What Are the Pros & Cons of Body Liposuction?

While it can be easy to get swept up in promises of a brand new you, it’s important to understand both the pros and the cons as you consider cosmetic surgery. At my Northshore practice serving Arlington Heights, liposuction is one of the most beneficial body contouring procedures, and it does have the power to change the right candidate’s life—but it’s not right for everyone, and it’s not without its drawbacks.

In this blog post, I’ll discuss a few shortcomings you should be aware of when it comes to liposuction, as well as a few reasons men and women like you say they wish they had gotten it done even sooner.

What Are the Pros of Body Liposuction?

Liposuction offers many pros, which is why it is consistently one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures worldwide, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Fat Reduction

Liposuction effectively reduces fat in stubborn areas that naturally accumulate it. While it is not possible to “spot treat” these areas with diet and exercise, liposuction gives you the power to shrink troublesome pockets of fat in areas such as the:

• Abdomen
• Hips
• Thighs
• Male Chest
• Back
• Arms

However, it is important to note that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss but rather a cosmetic complement to a healthy lifestyle.

Revealing Muscle Tone

Many people find that no matter how much work they put in at the gym, the muscles they build are obscured behind a layer of stubborn fat. Liposuction sculpts away this fat to reveal hard-earned abs, toned biceps, and other areas of definition.

Minimal Recovery Time

This procedure does not require major downtime or recuperation. Most people only need about 1 week away from work and other activities to feel back to normal.

Versatile Treatment

With liposuction, you can treat many areas during the same procedure for a fully customized result. You can also combine liposuction with other body contouring or breast enhancement procedures for a comprehensive body makeover.

What Are the Cons of Body Liposuction?

While liposuction offers many benefits, there are some limitations and drawbacks you should know about.

Surgical Risks

Any surgery involves some risk of complications, such as infection, bruising, and anesthesia-related issues. You can greatly minimize these risks by making sure your procedure is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

No Skin Tightening

Liposuction does not address loose skin, so you’ll need good skin elasticity to see the best results. If you have significant skin laxity on your abdomen, you may benefit from combining your procedure with a tummy tuck for a flatter, tighter result.

Long-Term Results

You’ll need to commit to a healthy lifestyle to enjoy your look in the long term, as future weight gain will still be possible and may compromise your results. Fortunately, many people find investing in their bodies with liposuction inspires them to continue working out and taking care of their new figures.

Post-Surgical Swelling

Some degree of swelling is normal after surgery. It may take 3 to 6 months for swelling to subside, revealing your final results.

To see examples of the results you can expect after liposuction, please visit my before-and-after photo gallery.

If you would like to learn more about whether liposuction at my Northbrook plastic surgery practice is right for you, please contact me online or call (847) 504-2333. I look forward to hearing from you.