How much do you know about liposuction? Many of our patients are surprised to learn that many of their liposuction beliefs are actually myths. It turns out there are a lot of misconceptions about this popular procedure, from the difficulty of liposuction recovery to the longevity of liposuction results. Today, let’s uncover the truth behind these liposuction myths.
Myth #1: Liposuction Is a Weight Loss Procedure
Many people believe that liposuction is the treatment to choose if they want to lose weight. This isn’t true. If you need to lose weight, diet and exercise are the key. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure designed to remove the stubborn fat that remains after you’ve lost the weight. It can be used to eliminate fat pockets in areas like the abdomen, thighs, neck, chin, ankles, etc. This fat is often diet- and exercise-resistant and difficult to remove without surgical intervention.
Myth #2: There Is Only 1 Type of Liposuction
There are many different types of liposuction. All the treatments remove fat, but they go about accomplishing the fat removal in different ways. At Lewis Plastic Surgery we offer tumescent and ultrasound-assisted liposuction. Tumescent liposuction is our standard liposuction offering. We use ultrasound-assisted lipo (also called Vaser liposuction) to remove fat from difficult-to-treat areas like the back and flanks, under the chin, and when treating gynecomastia.
Myth #3: Liposuction Is Just for Women
Liposuction is a great option for BOTH male and female patients. Dr. Lewis uses liposuction to treat gynecomastia (or male breast enlargement), contour male midsections, and more. It is also an excellent option for men who work out at the gym but can’t achieve the chiseled look on their own, as you can see in the before-and-after photos below. Learn more about liposuction for “dad bods” in our related blog post.
Before Liposuction
After Liposuction
Myth #4: Liposuction Requires a Long Recovery Period
Many patients worry about recovery after liposuction. Most find that recovery and pain are minimal, especially after the first few days. Many patients return to work in just 3 to 7 days. You will need to wear a compression garment for a few weeks to aid in your recovery. The type of liposuction you receive and any other cosmetic procedures you may have will impact your recovery times and experience. Dr. Lewis will help you plan for your recovery and will provide advice for managing your pain after surgery.
Myth #5: Liposuction Results Are Temporary
Liposuction isn’t a treatment you’ll need to repeat on a regular basis. Once fat cells are removed, they no longer regenerate. You should experience a permanent change in the treatment area. Of course, you can still gain weight, but if this occurs the weight should concentrate in other areas. A healthy diet and regular exercise will help ensure your liposuction results last indefinitely.
Now that you know the truth about liposuction, call and schedule your consultation with Dr. Lewis at (804) 267-6009 or use our online form to request a consultation.