5 Myths About Liposuction

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Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures — but it’s also surrounded by a lot of myths. At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Neil Zemmel offers customized liposuction procedures to help patients throughout Richmond, Midlothian, Short Pump, and surrounding areas feel more confident in their bodies. If you’ve been considering liposuction, here are five common myths to watch out for — along with the facts you should know:

Myth #1: Liposuction is a weight loss procedure.

Fact: Liposuction is not designed for weight loss. Instead, it’s a body contouring treatment that targets stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to healthy eating and regular exercise. If you’re at or near your goal weight but struggle with areas like the lower abdomen, flanks, or thighs, liposuction may be right for you.

Myth #2: The results are immediate.

Fact: You may notice a slimmer shape shortly after your procedure, but swelling is normal and can take several weeks to resolve. Final results from your liposuction procedure should gradually appear as your body heals — typically within one to three months.

Myth #3: Fat will come back somewhere else.

Fact: Once fat cells are removed with liposuction, they’re gone for good. However, if you gain weight in the future, new fat can still develop in other areas of your body. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle after your procedure is the best way to enjoy long-lasting results.

Myth #4: Liposuction tightens loose skin.

Fact: Liposuction removes excess fat, but it does not tighten skin. If you have stretched or sagging skin, Dr. Zemmel may recommend combining liposuction with a tummy tuck or other skin-tightening procedure for optimal results. This is especially common for patients who have lost significant weight or experienced post-pregnancy body changes.

Myth #5: Liposuction only treats the stomach.

Fact: While the abdomen is a common target area, liposuction can also contour the arms, back, thighs, hips, neck, and under the chin. At Richmond Aesthetic Surgery, Dr. Zemmel develops personalized liposuction plans to address your specific concerns and body goals.

Explore Liposuction with a Top Richmond Plastic Surgeon

If you’re considering liposuction in the greater Richmond, VA area, Dr. Neil Zemmel combines surgical expertise with an eye for aesthetics to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. Contact Richmond Aesthetic Surgery today to schedule your consultation and find out if liposuction is the right solution for you.