Liposuction is an invasive cosmetic surgery procedure that removes subcutaneous fat from the body. The subcutaneous layer is the outermost layer of fat that sits right underneath the skin. It’s the first layer of fat visible when you gain weight, but also the first layer lost during weight loss programs.
Liposuction pulls fat from the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, arms, neck, or back to create a better body shape or contour. Most people who choose to receive liposuction have generally tried exercise and dieting to get rid of stubborn fat deposits without success. Liposuction is their solution to boost self-esteem and get the body of their dreams.
Many people with unwanted fat deposits might also despair at the sight of cellulite. They may wonder if liposuction can get rid of cellulite at the same time – killing two proverbial birds with one stone.
Keep reading to learn whether or not liposuction can reduce the appearance of cellulite as well as some alternatives for getting smoother skin.
The Liposuction Solution
Liposuction uses a hollow tube called a cannula and a suctioning device called an aspirator to permanently remove stubborn fat deposits. It can only be used to remove subcutaneous fat.
There are four frequently used liposuction procedures. Your surgeon will choose the best one for your specific needs and goals during your consultation.
The most common type of liposuction is through fluid injection, called tumescent liposuction. During this treatment, a medical solution is injected into the area before the fat is removed with a cannula and aspirator. Tumescent liposuction can be used to remove fat from almost any part of the body.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is another type of liposuction that uses ultrasonic vibrations to liquefy fat cells. This technique is best for dense/fibrous areas of the body like the upper back and male breast tissue.
The third type of liposuction uses high-intensity waves of energy to turn fat cells into liquid. The fat cells are then drained out using tubes. One added benefit of laser-assisted liposuction is that it stimulates collagen production which will improve skin sagging after your treatment.
Power-assisted liposuction uses a vibrating cannula to separate fat cells and releases them from surrounding tissue. This type has the fastest recovery and improved precision.
While liposuction can reshape the body, it does not change lifestyle causes of fat deposits. Most plastic surgeons advise an accompanying lifestyle change to help the results of liposuction last. To prevent the return of fat, you need to maintain a consistent diet and exercise routine, get plenty of sleep, and take care of your mental health. Otherwise, fat will most likely return in time.
What Is Cellulite?
While cellulite is common and harmless, many people are self-conscious about how it looks. Cellulite is prevalent even among people with little to no body fat. It develops from the interaction between the subcutaneous fat layer and the connective tissue beneath the skin.
Adding to the layer of subcutaneous fat can exacerbate cellulite formation, but it doesn’t cause cellulite to appear. The connective tissue separating fat cells into deposits results in skin dimpling which takes the shape of honeycomb or cottage cheese.
An unfortunate combination of circumstances increases the amount of cellulite on the body. To get rid of cellulite, you need to reduce subcutaneous fat, improve the elasticity of the skin, and change how the connective tissue and fat layer interact. The last is the most difficult and might require more invasive procedures such as laser therapy.
Women are more likely to experience cellulite than men, but men are not immune to it. The reason more women experience cellulite is that they usually have more fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks. These are the most common locations to find cellulite.
Menopause also reduces estrogen levels which disrupts the receptors in blood vessels and thighs. This means lower levels of collagen in the skin and thinner skin. If this is combined with increasing levels of subcutaneous fat, the result is cellulite.
Liposuction and Cellulite
Cellulite is a necessary part of the skin and cannot be removed the same way you can remove fat during liposuction. Removing fat does not get rid of cellulite and may even worsen the appearance of dimpling.
Liposuction does not change the skin’s elasticity and might even make uneven or unwanted pockets of fat more obvious. However, liposuction does treat one of the three causes of cellulite by removing excess subcutaneous fat.
To address cellulite, you need to work on the connective tissue layer as well. An experienced plastic surgeon can still conduct liposuction without worsening cellulite by working around the areas that might cause a problem.
Get Rid of Cellulite
Smooth, blemishless skin is ideal, but not always possible. That being said, some natural remedies do exist to counter the puckering of the skin which causes cellulite. Your goal is to improve collagen levels in the skin because it improves skin elasticity.
Some examples of ways to increase collagen levels in the skin include:
- Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids
- Using skincare products contain hyaluronic acid
- Taking Collagen supplements
- Regular exfoliation of the skin by dry brushing
- Maintaining a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
Liposuction is a well-known fat reduction solution, but it doesn’t reverse the appearance of cellulite. Combine liposuction with some natural cellulite solutions for smoother-looking skin and a better body contour.
You may also want to consider other plastic surgery procedures like a tummy tuck, breast reduction, or facelift to get the body of your dreams.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
The Naderi Center is a specialized plastic surgery practice with offices in Chevy Chase, MD, and Reston, VA. Dr. Anderson is the breast and body specialist who focuses on recreating your ideal body from the neck down. Want to learn more about liposuction and its benefits? Call now or contact the office to schedule a consultation.
