Benefits of Liposuction to Consider
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a specialized suction technique. This technique removes excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body that haven’t responded to diet and exercise and helps to contour treated areas, revealing muscle definition and tone. Liposuction is commonly used to target stubborn areas, including:
- Abdomen.
- Buttocks.
- Flanks (sides of the body, commonly referred to as “love handles”).
- Upper arms.
- Back and chest.
- Hips and thighs.
- Calves and ankles.
- Neck and chin.
In the United States, liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure, with more than 300,000 procedures performed each year. It’s important to remember that liposuction is cosmetic, not an overall weight-loss procedure, and is not intended to treat obesity.
Although liposuction is typically performed for cosmetic purposes, this procedure has various other health benefits. Below we’ll discuss the top 10 benefits of liposuction.
1. Almost Immediate Results
The liposuction procedure uses a specialized tool to remove excess fat cells from the body, creating a smoother and slender look. While it may take a few weeks for swelling to subside after the procedure and several months to see the full effects, many patients see an almost immediate improved look in the treated areas.
2. Short Recovery Time
Liposuction is typically a minor surgical procedure that has a short recovery time. Most people can return to work within a week or two after their procedure. However, it’s important to remember that recovery time is impacted by the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed.
3. Healthier Lifestyle
After a liposuction procedure, regular exercise and a healthy diet are essential to maintain the results, which promotes a healthier lifestyle. In some cases, the appearance change is so dramatic after the procedure that patients are motivated by the results to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
4. Enhanced Self-Esteem
Self-esteem and physical appearance are intricately linked. Overweight individuals often suffer from low self-esteem, which continues to drop with each additional pound gained. Additionally, when individuals work hard exercising and dieting and continue to have stubborn areas of excess fat, it can be very frustrating and negatively impact self-esteem. Liposuction changes physical appearance, targeting stubborn areas and giving a more pleasing aesthetic, boosting confidence and increasing self-esteem.
5. Increased Mobility
Liposuction targets fat pockets at various places in the body, including areas that may limit movement. Once these fat pockets are removed, normal mobility is restored.
6. Decreased Inflammatory Cells
Liposuction can potentially reduce the number of inflammatory cells within the body. Inflammatory cells are associated with cardiovascular disease; therefore, decreasing the number of inflammatory cells may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
7. Decreased Blood Fat Levels
Liposuction can potentially reduce triglyceride levels within the body. A 2011 study found that participants with high triglyceride levels before surgery had a 45% reduction in triglyceride levels at their 3-month follow-up visit after surgery.
8. Improved Libido
Research has linked being overweight with increased fatigue, and further research has linked being overweight with decreased libido. Libido may therefore be enhanced following a liposuction procedure.
9. Healthy Joints and Decreased Spinal Pain
Excess weight has been linked to various health conditions, including increased wear and tear on the body's joints and neck and back pain. Reducing fat deposits throughout the body with liposuction may help prevent this excess wear and tear on the body's joints and reduce the risk of neck and back pain.
10. Medical Benefits
While liposuction is typically done for cosmetic reasons, it can be used to treat certain medical conditions, including lymphedema, gynecomastia, lipodystrophy syndrome, lipomas, and extreme weight loss.
Final Notes
Liposuction is ideal for individuals that have a stable body weight but are looking to remove stubborn fat deposits from specific areas of the body that haven’t responded to diet and/or exercise. Typically, non-smoking, healthy adults with no pre-existing medical conditions that impair healing, that are within 30% of their ideal body weight and have firm, elastic skin as well as good muscle tone are ideal candidates for this procedure.
If you’re curious about liposuction, it’s important to consult with a reputable, board-certified cosmetic surgeon. They can discuss your body goals, as well as the risks and benefits of liposuction to determine if this procedure is right for you.