Separating The Liposuction Myths From The Facts

There is almost nothing more frustrating than spending countless hours in the gym and counting every calorie without seeing the results you want. If this sounds like something you're going through, you're not alone. Most people have these problem areas of stubborn fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise, particularly once they reach a certain age or if they have undergone pregnancy and childbirth or significant weight loss. When traditional methods fail to produce results, it may be time to explore alternative options for permanent fat reduction. The exceptional team of plastic surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery has helped countless Northern Virginia patients achieve the body of their dreams through liposuction.

As one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed today, it is no surprise that there is a wealth of information – and misinformation – about liposuction at your fingertips. If you are considering liposuction, it is important to have a firm understanding of the procedure, including how it works, what to expect, and the kind of results that are possible. The best place to start when attempting to separate fact from fiction regarding liposuction is a consultation with a qualified, certified, and experienced plastic surgeon. The knowledgeable and skilled team of doctors at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery are committed to providing the highest level of patient service and care, beginning with education. During your consultation, your surgeon will take ample time to talk you through the details of liposuction, explain the procedure at length, and answer all of your questions thoroughly.

In the meantime, here are some of the most common myths about liposuction:

Myth: Liposuction is a weight loss procedure.

While liposuction can certainly result in a small to moderate amount of weight loss, it is not designed as a weight loss tool. The main purpose of liposuction is to reduce fat and improve the contour of the body through the removal of fat deposits. It is recommended that patients considering liposuction be near the goal weight, within about 25-30 pounds, but it is important that liposuction patients have realistic expectations about their outcome. In a single liposuction session, the surgeon can typically remove about 10 pounds of fat safely, but this varies from patient to patient. During your preoperative appointment(s), your doctor will be able to give you an idea of the amount of fat that can feasibly be removed during your liposuction procedure.

Myth: Liposuction results are permanent.

This is both true and false. When fat cells are removed with liposuction, they are gone from the body forever, making their absence permanent. However, the physical results that you see in the mirror may not necessarily be permanent, as the remaining fat cells can still swell – or shrink – with future weight fluctuations. It is certainly possible to gain weight even after liposuction, though the original fat cells will not return. It is essential that patients maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen after liposuction in order to maintain their newly improved physique. The weight fluctuations associated with future pregnancies can also impact liposuction results, so it is generally recommended that women wait until they are done having children to pursue liposuction.

Myth: Liposuction can remove cellulite.

The common misconception that cellulite is actually fat leads many people to believe that liposuction is a solution for removing cellulite. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Cellulite is actually caused by the breakdown of connective tissue in the body, which results in an uneven, rippled appearance. While liposuction may very slightly improve the appearance of cellulite in some cases, there is also the possibility that cellulite can become even more noticeable after liposuction. The highly experienced surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery have performed countless Northern Virginia liposuction cases and are familiar with the complexities and nuances of the procedure. During your consultation, your doctor can help address your concerns about how liposuction may or may not impact concerns you have about cellulite.

Myth: Liposuction leaves significant scarring.

One of the best things about liposuction is that the scarring is very minimal when compared to other procedures. In most cases, only a tiny incision is required, through which the liposuction cannula is inserted. The skilled surgeons at Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery take great care to place their incisions strategically so that scars can be easily concealed with clothing and undergarments. Oftentimes, the scars heal and fade so well that they are barely visible, even to the patient!

If you are interested in liposuction, the first step is to be evaluated by an experienced plastic surgeon. Call the convenient Reston, VA office of Austin-Weston, The Center for Cosmetic Surgery to schedule your consultation today, and learn more about how liposuction can finally get rid of that stubborn fat and help you achieve the body of your dreams!