Blog Article
Posted on May 28th, 2012 in
Body Surgery, Liposuction
The belief that liposuction can help to reduce the risk of obesity-related health problems is a widespread misconception. In fact, liposuction cannot reduce the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and similar conditions. Liposuction is a
cosmetic procedure that can remove persistent fatty deposits that have not responded to proper diet or exercise. This myth was recently highlighted in a recent post on the
ASAPS website.
Two Types of Fat
People have two types of fat: the time that lies just beneath the skin, and the time that lies deeper within the body. The former is the type of fat that is targeted through
liposuction, while the latter presents the greatest obesity-related health risks.
Subcutaneous fat. Located beneath the skin in parts of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, and hips, subcutaneous fat is the tissue that is targeted through liposuction. It’s easy to identify by appearance.
Visceral fat. Located deeper within your abdomen, visceral fat lies close to your internal organs, such as the liver, heart, and lungs. It’s almost impossible to identify by appearance.
According to a study published in the
New England Journal of Medicine in 2004, female patients who underwent liposuction experienced no positive changes in their cholesterol levels, blood sugar, or blood pressure. However, another study indicated that some liposuction patients experienced a reduction in triglycerides and white blood cells, which are both indicators of heart disease and other health problems.
As a result, while the possible health benefits of liposuction are still being investigated, you should not count on liposuction as a substitute for healthy diet or exercise. If you’re considering liposuction, or other types of
body contouring surgeries, you should make sure that you have attained a stable, healthy body weight. This can help to ensure that your results will last for many years.
