Liposuction Misconceptions in Charlotte

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that helps reshape your body by removing stubborn fat deposits that have resisted diet and exercise. While liposuction may be the most common cosmetic procedure requested, there are some misconceptions about what the procedure can and cannot accomplish. For example, did you know that while it is a cosmetic procedure, there are some instances where your insurance company may help cover some of the cost?

Let’s address this and other liposuction misconceptions in Charlotte that may help you decide whether liposuction is the right procedure to address your cosmetic concerns.

Common Liposuction Misconceptions

There are quite a few misconceptions about liposuction surgery, who can use it, and what it can accomplish. Only by having accurate information can you determine if this cosmetic procedure can help address your needs. The following are several of the most common liposuction misconceptions we hear from our patients in Charlotte and why they are true or false. Let’s dive in!

It Is a Weight Loss Solution

Liposuction helps remove stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise. Although some would like you to believe that targeted exercises can reduce fat deposits in specific areas of your body, this is simply not true. Targeted exercises can help tone targeted muscles. This may help improve muscle tone, but it cannot target specific fat deposits.

Liposuction can help remove those stubborn fat deposits, but by comparison, it is not a weight loss solution. We recommend you achieve your desired weight and maintain it for several months before the procedure. Liposuction can remove superficial fat deposits over your abdomen, hips, upper arms, or under your chin, but it cannot remove deep fat deposits that are responsible for your overall weight. While liposuction can help your abdomen look more toned, you also need toned abdominal muscles.

Liposuction Eliminates Cellulite

Liposuction eliminates fat deposits, but it cannot eliminate cellulite. Although you might think of cellulite as fat, it is a condition created by the connective tissue beneath your skin. This happens when the connective tissue is not tight, and fat deposits push through the tissue, causing an uneven surface or orange peel texture. Cellulite affects up to 90 percent of women at some time during their lives. While liposuction can help remove stubborn fat deposits, other procedures help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Liposuction Is an Easy Fix

Liposuction is a simple procedure, but it may not be an easy fix. The length of your recovery depends on the size of the treated area. Recovery typically includes swelling, bruising, and some discomfort. You will be advised to wear compression garments that help reduce swelling and support the tissue as it heals into its new contour.

Most people can return to light activities after one week, but you must refrain from strenuous activity for several weeks. Full recovery can take several months as your body adjusts to its new shape. While liposuction is typically easier on the body than other open plastic surgery procedures, your body still requires time to recover, and you must make healthy lifestyle choices to maintain the results.

Liposuction Can Tighten Loose Skin

Liposuction procedures can remove fat deposits, but they cannot tighten loose skin. Before the procedure, loose skin may not be a concern. However, after fat deposits have been removed, your skin must have some elasticity to rebound into its new shape.

After a liposuction procedure in Charlotte, you might discover excess skin tissue. An open plastic surgery procedure may not be necessary to correct this condition. When you work with Dr. Ditesheim, he will discuss the various non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures that can be combined with liposuction to help reduce the appearance of loose skin.

Liposuction Fat Comes Back

Liposuction permanently removes fat deposits, and your body cannot regenerate new fat cells. The fat cells you develop in infancy are the ones you have for the rest of your life. However, liposuction does not remove all fat cells since they play an integral role in your overall health. If you do not maintain your weight, the fat cells in that area can also grow and change the results of the liposuction procedure.

Liposuction Isn’t for Men and Older People

Although more women than men ask for liposuction procedures, that is slowly changing. Liposuction can effectively correct cosmetic concerns in all populations when they meet the health criteria for being a good candidate. Men may choose liposuction procedures to help create a more defined six-pack, and liposuction is a common procedure used to help reduce access fat in male breast tissue, also called gynecomastia. However, men can choose to have liposuction in similar areas as women—including hips, sides, and upper back—depending on their cosmetic needs.

Call Today to Schedule Your Consultation for Liposuction in Charlotte

Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that provides dramatic results when you are a good candidate. We encourage you to call our office today to schedule your consultation and learn more about liposuction misconceptions in Charlotte and how the procedure may help you meet your aesthetic goals.