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Women and men all around the globe benefit from many aesthetic procedures like liposuction, so it’s easy to understand the frequent misconceptions about the surgery. Because of its popularity and the confusion with many who seek the surgery, we wish to clear up any questions you may have about the procedure. As patients understand more about liposuction, they tend to feel more comfortable about undergoing this great body contouring option.

With that said, let us address these common misconceptions about liposuction surgery.

Liposuction is Dangerous

While every surgical procedure carries risk, liposuction is a sophisticated procedure that should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Christopher Livingston. The risk of complications can be lower, and liposuction can be as safe as any other cosmetic procedure—with less downtime than most.

Liposuction is Only for Women

This statement cannot be farther from the truth as men are frequent patients for the procedure. In fact, liposuction is one of the more common body contouring procedures for men today. Common areas include the abdomen, chest, and neck to eliminate stubborn fat pads and deliver a manly body outline. Liposuction is not exclusive to one gender and is common for all patients.

Liposuction is a Weight Loss Treatment

After liposuction surgery, most patients lose about two to five pounds. Optimal candidates are within 30% of their optimal weight with fat bulges in specific areas they wish to reduce. Many patients look to liposuction to finish the body shaping regiment they initiated with diet and exercise.

Liposuction Tightens Skin

Any loose skin a patient may have before surgery will remain after liposuction. Heredity, pregnancy and weight fluctuations are contributors to skin laxity and eliminating unwanted fat bulges may add to the loose skin volume. Procedures like a tummy tuck, neck lift, and breast lift are suitable treatments to eliminate loose skin and create a firm, tight skin presence to complement your slimmer body contour.

Removes Stretch Marks

Unfortunately, stretch marks are like scars. They occur in the underlying skin tissue and may fade but will never disappear on their own. Body contouring procedures like a breast lift and tummy tuck can eliminate stretch marks by removing the skin where they are present.

Liposuction has Age Limitations

Any patient in good health and with a positive medical examination can safely undergo liposuction. A lack of skin elasticity and firmness (both commonly decrease with age) can compromise your skin’s ability to regain tightness over your improved body contour. Poor elasticity is a key contraindication to liposuction and may need other procedures to deliver desired results.

Fat Deposits Will Return After Liposuction Removes Them

Liposuction is a permanent solution to unwanted fat cells. Once Dr. Livingston eliminates these fat cells they will never return. However, with your remaining fat cells, they can expand if you do not add a proper diet to your lifestyle. Diet and exercise is the best way to maintain and in some cases improve your liposuction results.

Instant Gratification

Many patients want to leave surgery with instant results for instant gratification. The reality about liposuction outcomes is most patients will see some immediate effects, but there will be a recovery phase after the procedure. During your healing period, you will notice swelling which may take about six weeks to subside with complete results coming after about three months.

Choose Any Doctor

Although any doctor with a license can perform liposuction, not all are trained and certified for the procedure. Board-certified plastic surgeons spend approximately six years after college training and learning the intricacies of the human anatomy and their surgical skills. Board-certification ensures the surgeon is current with the most recent techniques by regular testing and evaluation.

Next Step

If you are considering liposuction and wish to learn more about the procedure, contact us today and schedule a consultation with Dr. Livingston.

Call  281-501-1812 or schedule a consultation