Mythbusting — Liposuction fact vs. fiction

March 6, 2014, 8:25 am

How much do you know about liposuction? The fact is, misconceptions about liposuction are rampant. Many people believe it is a quick-fix surgery for the overweight, an easy way out for those too lazy to exercise, or any number of other untruths. Here we bust five of the most common liposuction myths.

MYTH: Liposuction can replace exercise and diet

TRUTH: Liposuction cannot replace exercise and diet. In fact, candidates for liposuction should already be following a healthy diet and exercise routine. They also should have been at or near their ideal weight for quite some time. Liposuction is used to target pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. After liposuction, it is important to continue eating healthfully and exercising. The weight and unsightly fat will return if you don’t continue your healthy lifestyle.

MYTH: After liposuction, fat returns

TRUTH: Fat doesn’t return after liposuction. In fact, when we gain weight, we aren’t gaining more fat cells. Rather, the fat cells we were born with get larger or smaller as we gain and lose weight. Liposuction works by reducing the number of fat cells — once removed, they are gone forever. If you gain weight after liposuction, the remaining fat cells will grow larger. To prevent this, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine are critical.

MYTH: Liposuction is for the obese

TRUTH: The truth is, liposuction is not a good solution for those that are overweight. It is not a weight loss tool, and won’t replace exercise and diet. Liposuction targets small pockets of fat and is used to sculpt the fat the remains. It is not intended to remove large areas of fat, and doing so could pose more problems than it solves.

MYTH: Liposuction is nothing more than fat removal

TRUTH: While a large component of liposuction is removing excess fat, it is also about contouring the remaining fat and tissue to create a smoother, more sculpted appearance. For some patients, liposuction may be combined with other procedures such as a tummy tuck or upper arm lift. Combining such procedures not only slims trouble areas, but creates a new, sleek profile.

MYTH: Liposuction and other cosmetic procedures are only for women

TRUTH: Many people assume that cosmetic surgery is more popular among women, but in reality, liposuction is equally popular with men. Men, just like women, have stubborn areas that don’t seem to respond to any amount of exercise or diet. For men, the most popular areas for liposuction are the hips, chest, and abdomen. Having liposuction to address “love handles” is also particularly popular among men.

Still wondering about fact versus fiction when it comes to liposuction? Dr. Hlavacek and the staff at Kansas City Surgical Arts are happy to discuss your liposuction questions and concerns with you. Call us today at 816-286-4126 to have your questions answered.