Many people who are having difficulty losing stubborn areas of fat with exercise and a healthy diet turn to liposuction as the answer. However, there are many misconceptions about the surgery. Here are some myths and facts about liposuction.

Myth: Liposuction is a quick-fix for obesity.

Fact: Many people believe that liposuction can remove large amounts of fat from the body. The amount of pounds removed during the procedure is minimal. It will also not remove cellulite from the body. Liposuction is used to remove small amounts of fat and contour the body of people who are already near their ideal body weight.

Myth: Liposuction is only for women.

Fact: Liposuction can be done on both men and women. In fact, the popularity of liposuction with men has been increasing over the past few years. While women usually want to remove excess fat from their thigh and hip areas, men like to focus on the stomach area and under the chin.

Myth: After liposuction, fat cannot return.

Fact: Liposuction will decrease the number of fat cells in the body, but it leaves some unharmed. Those that remain in the body can grow if the patient gains weight. Liposuction is mainly used to treat certain stubborn areas of the body, and results can be maintained with exercise and diet.

Myth: Liposuction is not really surgery.

Fact: Although liposuction scars are often small, patients need to understand that scars are still involved. General anesthesia may be necessary in some cases as well. Treatments that remove fat non-surgically are available, like CoolSculpting, but liposuction is not one of them.