Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures in the country, yet it is largely misunderstood. Many people view it as a tool for losing a significant amount of weight, but that is not how liposuction works. It is important to understand the distinction between body contouring and weight loss, which can help you set realistic expectations and determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you.
What Does Liposuction Actually Do?
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, and our double-board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Matthew H. Steele uses it to remove fat accumulation in specific areas of the body that have proven resistant to diet and exercise. It can target the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, neck, and other areas where stubborn fat tends to collect. The goal is to improve your existing contours rather than significantly reduce the number on the scale.
There are safe limits to the amount of fat a plastic surgeon can remove in a single session, and most patients will not see a dramatic decrease in body weight following their liposuction procedure. Instead, they can expect a visible improvement in their body’s shape and proportion that addresses self-confidence issues.
Who Is an Appropriate Candidate for Liposuction?
Dr. Steele will evaluate all liposuction candidates carefully. Appropriate patients will be close to their ideal weight and have isolated pockets of fat accumulation that have not responded to lifestyle changes. Liposuction is not intended to address obesity or replace the work of long-term healthy dietary habits and regular exercise.
If a patient has significant weight to lose, Dr. Steele will typically recommend they address that before scheduling a body contouring procedure. It is easier for patients to maintain liposuction results when they are close to their ideal, target weight, and significant weight changes following the procedure can affect your contours and diminish results.
Nicotine use can also affect your suitability for liposuction. Nicotine causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels and can lead to tissue necrosis, which impacts the body’s ability to heal. Dr. Steele asks that patients discontinue nicotine use well before their procedure date.
Liposuction and Skin Tightening
In many cases, Dr. Steele will combine liposuction with Renuvion skin tightening. Fat removal alone does not correct skin that has lost elasticity due to age or volume changes. When laxity is present, Renuvion can complement the procedure by tightening the skin above the treated area, resulting in a more refined appearance.
Call Us To Learn If You Are a Candidate for Liposuction or If You Should Instead Focus on Weight Loss
Liposuction removes fat cells from a treated area, but it does not prevent remaining fat cells elsewhere in the body from expanding further. Maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding nicotine are all important factors in preserving your outcome over time.
To learn more about liposuction, and how it is different from weight loss, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Steele.