Beauty Doc Blog

September 24.2008

For complete information on ethical practices and responsible plastic surgery, including liposuction, you are invited to contact Grossman Plastic Surgery and set up a consultation appointment.

Liposuction is a wonderful option for people who need minor shaping or sculpting of specific body areas by removing small amounts of fat.  This does not include areas that could be fixed through normal diet and exercise.  There are people who abuse liposuction in order to achieve rapid weight loss.  It is important to distinguish between the need for liposuction to remove resistant fat over a quick-fix weight-loss program to replace exercise, weight training, or diet.  In addition, easy access to the medical tools and information needed to perform liposuction has given untrained non-surgeons the ability to profit from this technology.  Liposuction abuse can result in disfigurement, injury, or loss of life.  So, when considering liposuction, ask yourself a few simple questions first.

What is your ultimate goal?

Are you trying to lose 50 pounds fast without the burden of having to exercise and eat right?  Liposuction should never be used as a quick-fix weight-loss tool.  Liposuction is meant to help people who are at or near a healthy weight for their body type who have been unable to reduce resistant fat in areas like the thighs, abdomen, or neck.  If you’re looking to lose weight, then you need to consult a nutritionist or trainer, not a surgeon, to achieve those goals.

Do you have realistic expectations about what your body will look like?

No amount of liposuction or plastic surgery is going to make you look exactly like a particular model or celebrity.  Every body type is unique and liposuction can help you achieve the look that is optimal for you.  There is no such thing as perfection, so you need to be honest with yourself when considering obtainable results.  Liposuction cannot remove cellulite or tighten loose skin, so keep in mind that liposuction is a tool and not a magic wand.

Do you understand the risks?

While liposuction is a fairly straightforward procedure for a trained plastic surgeon, there are certain risks involved.  Things like infection, bleeding, anesthesia complications, loosening skin, lumpiness, and discoloration can result from liposuction.  That’s why it’s important to only use a board-certified plastic surgeon.  There are many untrained or unscrupulous individuals out there performing liposuction who only want your money and don’t care about the risks.  Be wary of revolving door operations or businesses that advertise miracle results.  Be smart and be safe so you look like a million bucks afterward rather than a victim.