Myth: It’s for People Who are Obese
One of the biggest misconceptions that people have about liposuction is that it’s for people who are overweight. Liposuction really works best for people who are near their ideal weight, but need a little help trying to achieve their ideal shape. The best patients for liposuction have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or less. During your initial consultation, Dr. Kunkel will listen to what you want to achieve, evaluate your overall health and unique physical attributes, and help you decide if liposuction is right for you.
Myth: I’ll Gain the Fat Back Right Away
The number of fat cells a person has is set during adolescence. People do not change the numbers of their fat cells during adulthood. So, once fat cells are removed during liposuction, a person does not grow new cells in the treated areas; they are gone forever. Take the flanks for instance. Fat is removed during liposuction, resulting in new contours of the flanks.  Not all of the fat cells are removed from the flanks, however. Fat cells that remain will increase or decrease in size if a person gains or loses weight after liposuction, and that could alter the result that was achieved with the procedure.  Ideally liposuction is done in someone who has been fairly stable in weight and does not plan to lose or gain weight after surgery.
Myth: It’s a Weight Loss Surgery
Another common myth about liposuction is that it is weight loss surgery.  It’s not. Liposuction is surgery done to contour specific areas, not to lose weight. It’s a great procedure to help shape the outer thighs, flanks, abdomen, and even the arms. But no one should undergo liposuction thinking they will lose a lot of weight.
If you want to learn a more about liposuction and whether or not you should take the leap, schedule a consultation with us at our Fort Worth office and call us at 817-335-5200.
