Despite its popularity and 40-year history, there are many myths surrounding liposuction. Liposuction is a safe and low-impact procedure for removing stubborn fat deposits from almost any area of the body that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise – but there are some things you should know before considering liposuction.

Myth: Liposuction is a permanent weight-loss substitute   for healthy diet and exercise.

Fact: While liposuction does remove fat, it is not a cure-all for obesity. Patients must continue to eat healthily and exercise after liposuction to maintain weight loss. Liposuction is intended for patients who are at or near a healthy weight but have isolated areas of stubborn fat that does not seem to disappear despite changes in diet and exercise.

Myth: Liposuction is quick and easy.

Fact: Though liposuction has made great strides in the last 40 years, it is still a  surgical procedure that should not be taken lightly. Depending on the treatment area, a local or general anesthetic is needed. Side effects include bruising, numbness, soreness, and potential infection. Patients may return to regular activities in one to two weeks and strenuous activity after about a month.

Myth: Liposuction sucks the fat out from the stomach.

Fact: While it does remove some fat, liposuction rarely results in a weight loss of five pounds or more. Instead, it should be viewed as a way to achieve smoother contours along specific areas of the body, such as the thighs, buttocks or abdomen. Ideal candidates are in overall good health, and no more than 30 pounds overweight and their excess fat is concentrated in a small number of body areas.

Understanding your goals and how liposuction can help you reach them is important before undergoing the procedure. Having false hopes or believing liposuction will be a permanent weight loss solution will inevitably leave you disappointed. If you live in Fort Lauderdale or Broward County and are frustrated by stubborn lumps and bulges of fat, consider discussing liposuction with our experienced plastic surgeons. They can talk you through the procedure and help you decide if it’s right for you. Contact board-certified plastic surgeon Nathan Eberle, M.D., D.D.S. or board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Barry Schwartz, at the Weston Center for Plastic Surgery today for your consultation.