Is Liposuction a Good Way to Lose Weight?
Liposuction for weight loss.
Losing weight is a struggle many of us have. Our lives are busy and there simply isn’t enough time in the day to devote to strict diets and workout routines. For some of us, that’s just the reality we’re faced with. Sure, we can get up a little earlier and make time for working out, but it’s difficult for many busy working families to do so. This is when the consideration of liposuction comes into play. What if we could just remove fat cells completely rather than merely shrinking them via diet and exercise?
It’s an option many people consider. Truthfully, however, liposuction isn’t what most people think it is. It’s not a miracle fix for those wanting to shed a few pounds and—just like every decision in life—there are pros and cons that go along with the journey.
Hopefully, this article will help you understand a bit more about liposuction and whether it’s a good option for you on your weight loss journey.
So What Exactly is Liposuction?
Generally, liposuction is used to take away pockets of fat that tend to resist the typical weight loss techniques—like diets and exercise. They are able to smooth the body and create contoured areas for those wishing to regain their ideal physique (or at least get as close to it as possible). The surgery itself begins with a saline-based solution that is injected with a small amount of adrenaline and lidocaine. This solution will help decrease potential bruising and bleeding caused by the surgery. Then your surgeon will carefully perform the procedure with either a suction-assisted lipectomy or an ultrasonic-assisted lipectomy.
With the suction-assisted method, a small tube is inserted through a very small incision and moved back and forth to slowly break apart the fat layers. In the other method (ultrasonic-assisted) your surgeon will use the ultrasonic energy to liquefy the fat cells. Both are very quick and straightforward procedures performed under local (or general in some cases) anesthesia depending on how many fat cells need to be removed.
So the question you really want to know is … can this simple procedure really help with weight loss? And how long-lasting is it?
The Effects of Liposuction
During a typical liposuction procedure, patients lose between 6 and 8 pounds. For those seeking to lose, even more, you’re going to need multiple procedures over a span of time to effectively (and safely) reach your goals. Also, although liposuction can decrease your weight after a procedure … it’s not magic. There needs to be some effort on your part as well, especially if you want long-lasting results. You will need to take care of yourself to see long-lasting results by sticking to a healthy diet and moderate exercise at the very least.
So while liposuction may seem like the easy way out, it’s actually no different than someone working stealthily on a great diet and exercise routine. The main difference is that liposuction can aid in quicker results and help shape your final results, but you are still going to have to make time for yourself. As difficult as that can be amidst our busy lifestyles, your long-lasting results depend on your own efforts.
You definitely can gain weight back after liposuction. When fat cells are removed during your procedure (and yes, these cells do remain gone forever) other cells are going to want to take their place. That’s just the biological nature of our bodies. So continuing to eat fast food or refrain from exercise will definitely contribute to this natural tendency of fat wanting to grow back and fill in those areas that have been removed.
This is the number one misconception when it comes to liposuction. People often assume it’s a once and done kind of procedure. An easy fix to losing unwanted weight. However, the reality is that weight loss isn’t a once and done fix. It’s a journey that you must remain committed to by developing healthy eating habits and fostering a simple workout regimen.
Does that mean liposuction is pointless? Not at all. Liposuction may not be a quick and easy answer to decreasing the numbers on your scale, but as you maintain a healthy lifestyle liposuction can aid in contouring and smoothing out your body to regain a shapely figure that you love. This goes for both men and women.
The truth is if losing weight is important to you than you will need to make time for yourself in the midst of your busy routines. It doesn’t have to be every day. You don’t need a strict diet that allows no room for fun, or a workout routine that leaves you stressed and frazzled. You simply need to take care of yourself. Discover a healthy diet that works for you, pack lunches for work rather than getting something quick from McDonald’s on your break, and try to work out at least three times a week whenever it works best within your schedule. Morning, afternoon, evening—whichever time works best for you, stick with it and make it happen.
Weight loss is a journey. There is no simple fixes or miracle-working procedures. You can remove fat and contour your body, but any honest, reliable surgeon is going to tell you that the results truly depend on you and how much care you put into your lifestyle.
Try to think of weight loss, as we said a few times in this article, as a journey. Not a destination. Just like a relationship, it takes time, care, and diligence to maintain a healthy weight. The results are all up to you. The good news is … you won’t be the first to reach your weight loss goals. Many have come before you. Try to see liposuction as an aid in your journey, but not the destination itself, and stay motivated!
Combined with healthy habits, liposuction may be just what you need to get started on your weight loss journey.