Liposuction and Lipocontouring: Debunking 4 Common Myths
Liposuction, also known as lipocontouring, has remained a popular, effective solution for men and women looking to eliminate pockets of fat that can be resistant to diet and exercise. Despite its popularity, the suction-assisted removal of fatty deposits—especially in the upper arms, abs, flanks, hips, thighs, and back—can often be misunderstood. Today, our board-certified plastic surgeon in Houston, James F. Boynton, MD, FACS, shares his extensive experience in body contouring to debunk four of the most common misconceptions about liposuction surgery.
Myth #1: Liposuction can be a weight loss solution.
Although liposuction is designed to remove stubborn fat cells and reshape targeted areas of the body, the procedure is not intended as a solution for weight loss. Ideal candidates for liposuction should actually be at or near a healthy weight before the procedure with a goal of smoothing, slimming, and sculpting a particular area(s). Following the procedure, patients often do not notice a change in weight, but they may notice an improved silhouette or a better fit in clothing. We are now implementing “the skinny shot” (semaglutide) with many of our liposuction patients to help them prepare for and maintain their contouring results.
Myth #2: Lipocontouring can tighten loose skin.
The appearance of loose, sagging skin does not actually have any connection to fat cells but rather an individual’s skin quality, collagen, and elastin levels. If loose skin is a cosmetic concern, it will likely be recommended to combine a skin tightening procedure, such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift to address that particular aesthetic goal of tighter, firmer skin in the desired area. With that in mind, some patients who are younger in age and have more elastin in their skin will likely get some degree of skin tightening. Dr. Boynton has advanced experience with post-operative compression strategies that can optimize how much skin tightening patients may achieve. Some can achieve more than others, but it is still important to note that marked loose skin from significant weight loss will not improve with lipocontouring.
Myth #3: Liposuction can treat cellulite.
It can be a common misconception that a dimpled appearance of skin, known as cellulite, is caused by a buildup of fat. In reality, cellulite forms from skin being pulled underneath by fibrous bands of tissue and, therefore, cannot be treated with liposuction by reducing pockets of fat. However, non-surgical solutions that utilize targeted therapeutic vibrations, such as Cellutone®, can improve skin texture by loosening those tight tissue structures.
Myth #4: You cannot gain weight after lipocontouring.
While it is true that fat cells that are removed cannot grow back or regenerate, it does not mean that liposuction can prevent weight gain. There may be fewer fat cells in the area that was liposuctioned but those remaining fat cells can still become enlarged from future weight gain. For this reason, it is important to live a healthy and active lifestyle in order to maintain long-term results after liposuction.
Undergoing any cosmetic procedure is a big decision and being well-informed about the procedure can be one of the key pieces of a successful patient experience and outcome. Dr. Boynton and his team consider patient education a top priority and are available to answer any questions so you understand what to expect from surgery.
To learn more about liposuction/lipocontouring procedures, please contact Boynton Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation.