Mukta Wani
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
Managing expectations: Realistic Outcomes and Limitations of Liposuction
Lipo means lipids or Fats and suction is suctioning out. It is a technique in which adipose tissues or fat cells from the body’s specific areas like thighs, hips, stomach, buttocks, neck, and arms are removed via vacuum suction. Liposuction reshapes that particular area of the body this process is known as contouring. The fat cells are permanently taken out of the body using suction.
When Liposuction is done?
liposuction works on specific localised fat deposits rather than generalized obesity. Individuals must possess localised fat deposits in the areas of the thighs, hips, stomach, buttocks, and arms from which fat can be suctioned out. Liposuction should be done by individuals who are looking towards contouring their body shape and not significant weight loss.
Advantages of liposuction:-
Body Contouring
Liposuction surgery is a definite tool for body contouring that shapes the body’s specific areas of arms, stomach, buttocks, thighs, etc. Fat pockets can be extracted from these areas giving a sculpturing effect.
Localize fat removal
A liposuction procedure is done when localized fat is present in the body. So the fat cells can be permanently removed from the areas. It is beneficial when stubborn fat is available which is non-responsive to exercise or diet.
Improve proportions
As mentioned above reshaping the body’s specific area of thighs, stomach, arms, etc. gives the body a definite shape as the bulky fat cells are removed. It creates a more visually firm and carved body.
Confidence boost
Individuals undergoing liposuction surgery might experience a confidence boost post-surgery. They may have a new outlook toward their body as the excess body fat is removed giving them a novice image.
Limitations of Liposuction:-
Weight loss
Liposuction is not a procedure for weight loss or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle rather it is only meant to remove excess about 5-6 liters of fat from fat stores that will help to reshape and define the body.
Skin tightening
Fat pockets within the skin are removed via liposuction but it doesn’t deal with skin laxity. Patients who suffer from sagging of skin post-surgery might require additional touch-up surgeries like tummy tuckers to gain the desired body structure.
Body symmetry
Post liposuction there is the possibility of having an asymmetrical body shape due to the sudden removal of fat cells from areas of thighs, hips, buttocks, and arms. There is always an option of revision surgery if needed wherein surgery is performed to solve the problem and smooth the areas with irregularities.
Cellulite removal
Liposuction is not a procedure to remove cellulite. Cellulite is a fibrous tissue present underneath the skin thus liposuction does not remove cellulite, one should be well aware of this difference.
Setting realistic Goals:-
Liposuction is not a magic potion it won’t cause weight loss and make one look thin in a day it might take 4-6 weeks for one to come in shape as desired. Understanding this is very important to set realistic achievable goals within a timeline.
What all things can be considered while setting goals for one’s surgery:
Consultations
Consulting an experienced surgeon is very important, he/she will guide one through all the types of surgeries and if the individual is a suitable candidate by evaluating skin elasticity and fat stores.
Understanding
Having a fair idea of how the surgery works, what factors should be considered pre-surgery, and whether he/she can go under liposuction is very crucial. Having a complete knowledge of the outcomes and limitations of liposuction will help one to keep realistic expectations.
Recovery
Recovery time varies from person to person post-surgery, but one can return to daily chores within a few days. Expecting results of the surgery within a few days may be farfetched as it may take 4-6 weeks for one to observe visible results.
Maintenance of weight
Weight maintenance becomes very important for achieving results of liposuction surgery. If there is weight gain seen that can hinder the progress of surgery by increasing the size of fat cells thus nullifying surgery outcomes.
Psychological expectations
An individual must be psychologically ready to accept specific outcomes in advance to prevent unrealistic expectations and inquiries from patients following surgery.
Remission
Post-surgery weight management is very important as liposuction is a process in which fat cells are removed permanently but that doesn’t stop new cells from forming or increasing in size which may lead to remission of fat deposits. One should not consider that liposuction is an alternative to regular exercise and a balanced diet routine.
