Liposuction is a popular procedure through which many of our patients have achieved better body contours. This minimally-invasive surgery has been performed around the world for many years, and yet, the world wide web has brought about a bit of confusion regarding what is and isn’t possible with it. If you are contemplating how to finally get rid of those stubborn areas of fat, you want real facts, not subjective information; and we want you to have that, too.

What Liposuction Can and Cannot Do

The various liposuction techniques performed today all achieve the same thing: the removal of fat cells. Treatment can be conducted on the upper neck to eliminate a double chin. It can be performed on the thighs, the buttocks, the abdomen, even the backs of the arms. Patients who undergo liposuction in any one of those areas can expect to look different. In some cases, clothing can fit better. What patients should not expect is to weigh less after liposuction. This procedure is not intended for weight loss. To expect this nearly guarantees dissatisfaction with the final outcome of treatment.

A common misconception that many people have about liposuction is that the procedure will achieve permanent results. This could be true, however, long-lasting body-contouring requires maintenance, as well. Liposuction alone cannot do this. After liposuction, it is advantageous to have workable strategies for weight management. A workable strategy doesn’t necessarily mean the latest fad diet; it means a way of living that you can commit to for the foreseeable future.  

Is Nonsurgical Body Contouring Better?

Due to the development of several different nonsurgical body contouring devices, the idea that these are somehow better than liposuction has developed. The way that nonsurgical treatments work is by stimulating a response through which the body naturally flushes a certain number of fat cells. Some do this with heat, some with laser, and some with freezing temperature. In any case, treatment is not completely without risk. A nonsurgical protocol also takes more time to achieve noticeable results and will be limited in the degree of change it can obtain.

Liposuction is a beneficial surgery that can achieve outstanding results in a safe, effective manner when conducted by a board-certified surgeon. To learn more about body shaping with liposuction, call our office near San Jose and arrange a consultation with Dr. Rosenthal.