Despite a healthy diet and regular exercise, many patients have pockets of excess fat that lies between the skin and muscles.
Liposuction can effectively target and eliminate this subcutaneous fat from many areas of the body including the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and chest.
Although liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures, common misconceptions about it persist. Therefore, it’s important to separate fact from fiction.
Here are 10 facts about liposuction you need to know.

1. It Is Not a Weight Loss Procedure

Liposuction can reduce the size of a treated area, but will not result in substantial weight loss. Most patients can expect to lose between two to five pounds at most after a successful surgery.

2.Liposuction Cannot Treat Cellulite

Cellulite is caused by excess fat pressing against fibrous bands of connective tissue, which results in a dimpled appearance. While liposuction can eliminate fat, it does not have any effect on the surrounding bands responsible for cellulite.

3.It Is Suitable for Patients of All Ages

Regardless of age, patients that are in good health and have limited skin laxity are candidates for liposuction. On a younger or older individual, excessive loose or sagging skin is a contraindication for treatment.

4. Liposuction Is a Safe Cosmetic Procedure

Liposuction has a very high safety-profile when it’s performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. It is also important that patients understand and follow pre-and-post-surgical instructions to limit any complications.
Liposuction Facts

5. It Does Not Correct Loose Skin

Patients that have excess fat and skin laxity may require both liposuction and a skin tightening treatment or surgical lift. Liposuction alone will only address the fat, and loose skin will remain unchanged or may even become more noticeable.

6. Liposuction Permanently Destroys Fat, but Patients Must Maintain Their Weight

While liposuction can permanently remove between 60-80% of excess fat in the treated area, remaining fat cells can still expand if a patient gains weight.

7. It Works Best on Diet and Exercise-Resistant Fat

The best candidates for liposuction are those that have pockets of diet and exercise resistant fat and are within 15-25 pounds of their ideal weight.

8. Liposuction Requires Some Downtime

After liposuction, patients should take a week off from work to recover. They may experience swelling, bruising, and tenderness post-treatment.
Additionally, patients should refrain from intense exercise for 6 weeks.

9. It Is an Effective Treatment for Women and Men

In fact, liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for male patients, especially on the abdomen, flanks, and chest.

10. Liposuction Cannot Treat Deep Abdominal Fat

Liposuction can only treat subcutaneous fat and cannot target visceral fat that is deeper and below the muscle.
To learn more about liposuction, please call our McLean, VA or Chevy Chase, MD office today to schedule an appointment.