THE LIMITS OF LIPOSUCTION: HOW MUCH FAT IS SAFE TO REMOVE?
As the weather warms up, the questions about liposuction start rolling in. This fat removal procedure is one of the best ways to get your body prepped and ready for summer and is one of our most popular procedures this time of the year.
Liposuction removes fat, but how much? What are the limits of liposuction? Get the answers you need from Dr. Evan Beale, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Dallas, TX.
UNDERSTANDING SAFE LIPOSUCTION PRACTICES
Liposuction is a powerful body contouring procedure, designed to shape and sculpt the body by removing stubborn fat. It is versatile and can remove unwanted fat from almost any area of the body. Common liposuction treatment areas in Dallas, TX include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, waist, hips, back, arms, and neck.
There are many types of liposuction used for safe and effective removal of excess fat, and Dr. Beale is familiar with all the latest techniques. Although there is some variation between each treatment method, the basic process is similar. A small incision is made near the treatment area. The fat is prepared for extraction, using a tumescent solution, ultrasound energy, or electronic power, depending on the type of liposuction being performed. Then suction is applied, and fat is carefully removed to ensure patient satisfaction and proper healing. Dr. Beale shapes and sculpts each treatment area until the ideal contours are achieved.
Liposuction can dramatically change body contours and offers a long-lasting result. Fat cells typically do not regenerate, and many liposuction patients will experience a permanent improvement in the treated areas. Liposuction only removes fat and does not tighten or remove the skin. We recommend this procedure for patients with good skin elasticity.
LIPOSUCTION: NOT FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Fat removal is what makes liposuction powerful as a body-shaping technique, but it is important to remember that fat loss isn’t the same as weight loss. The goal of liposuction is fine-tuning your contours; any weight loss that occurs is a side benefit.
A typical patient will lose five to ten pounds after liposuction due to the removal of fat. Fat is heavy and shaping and sculpting an area often reduces a patient’s weight. The real benefit of liposuction, however, can be seen in the mirror, not on the scale. Liposuction targets stubborn fat pockets, isolated areas with hard to lose fat. It helps to slim and shape these areas, removing trouble spots, and enhancing contours.
Dr. Beale recommends that patients achieve their ideal weight, or close to it, before scheduling liposuction. You’ll likely lose a little weight, but the real benefits of the procedure will be in losing love handles, uncovering a hidden six-pack, or shaping up that double chin.
HOW MUCH IS FAT REMOVAL TOO MUCH?
Safety is always a consideration as we plan procedures for our patients. We want you to look great, but not at the expense of health or safety. The quantities allowed for safe fat removal will vary, depending on a patient’s body size, health, and desired treatment areas.
We’ll talk about liposuction safety and limits during your consultation. You may not lose a lot of weight from your procedure, but you don’t need to for a dramatic change. Liposuction is a body sculpting treatment, not a weight loss treatment.
Get your body ready for summer with Dr. Beale. Call 972-566-3001 to schedule your liposuction consultation in Dallas, TX.