-No. Although liposuction is a very safe and effective treatment to remove unwanted fat deposits, its risks increase significantly when large amounts of fat are removed in one operation. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that no more than 4000 ml (about one gallon) of fat are removed during an operation performed in an outpatient setting. This is about 8 pounds of weight. Larger amounts may be removed if the procedure is combined with an overnight hospital stay and a possible blood transfusion.
Liposuction is best used to remove fat in areas where it is difficult to loose unwanted fat despite diet and exercise. Examples of such areas are the flanks and outer thighs, among many others.
2. Will the fat come back in the areas that have been liposuctioned?
-Generally not. If you maintain your weight following liposuction, fat should not come back in the treated areas. If you gain weight for any reason following liposuction, fat will be deposited less in the areas treated.
3. Is liposuction a good treatment for cellulite?
-Superficial liposuction may improve cellulite. Most of the presently advertised treatments for cellulite will only give you a very temporary improvement of cellulite. This improvement usually does not last beyond when these treatments are stopped.
4. Is liposuction dangerous?
-Liposuction is an operation and therefore has risks associated with it and the anesthesia given. Liposuction used to treat local areas in the appropriate setting is a very safe and well-tolerated procedure. Smaller areas, such as the outer thighs, hips and knees can be safely treated under local anesthesia in the office. Larger amounts can be safely removed in a surgery center.