Liposuction Facts

Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss nor is it considered a type of bariatric surgery procedure.

Liposuction is not an easy way or an alternative to exercise and diet. It is a form of body contouring with significant attendant risks and is not an intended weight loss program. The amount of fat removed is variable and depends on the patient, location of fat and technique of removal. On average, the amount of fat removed is less than 3-5 Kg.

Women usually have liposuction performed under the chin, hips, thighs, stomach, under arm and breast areas. In women, the single most frequently treated areas are the outer thighs, followed by the stomach.

Men usually have liposuction performed under the chin and around the waist, or in the reduction of enlarged male breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. In men, the flank area or "love handles" are most frequently treated.

Liposuction is an ineffective procedure for the treatment of cellulite

Liposuction is not a good technique for tightening the skin. Infact the removal of large quantities of fat from under the skin can leave the skin even looser.

Liposuction may sometimes be used to treat a condition called gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, which frequently occurs among both teenage and adult males.

Some females with large breasts can also undergo liposuction to reduce the fat content.

The female breast can be liposuctioned, but the individual needs to be aware that breast asymmetry does and commonly occurs. Typically, liposuction is done for the mild to moderately fat breast

Age is not a contraindication to liposuction, although older patients, with diminished skin elasticity, may not have the same cosmetic results as patients with tighter skin.

Liposuction is frequently performed on several areas of the body in the same setting

Liposuction can also be combined with other types of aesthetic plastic surgery procedures

When liposuction is done on the upper arms, excessive skin sagging is common after the procedure

When liposuction is performed on calves, there may be significant swelling and the risk of blood clots is greatly increased

When liposuction is performed on the inner thighs, unevenness and asymmetry of the thighs is quite common

Liposuction done on the chin often results in damage to a nerve which results in long lasting numbness

Because of individual physical factors, not everyone will achieve the same results from liposuction.

Even though the fat cells are removed permanently, weight gain can still occur after liposuction. The fat accumulation may not occur in the same area.

To keep your new shape and new weight after liposuction, you must follow a proper diet and exercise program.

Many variations of liposuction have been devised over the years, including ultrasonic liposuction, laser liposuction, the "wet" method, and the "super-wet" method of liposuction. Collected data do not reveal any significant difference when these results are compared with the traditional and tumescent procedures.

Because numerous surgeons perform liposuction, quality control and results are not the same. Check on the surgeon's credentials and experience before undergoing any type of procedure. Talk to friends and ask to see before and after photographs.

Do not be pushed into this procedure by anyone. It is strictly elective.