Myths and Facts About Liposuction

Are you thinking of getting liposuction but struggling to separate the myths and facts surrounding the procedure? With so much information on the internet, it can be hard to find answers you can trust. Fortunately, our medical team can help. Our providers are here to answer your questions about the most popular cosmetic treatment in the United States.  

Matthew J. Lynch, MD, in East Windsor, New Jersey, combines innovative artistic vision and medical science to perform aesthetic, functional, and reconstructive surgery. Our cosmetic services include chemical peels, facial fillers, tummy tucks, and liposuction, to name a few.

 But is liposuction right for you? It might be. The following are a few myths and facts about this procedure.

Liposuction myths

Liposuction is a common body contouring technique that involves removing unwanted fat from problem areas on your body using a high-pressure vacuum. Every year, more than 300,000 liposuction surgeries occur in the United States, but there’s still a lot of confusion about this procedure. 

Liposuction is a replacement for weight loss

This is false. A liposuction procedure isn’t designed to help you lose weight. In fact, it’s most helpful if you’re within 30% of your ideal body weight. 

Although this cosmetic procedure removes unwanted fat cells, it’s not a replacement for weight loss. You have a set number of fat cells in your entire body that expand or contract when you gain or lose weight. Dr. Lynch might recommend liposuction if you have unwanted pockets of fat on your body that refuse to budge despite your best diet and exercise efforts.

Liposuction is only for women

False. Another myth about liposuction is that it’s a procedure for women only. However, the truth is that there’s been a surge in men turning to cosmetic procedures. Liposuction even saw a 23% increase among them in 2017. 

The fundamental difference in liposuction between men and women is treatment sites. Most women store excess fat on their hips and thighs, while men generally carry theirs in their stomach, love handles, or under the chin.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure

This is true. Liposuction may not require large incisions, but it’s undoubtedly a surgical procedure. During the procedure, Dr. Lynch gives you a general anesthetic or heavy sedation. To eliminate your unwanted fat, he makes small incisions to insert the tube that sucks out your fat. 

Fortunately, liposuction is an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day. Your body will need a few weeks to recover from swelling bruising, though. 

Liposuction isn’t permanent

This is a half-truth. Liposuction can permanently remove fat from numerous areas of your body like your buttocks, thighs, belly, and hips. However, the fact is that liposuction doesn’t eliminate all the fat from your body.

Your remaining fat cells still function normally, so they can grow larger or smaller in response to your lifestyle choices. That means that liposuction isn’t a cure-all for staying in shape; you still have to exercise and eat a healthy diet to avoid weight gain in the future. 

Liposuction provides immediate results

This is also false. Dr. Lynch can remove substantial pockets of fat from your body at once. However, it might take some time before you see results. Liposuction is a surgical method used to remove fat. That means your body requires some time to heal afterward. Typically, it’ll take a few weeks for swelling to go down before you can show off your spectacular new figure. 

Are you considering liposuction? Call Dr. Lynch for a consultation or request an appointment online with our convenient scheduling tool.