited from the body sculpting effects of liposuction. Treatment can help define the areas of the male body that need to be chiseled, such as the arms, chest and back.
Liposuction is dangerous
When done properly, liposuction is an extremely safe procedure. Avoiding the removal of too much fat, following strict sterile technique, and using a safe amount of local anesthetic are all important steps to follow.
Learn More about Liposuction
For more information about liposuction, please contact our plastic surgeon, Dr. George Sanders, and request a consultation. Call us at (818) 981-3333 to make your appointment.
