health

5 myths about liposuction

Liposuction is one of most common procedures performed in the United States. According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, it was the most common operation performed by its' members in 2015. While the operation enjoys a very high satisfaction rate, there is still much confusion and misinformation regarding the procedure. Listed below are 5 common myths about Liposuction.

1. Liposuction is a Weight Loss Tool

While Liposuction is an excellent body contouring device, it should not be considered to be an alternative to a healthy diet and solid exercise routine. The ideal candidate is one who has troublesome areas or pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. While most patients enjoy a decrease in clothing size or reduction of waist or extremity diameter, their actual weight usually stays around the same. It is best to try to reach your "ideal" weight before surgery, to attain the best possible result.

2. Liposuction Causes Weight Gain or Fat Transfer in Other Body Areas

Liposuction removes fat from the area of the body being treated. So, it decreases the number of fat cells in that region. Weight gain is a result of fat cells enlarging and increasing in size. If you gain weight after liposuction, it is likely that the weight gain will be more apparent in those areas not treated because there are more fat cells present in the untreated regions.

3. The Fancier or Sexier Liposuction Machine Insures a Better Result

Nothing further from the truth! The most critical aspect of the liposuction procedure is the plastic surgeon using the device! The internet is loaded with advertisements and marketing claims that devices like laser lipo machines, vaso (water) lipo machines and other miracle devices achieve a better result than traditional liposuction machines. Many claim that their machines remove stretch marks and cellulite, shrink skin and even slice bread. However, numerous peer reviewed scientific studies refute those claims and demonstrate no better results using these sexy devices.

4. I Can Have Liposuction Today and Be Ready for the Beach Tomorrow!

Unfortunately, liposuction is still a surgical procedure, and your body needs time to recover afterwards. The procedure involves injecting a salt water solution with other medications into the fatty areas below the skin, and then sucking fat out through small incisions with a blunt liposuction cannula. This process causes swelling and bruising, which is a normal reaction mounted by your body that starts the healing process. Usually, the bruising goes away within one week, and a lot of the swelling resolves in several weeks. However, all residual swelling and concurrent skin contraction, may take as long as 4 to 6 months to resolve, depending on the severity of the operation (number of areas treated and amount of fat removed).

5. It is Such a Simple Procedure, Any Doctor Can Do It!

A surgeon's training, expertise and experience are crucial with regard to patient safety and satisfaction. While licensed doctors from various subspecialties perform this operation and claim to be experts, the reality is that it is a complicated surgical procedure, requiring unique surgical skills and training. Complications can be minor, like asymmetry or skin irregularities, and corrected fairly easily. Life threatening injuries, like bowel or lung cavity perforation can occur, requiring major surgery to repair injured organs. So choose your surgeon carefully! Board Certified Plastic Surgeons certified by the by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialities receive training unmatched by other unrecognized "cosmetic" specialities. Board Certified Plastic Surgeons from your particular area may be found listed at plasticsurgery.org, the official website of The American Board of Plastic Surgery.

About the Author:

Robert Tornambe, MD

Medical Advisor, Trueself

New York City Plastic Surgeon

Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Tornambe has been practicing plastic surgery for more than 25 years. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, was featured in NYMAG's "Best Doctors" issue, and was the Chief of Plastic Surgery at NYC's Cabrini Medical Center for 20 years.

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