Why Lipo is Not a Quick Fix
May 11th, 2011
Why isn’t Lipo a quick fix? I have found that cosmetic surgery results are far better when the fat layer located beneath the skin is as thin as possible before surgery. In the case of skin tightening procedures, the skin can be draped more easily, yielding a better result. Wound healing is also more efficient, there are fewer complications and patients see the best results when they are at a healthy weight.
Patients presenting for cosmetic surgery consultation frequently change their minds regarding which procedures they consider, after reaching their ideal weight. One surgery in particular that comes to mind is breast surgery. A woman considering breast reduction before weight loss will frequently choose breast enlargement after significant weight loss. The volume of breast tissue is often affected by significant fluctuations in weight in both men and women.
In contrast, patients considering liposuction after gradual weight loss, usually need slight reduction of the stubborn remaining localized fat pockets. A common area for this persistent fat is the outer thigh, often referred to as “saddle bags.†Skin appearance also responds better when weight loss is gradual and exercise is part of the program. Think of suddenly letting air out of a balloon- it collapses and leaves the balloon wrinkled.
I know the idea of having surgery first, followed by weight loss and conditioning has been popularized on reality TV. It has never made much sense to me. Why take this shortcut if there are increased risks, potential medical problems and compromised cosmetic results? Consider being within 20 pounds of your ideal weight before considering cosmetic surgery. It is the best advice that I can offer my patients in this regard.
Is Lipo Quick Weight Loss?
May 9th, 2011
Earlier in my career, I had the unique opportunity to be interviewed on television by Roseanne Barr and Tom Arnold about liposuction. Looking at the photo today, I don’t remember my hair ever being so dark, absent of all the gray!
Although the segment was meant to be light-hearted, I was able to convey my thoughts about why liposuction is not safe for patients that are not close to their ideal weight. But as the weather turns warm in the Twin Cities, I usually have an uptick in consultations for liposuction. Liposuction is proven to be a safe and an effective procedure to remove localized areas of fat, under certain conditions.
Unfortunately, liposuction is not a quick fix for having too many unwanted pounds. Most patients do take my recommendations in stride to get within a good 15-20 pound range of their ideal weight, before I will seriously consider doing their surgery. However, I suspect that a few patients leave my office and look elsewhere.
Liposuction is popular. It is frequently used as an important tool in body sculpture surgeries, but patient selection is paramount regarding safety. According to The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), of the 9 million cosmetic procedures done last year, almost 300,000 patients had liposuction.
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