Is Liposuction Right For You? Joseph A Russo, MD

Liposuction may be just what you need to reach your goals and achieve the look you’ve been striving for. Here’s what you should know before you decide whether or not to choose liposuction:

What are the benefits of liposuction?

Liposuction is especially suited to eliminating stubborn fat around the abdomen, hips, back, thighs, and buttocks, but it can also be used to target other parts of the body and areas near the face. Many patients choose liposuction because it boosts their confidence, improves their appearance, helps their clothing fit better. In some cases liposuction is used to remove benign fatty tumors. Liposuction can also be used to treat gynecomastia (which is when men develop fatty breast tissue).

What are the limitations of liposuction?

Before choosing liposuction, it is important to understand what it cannot do.

• Liposuction is not used to treat stretch marks and cellulite
• Liposuction will not result in significant weight loss
• Liposuction will not drastically alter your appearance

If you’re looking for dramatic weight loss, or treatment for stretch marks and cellulite, talk to your doctor about alternative procedures.

When is liposuction most successful?

Liposuction is best suited to people who are at an average or slightly above average weight. It also works best when the skin still has some elasticity to it. If you are at a relatively healthy, stable weight and you would like to target stubborn fatty areas on your body, liposuction may be exactly what you’re looking for.

How should you prepare for liposuction?

If you’re considering liposuction, start by consulting your doctor and eliminating any health concerns.

 

If you have quite awhile before your procedure, you can start working toward achieving a healthy weight.

• Track your eating habits
• Start exercising regularly
• Drink 8 glasses of water every day
• Get 7-8 hours of sleep
• Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables
• Eat whole grains when you eat carbohydrates
• Reduce or eliminate your soda consumption

 

Once you get closer to your scheduled procedure, you should work on maintaining your current weight, not losing a substantial amount. Going on a crash diet right before your procedure will just harm your health.

 

To find out more about liposuction and whether or not you’d be a good candidate for the procedure, schedule a consultation with Boston plastic surgeon Dr. Joseph Russo.