Anyone who has ever worked to lose weight and tone their body knows the harsh reality that one cannot “spot check” fat loss. The truth is that even those with the healthiest habits are often faced with areas that stubbornly hold onto fat cells regardless of how diligent their diet and exercise programs are. For women, these areas tend to be the thighs, hips and the dreaded “saddlebags” whereas men often find that love handles are the last to go (if they go at all). This is where Liposuction can offer powerful, effective long-term support. It was created for patients who want to permanently remove fat cells while taking care of their total body wellness. Today, we are sharing the facts (and busting the myths) associated with this popular procedure.

Liposuction will make the area look uneven.

FICTION: Let’s address the lump and bump concerns first. This is one of the many reasons patients should see a qualified, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist who is up-to-date on the latest technologies. For example, Dr. Ostad uses microcannulas which are suction instruments that are as narrow as a q-tip. With these, Dr. Ostad is able to remove fat more effectively from smaller areas which allow for more accurate results. The risk for irregularities are found with the use of larger cannulas which do not allow for the same precision. Additionally, using smaller instruments results in less swelling, better body contouring and much more control for the surgeon. It also results in significantly less pain and faster recovery.

It can tighten the skin

FACT: Once the fat that weighs down the tissue has been removed, the majority of patients will notice their skin will slowly start to retract into a tighter position.The back-and-forth movement of the cannula also benefits patients as it stimulates the tissue which will increase collagen production.

It’s a great way to lose weight.

FICTION: This is a myth that needs to be addressed openly and accurately. Liposuction is a procedure best used to contour stubborn areas that cannot be helped by diet and exercise alone. Though studies have shown that some patients who have a reduction in abdominal fat have lowered their blood sugar post-procedure, lipo is not a weight loss tool or a way to control your diabetes. Dr. Ostad strongly suggests patients lose weight through diet and exercise first and then address those stubborn areas.

It’s only For the abdomen, buttox, thighs and hips.

FICTION: Liposuction can be treated on most areas of the body. In fact, we are seeing an increase in men treating their stubborn neck fat and women treating their knees, arms and ankles. Additionally, it’s often used in the chest area for men with gynecomastia and for jowls.

It requires a lot of downtime

FICTION: Because the use of the tumescent technique (which is done under local anesthesia allows for a faster recovery time, our patients who get lipo on a Thursday or Friday are back to work Monday .While patients can expect to drain for 24-72 hours, most are back at their desk 3-4 days later with minimal discomfort. It is much harder on the surgeon to perform this technique but ultimately better for the patient which is what matters most.

Liposuction is a permanent solution

FACT: Though there have been anecdotal reports of patients gaining weight post-lipo, the reality is that once a patient has liposuction, the fat cells are permanently removed. Over the months that follow, the body will take on its new shape. That said, lipo is not a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise program. If a patient gains a significant amount of weight post procedure, they will become a larger version their current shape and/or gain in untreated areas.