Common Misconceptions About Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most popular and highly sought after body contouring procedures, but there are still many misconceptions surrounding what it can and cannot do. Board-certified plastic surgeon Jeffrey Copeland, MD frequently performs liposuction to help his patients refine their physique and enhance their appearance. He is dedicated to patient education and believes that understanding the facts is key to making confident, informed choices about this procedure and one’s plastic surgery journey.
If you have been considering liposuction, Dr. Copeland can increase your understanding by dispelling some of the most common myths surrounding this treatment, such as:
Misconception #1: Liposuction is a weight loss procedure.
Even though liposuction may result in a very small amount of weight loss, it is not a weight loss solution. Ideal candidates for liposuction are typically those who are at or near their goal weight with good skin elasticity but are struggling to minimize a collection of excess fat in one or more regions of the body.
Misconception #2: Liposuction can tighten loose skin.
Liposuction is designed to remove stubborn fat for more refined contours, not to remove or tighten loose skin. For example, a procedure such as tummy tuck surgery would be a more effective option for patients desiring to address lax skin and stretched abdominal muscles. Dr. Copeland can combine both procedures to address fat deposits, loose skin, and weakened muscles for more comprehensive abdominal refinements. For individuals affected by loose, excess skin in other areas, there are several skin lifting treatments available that can provide improvement.
Misconception #3: Removed fat deposits will return.
Once fat is removed during liposuction, it will not return. Those fat cells are gone and not replaced. However, gaining weight afterwards can cause fat deposits to thicken in other areas of the body. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can help preserve liposuction results.
Misconception #4: Results are immediate.
Even though you may notice a more contoured figure following liposuction, side effects like swelling and bruising are normal after the procedure. These side effects typically subside during the recovery period, and final results should appear as the treatment area heals. It typically requires about 6 weeks for the results to be apparent.
Misconception #5: Liposuction is only for the abdomen.
Liposuction can treat fat in different regions of the body, not just on the abdomen. Other common treatment areas include love handles, thighs, upper arms, neck, and hips.
Misconception #6: You can return to your normal routine right after liposuction.
While liposuction may not be as intensive or invasive as tummy tuck surgery, traditional techniques and even the gentler power-assisted liposuction (PAL) method still require a recovery period. The healing timeline can vary between patients, but it is often recommended that patients wear a compression garment for several weeks. Many individuals return to their normal activities within a few days to one week, but some may require a little more time to recover. All patients should avoid strenuous and vigorous exercise for at least four weeks.
For more information about liposuction, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Copeland, please contact our practice today.
