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You may have seen advertisements — especially those with before and after photos — that show obese individuals turned into svelte bodies ready for bikinis and the beach through liposuction. This is not reality. Here’s a look at why using liposuction for obesity is not a safe use of the procedure.
Liposuction can be effective to reduce or eliminate some types of fat deposits, usually those found in the thighs, buttocks and hips. It is, however, not a cure or treatment for obesity. Yes, it is true that while liposuction originally focused on treating minor contour irregularities, it has now, through several advancements, become a way to contour multiple body areas.
First, the liposuction procedure removes subcutaneous fat, not visceral fat, and there is a distinct difference between the two.
Visceral fat is located in the abdominal cavity and surrounds the internal organs. This is the type of fat that can cause serious health conditions including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and other medical conditions.
Subcutaneous fat is located below the epidermis layer of the skin, and is that fat that can be pinched externally. Subcutaneous fat is much harder to lose than visceral fat, and liposuction is very effective in removing this type of fat deposit. However, liposuction is best for areas that will not respond to diet and exercise. Body contouring can also be performed for those areas that are no longer responding to diet and exercise.
Those who are affected by true obesity have some treatment options. The first is a healthy diet and exercise. Additionally, there are obesity medications that when combined with that diet and exercise can be effective. Finally, bariatric surgery can be an effective option for those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more.
In conclusion, “obesity liposuction” is not a procedure that we offer, and there is no single “fix” to cure obesity, including the use of liposuction for obesity. Ultimately, liposuction is designed to remove fat in specific areas and cannot rid the body of the visceral fat that often causes obesity. Liposuction is only effective on subcutaneous fat deposits.
While some people may need to work hard to lose excess fat as well as to maintain a healthy weight, it is possible through the guidance of a qualified physician to lose weight successfully.
If you’re interested in learning more about liposuction for obesity or extreme weight loss liposuction–and why any doctor who offers these controversial procedures should be avoided–contact Dr. Wright and the Laser Lipo and Vein Center today. He can help you get the body you desire in the safest way possible!
