When liposuction procedure was first discovered, it was intended to treat just the minor irregularities in body contour.But with technical and surgical advances, it’s now possible to achieve better body contours in several areas of the body. Liposuction Singapore is an effective way of getting rid of those extra deposits of body fat commonly accumulated in the buttocks, thighs, and hips. But is it the right treatment for morbidly obese people? Let’s try to find out.
Understanding Our Body Fats
Yes, liposuction helps extract fat out of the body but before one goes for it, they need to understand there are two different types of fats present in our body. Liposuction is only good to work around one of them. The two distinct types include:
Subcutaneous Fat
This type of fat is what liposuction Singapore can help get rid of. It is present right underneath the epidermis skin layer. Subcutaneous fat doesn’t really pose any serious health risks and it is relatively easier to lose as well compared to the other type – the visceral fat.
Visceral Fat
This fat is present inside the abdominal cavity. It actually surrounds the internal organs in the body including liver, heart, pancreas, etc. Increased visceral fat can result in major health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea among others. Liposuction is not considered an ideal choice against this type of fat. However, it is still possible to get rid of it with changes to one’s eating habits and lifestyle activities.
Typically, MRI scans or body fat analyzers evaluate visceral fat on a scale of 1-59. The healthy levels remain under 13 on this scale and if it goes anywhere beyond that then immediate changes to one’s lifestyle are recommended. Obese people usually have it above 13.
What Is Liposuction And What Does It Remove?
Liposuction refers to a surgical procedure which uses a unique suction technique for removing stubborn fat from particular areas in the body, like abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, neck, or arms. Liposuction is also used for shaping the body contours in these areas by removing subcutaneous fat that resides just under the skin.
Is Liposuction A Reasonable Treatment For Morbidly Obese People?
Liposuction isn’t considered the best treatment option for obesity. It may not be effective for individuals who can’t lose their weight through exercise and dieting. Obese people almost always gain those pounds back after having it removed through liposuction unless they reduce their calorie intake significantly.
Large volume liposuction may be used for treating obesity through surgery, but it results in a major increase in surgical complications. It’s never safe to use liposuction for removing huge amounts of fat. Depending on each individual’s health and body condition, the surgeon will advise the amount of fat or number of areas to address in the surgical procedure. Those who wish to remove excessive amounts of fat may have to split the procedure into separate sessions for safety reasons.
Liposuction may not give any noticeable benefits to obese patients trying to lose weight. Besides, there is a certain weight limit linked to mega liposuction procedures as well. The procedure is carried out only when the patients are around 30% away from their ideal body weight. If the weight is higher than that, it is not the right time to consider liposuction and the procedure can have major risks associated with it.
On the contrary, overweight individuals with stable weight for years and only a few problem areas with fat can certainly take advantage of liposuction. One can choose to go with liposuction treatment when their ultimate goal is improving the troublesome contours, and not to be mistaken as a weight loss solution.
Common Misconceptions About Liposuction
There are a few misconceptions about liposuction and one should not believe any of them. Here are a few of them.
1. Liposuction Can Cause Dramatic Weight Loss – Not True
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. In an ideal case, it should be done on individuals with a reasonable weight according to their height. It can help remove small amounts of fat to shape their body better instead of significantly reducing their weight.
2. Liposuction Can Remove Visceral Fats – Not True
Yes, that’s another misconception. Liposuction can’t be used for removing visceral fats because the procedure is carried out under the skin but above the muscle. So, it can’t help reduce fat present underneath the muscle or around various internal organs. This is actually the fat we call visceral fat. The visceral fat can only be reduced through dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
3. Liposuction Can Substitute Bad Eating Habits – Not True
Yes, that’s not true at all. One can’t maintain great liposuction results with their bad eating habits. Liposuction reduces the amount of fat cells permanently in the targeted area of the body, but they are not completely eliminated. The fat cells left behind tend to shrink with weight loss and can still expand significantly when the person gains weight.
The best way to maintain the liposuction results is to maintain a balanced and healthy diet. Incorporate a diet emphasizing on vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins while minimizing fats as well as sugar/sweets. As the saying goes, “you are what you eat” and this could not be more true.
4. It can Substitute Exercise – Not True
Finally, liposuction isn’t a substitute for exercise either. Even when the patient has achieved the desired shape through liposuction, they must maintain an active lifestyle to achieve inner as well as outer health. Increasing physical activity is always helpful in maintaining the results and keeping your daily intake of calories in check.
When Should Liposuction Be Considered?
Liposuction surgery does come with its risks. Therefore, one should enjoy good overall health before they decide to undergo Liposuction Singapore. What this implies is that they should at least:
- Have a stable weight
- Be inside 30% of their ideal weight goal
- Have elastic and firm skin
- Not have any major health issues linked to obesity
Are There Any Alternatives For Weight Loss?
Besides the dietary changes and increasing physical activity by engaging in different types of exercises, some weight loss medication can also be helpful in keeping the weight under control. Remember, however, that these medications may not suit everyone. So, one should first check with a medical professional, or a plastic surgeon, before starting the use of a certain medication. The medication should be avoided if they are deemed potentially risk for one’s health.
Liposuction Is Not The Only Answer. Seek The Right Treatment
To conclude, there isn’t really a “one procedure fix” for curing obesity and liposuction Singapore isn’t an exception. Liposuction surgery can be considered a good treatment option but only for removing fat in certain areas to achieve a better shape and body contours. It can only help get rid of subcutaneous fat and not the visceral fat which is actually more threatening to human health.
One might need to work harder compared to others for losing that excess weight to maintain it at healthy levels. Though some might be focusing on the fat in their buttocks and thighs, the real culprit is the fat hidden deep inside – visceral fats. So, liposuction may not produce desired results for the morbidly obese people but it can only help achieve better contours and body shape in specific areas.
About Dream Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery
Bespoke surgical for cosmetic or medical reasons is what Dream covers to bring out the beauty in every individual. Going beyond the aesthetics and working on physical anomalies are what we value the most in leading our patients to cherish self-improvement and confident lifestyles.
Derived from Associate Professor Vincent Yeow’s long-standing experience performing plastic surgery in Singapore, our treatment plans deliver physical remodelling in our patients’ favour. One of the notable remodellings is droopy eyelid correction. The ptosis surgery used for treatment eventually fixes drooping eyelids, improves vision and enhances appearance.
Most importantly, as a trustworthy plastic surgery and aesthetic clinic, we treasure positive and natural outcomes for each individual. We will ensure to deliver the beauty refinement of your dream without compromising your safety and privacy.
