Liposuction - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Liposuction can be an instant life changer, but don't head into surgery without getting these questions answered. When you consider having this type of operation, you need to make sure you are engaging in the procedure for the right reasons. The following are some of the most frequently asked questions about liposuction.

Q: What exactly is liposuction?

A: Liposuction is a procedure that removes large amounts of fatty deposits from the body at one time. Originally, this process involved simply cutting the skin, placing small tubes in the fatty deposits under your skin, and sucking the fat out. Today, however, a series of different laser treatments make this task even easier by making the fat removal process even simpler.

Q: Who can get liposuction?

A: Essentially, this procedure is used to help people lose weight and re-contour their body. Many people believe that liposuction is used to help obese people lose weight, but studies have shown that this technique is not beneficial for people who have serious weight problems. In most cases, a perfect liposuction candidate is in good health, has a positive state of mind, and is ready to accept the post-operative risks that come with any medical procedure.

Q: Why isn't liposuction for obese people? Isn't that what it was meant for?

A: This is a common misconception that still fools many people today. The only real treatment for obesity is proper diet and exercise or, in extreme cases, bariatric surgery. Studies have shown that when more than 8 to 10 pounds of fatty deposits are removed in a single session, serious complications and even death can occur. In cases where someone is overweight, but their weight has been stable over long periods of time and they have a healthy caloric intake, liposuction can be a great way to get back into better shape, but treatments would have to be incremental.

Q: What is the long term prognosis after I have liposuction?

A: Liposuction essentially changes the shape of the human body, so even if you gain weight after your surgery, you won't revert back to the shape you were before; instead, you will simply be a larger version of the shape you have after your surgery is complete. Unless you are committed to living a healthy lifestyle, eating right, exercising and treating yourself well, it is not suggested that you undergo liposuction.

Q: What about dimpling?

A: In some cases, after liposuction has been given, dimpling in the skin can be an after effect. Often times, this is a sign that the surgeon in charge was not well trained and didn't have enough experience in these procedures. This is one of the many reasons why it is important to check references on your cosmetic surgeon before you agree to have the surgery. Always go with the best surgeon you can for any cosmetic surgery procedure.