LIPOPLASTY vs. DIETING:
Which Should You Choose?

A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are always the first choices to improve fitness. If dieting and exercise don't seem to work for you on reducing fatty lumps and bulges, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery suggests the following tips to help you decide if liposuction may be the answer.

1. Are you within a normal weight range? Liposuction is a body contouring technique, not a method for overall weight reduction.
   
2. Are you expecting to lose or gain weight in the future? These factors must be considered before undertaking liposuction. If you have plans to lose any significant amount of weight, it is preferable to do so prior to surgery.
   
3. Are you in generally good health? Pre-existing health conditions will help your plastic surgeon to make an educated decision about whether or not you should undergo surgery.
   
4. Is your excess fat localized in specific areas (i.e, "saddlebags," "love handles")? Localized fat deposits frequently are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction of these problem areas can help you achieve a smoother body contour.
   
5. How elastic is your skin? Patients with good skin tone will obtain the best results from liposuction. Diminished skin tone may require a skin tightening procedure, alone or in conjunction with liposuction.
   
6. Do you have cellulite (a condition that gives the skin an uneven, dimpled appearance)? Liposuction does not effectively treat cellulite.
   
7. Have you sufficient time for recovery? Typically, healing takes one to two weeks until you will be able to return to normal activities. Healing time is important and must be taken into account.
   
8. Will you be able to keep your new body contour? Fat cells that are removed from your body by liposuction are permanently gone, but liposuction does not prevent future weight gain.
   
   

If you are considering liposuction, please call for a consultation appointment (845-338-0789) during which we can discuss options and answer your questions. For more information about Liposuction, click here.

Information from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the leading organization of plastic surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) who specialize in cosmetic surgery of the face and the entire body.