Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, with over 405,328 liposuction procedures performed in the United States in 2022. However, with its popularity come many misconceptions about what liposuction can and cannot achieve. In this blog post, we’ll separate liposuction fact from fiction, busting some common myths to reveal the truth about this body contouring treatment.
What Is Liposuction Exactly?
Before diving into myths, let’s clearly define what liposuction entails. Liposuction, also referred to as lipoplasty, involves surgically removing excess fat deposits from various parts of the body like the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, back, and neck. A plastic surgeon inserts a stainless-steel tube called a cannula through tiny incisions made near the targeted fatty area. The cannula is connected to a high-powered vacuum that suctions out the fat.
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from treatment sites. When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, liposuction can beautifully reshape and contour the body. Common treatment areas for women include the outer thighs, abdomen, and buttocks. For men, the neck, breasts, and waistline are often treated.
Now that we understand the liposuction procedure itself, let’s explore fact versus fiction about this popular fat removal surgery.
Myths Vs Reality About Liposuction Procedure
Myth #1: Liposuction is an alternative to diet and exercise.
Reality: Liposuction complements a healthy lifestyle but cannot replace one. The procedure permanently removes fat cells from the treatment area to sculpt a slimmer physique.
However, it does not allow you to gain back weight without consequence. The remaining fat cells can still expand. If you do not maintain a reasonably healthy diet and exercise regimen post-surgery, liposuction results are less likely to be long-lasting.
While the removed fat cells cannot return, surrounding fat cells can still enlarge if too much excess weight is regained. So, while liposuction gives your body definition, it does not miraculously allow you to eat whatever you want without regaining weight.
Myth #2: Liposuction can tighten loose or sagging skin.
Reality: While liposuction excels at removing unwanted fat, it cannot sufficiently tighten loose skin or drooping tissues. It can provide mild skin tightening benefits by stimulating collagen production. But if your skin already lacks firmness and elasticity pre-surgery, the fat removal may accentuate these skin laxity issues like wrinkling or sagging.
In cases of mild to moderate skin laxity, many plastic surgeons will recommend liposuction combined with skin-tightening treatments like Thermage or Ultherapy. These use radiofrequency energy or ultrasound to heat tissues deep below the skin and stimulate new collagen growth for tighter skin.
For more pronounced loose skin or very large liposuction volume removal, a body lift may be recommended in conjunction with or following liposuction. A body lift surgically cuts away excess skin and tissues before reshaping underlying contours. Common body lifts include arm lifts, thigh lifts, breast lifts, tummy tucks, and lower body lifts.
Myth #3: Liposuction completely removes cellulite.
Reality: While liposuction enhances cellulite somewhat by smoothing fatty bulges, it cannot eliminate cellulite. That “cottage cheese” appearance of the skin is caused by fibrous bands connecting the skin to the underlying muscle. The bands pull down on fat pockets, creating dimpling of the outer skin layers.
Since the tissue structure creating cellulite resides well below the skin, liposuction cannot sufficiently improve its appearance. Fat removal may help by releasing some of the pull creating the dimpling. However, for significant cellulite improvement, specific cellulite treatments are needed post-liposuction. These serve the fibrous bands with technologies like Cellfina, Cellulaze, or ultrasound subcision.
Myth #4: Liposuction can be performed while awake.
Reality: In very rare cases, only local anesthesia may be used for small liposuction volumes. But liposuction is almost always performed using general anesthesia or, less commonly, intravenous sedation. Extensive anesthesia is needed due to the rather aggressive suctioning required to remove fat as well as for maximum patient comfort and safety.
Attempting liposuction without sufficient anesthesia would be extremely painful and traumatic. The combination of anesthesia medicines ensures patients do not feel anything during the procedure while also keeping them safe under anesthesia. Talk to your surgeon about recommended anesthesia options based on your personal health, surgery goals, and body areas being treated.
Myth #5: Liposuction results are immediately visible.
Reality: While you will see some improvement right away post-surgery, final liposuction results emerge over 3-6+ months as swelling resolves. In the first few weeks following surgery you should expect moderate swelling, bruising and soreness. Compression garments are worn to help facilitate proper healing. Residual swelling can persist for several months before dissipating to reveal your final contoured form. Patience is key!
Liposuction FAQs
Still have some lingering questions about liposuction results, safety, and what to expect? Here we answer some of the most frequently asked liposuction questions.
How long do liposuction results last?
Typically, it will be forever since the removed fat cells don’t grow back. However, the remaining surrounding fat cells may expand if too much weight is regained.
Am I a good liposuction candidate?
Good candidates have localized fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise. They also have elastic, firm skin that can assume new body contours post-surgery without sagging.
Does liposuction leave scars?
Very small scars will result from the tiny insertion sites made to insert the cannula. Incisions are extremely small and fade well over time.
When can I return to work post-surgery?
Patients can usually resume desk jobs within 3-7 days but should avoid strenuous activity for several weeks. Talk to your surgeon about reasonable expectations for recovery down time.
Does liposuction hurt?
Not during the actual procedure since you’ll be comfortably sedated. Mild to moderate discomfort is common, though, during the first week of recovery. Prescription medications help keep swelling and bruising to a minimum.
Take the Next Step
We hope this article helped dispel some liposuction myths to reveal a more accurate picture of what surgical body contouring can and cannot do for you. While not a substitute for living healthy, liposuction can be an outstanding complement to looking and feeling your best.
If you are interested in getting liposuction surgery in Nashville, TN, contact DeLozier Cosmetic Surgery Center. Our experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. DeLozier, will answer all of your questions and help you make an informed decision. So why wait? Schedule an appointment today.
