Liposuction ranked as the most in-demand plastic surgery in the past year, ahead of breast augmentation. It emerged as the most sought-after kind of plastic surgery among those in the 36 to 50 and 51 to 70 age brackets. And the trend isn’t letting up: in another survey, 17% of women said they’re planning to undergo lipo after stay-home orders led to weight gain, with 42% of American adults admitting to having gained more weight than intended over quarantine.

Most patients undergo liposuction for a better self-image. A slimmer figure boosts confidence as it allows clothes to fit them better, especially among females who want to return to their pre-pregnancy shape.

While liposuction may help you look your best, there are some misconceptions about the procedure that we have to clear up.

Top Liposuction Myths

Here are the most common myths about liposuction:

  1. Liposuction helps you lose weight.

Liposuction does take away a modest amount of weight by targeting subcutaneous fat, which is found underneath your skin and on top of your muscles. The government-recommended limit is 5,000 milliliters per session – or roughly 11 pounds. But actual fat extraction for this kind of procedure only averages 4. 5 pounds per patient every session as doctors want to avoid potential complications.

Liposuction isn’t intended as a total weight loss solution. You actually need to be within 30% of your healthy weight range to be considered a candidate for the procedure. It’s more of a contouring procedure for people with areas of stubborn fat that won’t go away despite dieting and exercising. Moreover, those who get the most out lipo are patients who maintain their ideal weight through proper nutrition and exercise. While the fat cells that were removed during the operation won’t grow back, the current ones may expand if you don’t commit yourself to a healthy lifestyle.

Bariatric surgery may be necessary if you’re obese, particularly with a body mass index of 40 and up. Excessive weight puts you at risk of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other life-threatening ailments. However, candidates for this type of surgery will also be subject to eating restrictions and physical activity.

  1. It gets rid of cellulite and loose skin.

Cellulite isn’t the same as fat deposits. It’s a condition in which the skin around the stomach, buttocks, hips, or thighs looks dimpled or rumpled. This occurs when fat accumulates under your skin, specifically around the fibrous connective cords that attach the skin to underlying muscles. As women generally have more fat than men, the former are more prone to have cellulite.

Liposuction may contour or flatten isolated subcutaneous fat deposits but it isn’t recommended for removing cellulite. You need firm and elastic skin to be a good candidate for lipo and those with cellulite usually have poor skin quality. In fact, irregularities on skin contours may appear among lipo patients due to poor skin elasticity, uneven fat removal, or unusual healing. For cellulite, service providers recommend laser and wave therapy, subcision, and vacuum-assisted precise tissue release.

Moreover, liposuction doesn’t tighten loose skin. For sagging skin, it might be more appropriate to consider skin tightening treatments that involve minimally invasive procedures or laser technology. Doctors who notice you have loose skin during consultation may discuss suitable techniques – such as body lift surgery – to solve this issue either during your lipo surgery or shortly after.

  1. Liposuction is only performed on women.

Both men and women can safely undergo liposuction. The same method is used for either of them but their common target areas differ. While women’s problematic zones include hips and thighs, liposuction for men is usually done around the abdomen, chest, and under the chin.

Some analysts in the medical field believe that the popularity of social media and selfies has become a motivation for men to be critical of their looks. Liposuction topped the list of surgical procedures done on men in 2020, according to the latest report by the Aesthetic Society.

Consult Dr. Palmer for Your Liposuction Plans

Dr. Russel Palmer is a multi-awarded plastic surgeon with nearly 40 years of experience, the latter half of which has been devoted to cosmetic surgery. He is a member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, while the operating room of our clinic here at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, passed the standards of the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, Inc.

Palmer is personally involved in every phase of the surgery, tailor-fitting procedures to meet your goals. As part of his patient care protocol, none of his procedures require intubation or general anesthesia. Instead, he uses sedation anesthesia administered intravenously. He has also developed techniques to ensure patients will experience as little pain as possible during recovery.

Our competent staff ensures your utmost safety and comfort during and after the operation. Learn more about liposuction and what to expect after such a surgery, or schedule a consultation with Dr. Palmer today regarding your liposuction plans.