Liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that permanently removes fat cells from the body – creating a better contour and shape. Considered to be the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States and worldwide, liposuction involves suctioning out superficial fat cells that accumulate between the skin and the muscle layers. Liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise, nor is it a magic bullet. Liposuction can help redefine or sculpt your body, but it can’t completely change your shape. It also can’t make you feel more satisfied with other aspects of your life. However, liposuction may make you feel better about yourself if you are bothered by a muffin top, spare tire or other pockets of unwanted fat.
Liposuction – Not a Weight Loss Procedure
While liposuction can make patients appear slimmer, one should not expect to lose a dramatic amount of weight with liposuction, beyond the weight of the fat removed during the actual procedure. For example, a 160 pound woman who has two liposuction surgeries, where each surgery removes 4 pounds of fat (total of 8 pounds, equal one gallon), should weigh 152 pounds after the swelling subsides from both procedures. However, because fat is removed from cosmetically important areas, liposuction should produce significant aesthetic improvements in physical appearance.