How Much Weight Do You Lose With Liposuction?
A common misconception that people have is that liposuction will help them lose weight. While some weight loss may occur with liposuction, it is important to understand that it is a body contouring procedure and not weight loss surgery. This blog discusses the differences between body contouring and weight loss surgery, how much fat liposuction takes off, and why it’s important for patients to be at their goal weight before surgery.
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Choosing Liposuction
Many people have their own unique ideas of what their perfect body looks like. For most, the perfect body involves smooth, sculpted body contours and minimal body fat. Yet, for many, it can be difficult to achieve this ideal body image through natural methods of diet and exercise. Stubborn fat often develops in the abdomen, thighs, and hips, and these areas can be especially resistant to weight loss methods. It can be frustrating to deal with stubborn fat deposits, especially when they obstruct the slimmer or more muscular body contours underneath the fat.
Liposuction is a body contouring surgery that can remove stubborn fat and help patients achieve the sculpted bodies they desire. Since liposuction can treat a variety of body areas, many patients can remove unwanted fat from their chosen areas, leaving them with slimmer and more defined body contours.
Since people often view body fat and weight as correlated with one another, many are interested in how much weight they can expect to lose after liposuction. While liposuction is designed to remove excess fat, it is not considered a weight loss surgery. Instead, liposuction is categorized as a body contouring procedure. It is possible to experience some weight loss due to liposuction; however, patients should not undergo the procedure with the expectation that they will lose significant weight.
How Is Body Contouring Different From Weight Loss Surgery?
Body contouring procedures are commonly misconstrued as a method for weight loss. It is essential to understand that body contouring is a separate surgery from a weight loss procedure—also known as bariatric surgery—and has different goals and expected results. A body contouring procedure, such as liposuction, is a cosmetic procedure designed with the goal of improving one’s aesthetic physical appearance. On the other hand, weight loss surgery is meant for health purposes and often involves shrinking the stomach’s size and altering how the digestive system works to make the patient lose weight.
Some patients may be confused because they believe that the removal of excess body fat during a liposuction procedure must result in some weight loss. However, the weight of the individual fat cells being removed during liposuction is not significant.
Body contouring procedures like liposuction are meant to sculpt the body and remove excess fat to create a more proportional balance. It is best for patients to seek out body contouring once they have reached a healthy goal weight. People who undergo bariatric surgery for health reasons often seek out body contouring later on to improve their physical appearance so it complements their weight loss results.
How Much Fat Does Liposuction Remove?
The amount of body fat removed during liposuction will vary from patient to patient. In general, many patients experience around three to four liters of body fat being removed during the procedure. The result of this fat being removed typically means around 6 to 10 pounds may be lost.
During a liposuction consultation, patients will get the chance to discuss their aesthetic goals and what they hope to achieve with the procedure. The surgeon will inform them of what they can expect with liposuction and if their goals are attainable. If both the surgeon and patient determine that they are a good fit for liposuction, a customized treatment plan will be created detailing which techniques will be used to remove the desired amount of fat.
It is essential for patients to have realistic expectations about how much fat they can remove with liposuction. Patients should be as honest as possible during their consultation, as this will allow the surgeon to effectively collaborate with the patient’s aesthetic vision.
Why Should Patients Be at Their Goal Weight Before Liposuction?
One of the things a surgeon will check during a liposuction consultation is if the patient is close to their goal weight. Being at or near one’s goal weight is a key factor that determines candidacy for liposuction. Patients typically receive the best possible outcome when they are close to their goal weight before they have their liposuction surgery. One of the reasons behind this is that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, and patients will not experience significant weight loss due to the surgery.
Additionally, significant weight fluctuations after liposuction can negatively impact a patient’s results. So, if a patient is planning on losing more weight and has liposuction before they are at their goal weight, losing additional weight after the procedure can result in excess sagging skin. On the other hand, if a patient gains weight after the procedure, their proportions may be thrown off balance, and their liposuction results might be compromised.
What Is the Ideal Weight for Liposuction?
Everyone’s ideal weight is different and will vary depending on their health and body goals. One of the most important factors that patients should consider when determining their ideal weight is whether they will be able to maintain that weight. Since liposuction results can be altered due to weight fluctuations, it is important to stay at a stable weight post-surgery to maintain those results. Many surgeons recommend that patients maintain a stable weight for at least six months before their liposuction procedure. Eating a balanced diet and sticking to a doable exercise routine can help patients maintain a stable weight both before and after liposuction.
Have More Questions About Liposuction in Huntsville, AL?
Scheduling a liposuction consultation is one of the first and most important steps to start the body contouring journey. Patients who are near their goal weights and are ready to say goodbye to unwanted fat deposits can schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert J. Knowling by calling (256) 881-2220 or filling out an online contact form.
Those who are interested in liposuction but are not quite ready for the procedure can also contact The Cosmetic Surgery Center of Huntsville to learn more information.