Pros and Cons of Liposuction: Will It Give You the Body Contouring Results You Want? (Updated Dec. 2023 and Sept. 2024)

It can be easy to get swept up in promises of a brand new you. Still, it’s important to understand both the pros and cons of liposuction as you consider your desired body contouring results.

Liposuction is one of the most beneficial body contouring procedures available, and it has the power to change the right candidate’s life—but it’s not suitable for everyone, and it’s not without its drawbacks. In this blog post, I’ll discuss a few benefits and limitations you should be aware of when it comes to liposuction. We’ll also explore why some men and women like you say they wish they hadn’t waited so long to have the procedure.

Liposuction Pros

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.

1. Spot 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, and more. However, it is important to note that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss. Rather, it’s a cosmetic complement to a healthy lifestyle.

2. Reveals 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.

3. 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.

4. Small Liposuction Scars

In most cases, liposuction incisions are made in the body’s natural folds and creases for easy concealment, and they’re small—usually just one-eighth of an inch to half an inch long. This means that the resulting scars are minimal.

5. 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, such as a breast lift or breast reduction, for a comprehensive body makeover.

Liposuction Cons

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

1. 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.

2. 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. Learn more here about the benefits of combining liposuction with a tummy tuck.

3. 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.

4. 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.

Liposuction Before and After

Our patients’ liposuction before and after pictures reveal the procedure’s versatility and effectiveness. Take a look at the before and after photos below or browse our photo gallery to see more examples of the type of results you can expect after liposuction.

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Explore Your Body Contouring Options

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 helping you explore your body contouring options!