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What is Liposuction? How to evaluate if this procedure is for you.

When stubborn fat deposits resist your weight loss plan, liposuction may look like the perfect adjunct to diet and exercise. However, it is agreed upon by many prominent plastic surgeons that while liposuction – a popular and frequently-performed procedure – is effective in reshaping and contouring fat deposits in the body, it’s important to remember that it isn’t a fix-all solution.

It is important to keep in mind, that, while we all should be able to choose to look however we want in our own bodies, that electing cosmetic surgery is a multifaceted decision that shouldn’t be rushed. The success of any treatment is dependent solely on lifestyle choices before and after surgery.

Those who struggle with poor exercise and eating habits that may have contributed to retained unwanted weight will not get good results with liposuction alone. You cannot exercise enough to compensate for poor eating habits – and those eating habits produce the fat deposits within your body. The cornerstone of any change is diet and liposuction alone can’t provide permanent results.

Experts agree, there’s no magic formula or dietary regimen to eliminate unwanted fat, – everyone’s body, needs and lifestyle is unique.

That being said, the first step to changing the appearance of your body is to determine what your ‘healthiest’ lifestyle means for you. If you’re still struggling with unwanted stubborn fat and deposits despite your best efforts at exercise and eating healthily, then liposuction may be a good path to consider. Always remember though, as with any treatment, the procedure varies from person to person, and results will differ depending on the body parts treated.

Following liposuction, you can expect to see visible results – in inches, not abstract numbers. Going into the surgery, it’s important to set realistic goals about the long-term results you expect, and many surgeons recommend picking a weight that’s both manageable and healthy for you, then developing a lifestyle that incorporates good eating habits, good sleep and regular physical activity.

For those interested in pursuing fat reduction, two different options are available: surgical or non-surgical.

New non-surgical developments offer innovative technology that essentially melts or destroys fat through the skin. In a process known as SculpSure, a patented laser is attached to the skin, destroying up to 25% of fat reserves within a 25-minute session. Best suited for addressing small areas, this type of procedure involves virtually no downtime and anecdotal evidence shows that it really is an amazing way for someone to reach their goals.

Surgical options are most effective for larger areas of concern, including removal of loose skin left after extensive weight loss. Most liposuction is performed in conjunction with procedures such as tummy tucks, body contouring, and arm, breast or thigh reductions, which focus on removing the unwanted fatty deposits from those areas.

Even with surgery, recovery time is minimal; usually a weekend at most. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

A person’s weight tends to be a very sensitive topic. When exploring choices to attain your goals, no procedure done in a doctor’s office can substitute for diet, exercise, health and well-being. These procedures should be viewed as ‘tidying up’ any unwanted areas that are too stubborn to be moved after the main work has already been completed. Research continually emphasizes that natural-looking, long-lasting results will best benefit from a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Liposuction is an excellent option for those who have established a health first perspective to their lifestyle, but still need a little nudge along the way to help remove deposits that are resistant to change through diet and exercise. Also be sure to check out our new article on the aging of skin and how to prevent it.