Despite the increased exposure of cosmetic surgery on television, many prospective patients are still mislead by prevailing myths regarding certain procedures. According to Riverside liposuction and tummy tuck specialized plastic surgeon Ben Childers, MD, many people who meet with him for a consultation are puzzled by the bad information they’ve received.
To help them become educated patients prior to undergoing liposuction, Riverside’s Dr. Childers sets the record straight on the following liposuction myths:
Myth #1: Liposuction is a weight loss surgery.
The truth: Liposuction should not be regarded as a weight loss surgery. Much like tummy tuck surgery and various body “lifts,” liposuction falls under the category of body contouring procedures. It can effectively reduce excess fat in specific body areas, resulting in a more slender figure. Moreover, it can be combined with other body contouring procedures (such as those mentioned above) to optimize results. If interested, Riverside liposuction patients of Dr. Childers should inquire during their consultation (as should patients of any cosmetic surgeon).
Myth #2: Today, liposuction is a “minor” or “lunchtime” procedure.
The truth: Although there are a variety of methods utilized today, all liposuction procedures require incisions, anesthesia, and an adequate post-operative recovery period. Like most plastic surgeons who perform liposuction, Riverside’s Dr. Childers prefers general anesthesia; this means that the patient will be completely asleep during the procedure, and require substantial rest upon waking. “Lunchtime lipo” and other fad procedures may be unsafe, as well as ineffective when compared with liposuction by cannula – which should always be performed by a qualified surgeon.
Myth #3: If areas of the body look disproportionate months later, the surgery was a “botched” liposuction.
The truth: In some cases, this is true; some of Dr. Childers’ Riverside liposuction patients are individuals seeking revision of a botched liposuction obtained elsewhere. More often, though, liposuction irregularities are caused by a patient’s post-operative weight gain. How this happens: Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the targeted area, so any weight gained will accumulate in other body areas, resulting in a disproportionate appearance. For this reason, patients should keep weight gain at a minimum. Ask your doctor for details.
For more information on undergoing liposuction in Riverside, visit http://www.benchildersmd.com
