Excess body fat can be a source of distress for many people. Despite best efforts through diet and exercise, certain areas of fat can remain stubbornly resistant to change. This can lead to frustration for those who are striving for a more sculpted and healthier physique. And this is why so many people resort to liposuction — one of the most popular and effective treatments available for targeted fat removal. This surgical solution offers a contouring option that diet and exercise alone may not achieve, providing relief and results to those struggling with unwanted fat deposits.
The purpose of this blog by Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna is to explore treatments and solutions for excess fat, including liposuction with its benefits and considerations.
Body fat, commonly referred to as adipose tissue, is a key component of the human body with several crucial functions beyond the common perception of it merely being an unwanted cushion or a calorie depot.
Adipose tissue, or body fat, is made up of cells called adipocytes that store energy in the form of fat. This tissue serves multiple important physiological roles. Primarily, it acts as an energy reserve, releasing fatty acids into the bloodstream when the body requires additional fuel. Moreover, adipose tissue provides insulation and cushioning for internal organs, aiding in the maintenance of body temperature and protecting bodily structures from mechanical damage.
Beyond its physical functions, adipose tissue is important for metabolic and hormonal health. It secretes various hormones like leptin, which regulates hunger and energy balance, and adiponectin, which plays a role in the modulation of glucose levels and fatty acid breakdown. These hormonal functions make adipose tissue a vital player in metabolic syndromes such as diabetes and obesity.
Adipose tissue can broadly be categorised into two types: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat, each having distinct locations and functions within the body.
Understanding why fat accumulates in particular areas and why some fat is stubborn against diet and exercise is essential for anyone considering liposuction. Several factors influence fat accumulation:
Genetics play a role in how body fat is distributed. This genetic predisposition is why some individuals may struggle more to lose fat in certain areas—commonly referred to as “problem areas”—which can be significantly different between different people. Genetic influences can dictate not only the quantity of fat cells in various regions but also how easily these cells store fat.
Diet and physical activity directly influence body fat composition. High-calorie diets and sedentary lifestyles contribute to increased fat storage as the body converts excess calories into fat for long-term storage. Conversely, regular physical activity and a balanced diet can help minimise fat accumulation by increasing the rate at which the body burns calories and fat.
Hormones significantly affect fat storage; for instance, elevated cortisol levels associated with stress can lead to an increase in abdominal fat. Similarly, changes in oestrogen and testosterone levels as people age can change fat distribution, increasing the propensity to store visceral fat.
Certain areas of the body, like the abdomen, thighs, and hips, are notorious for their tendency to harbour stubborn fat. This persistence is partly due to the higher concentration of alpha-adrenergic receptors in fat cells from these areas—receptors that inhibit the breakdown of fat. Therefore, these areas do not respond as readily to typical weight loss efforts such as diet and exercise.
Being aware of these aspects of body fat is important for anyone considering liposuction as it provides a clearer picture of what the procedure can and cannot achieve.
While diet and exercise are the go-to methods for fat reduction, certain stubborn areas may not respond as well to these traditional methods. Next, we will discuss a range of solutions that can aid in fat reduction, highlighting their benefits and limitations, and where liposuction fits into the spectrum of available treatments.
The foundation of any fat reduction effort involves a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Diet modifications often include reducing caloric intake and opting for a balanced diet rich in nutrients, which can help decrease body fat levels.
When diet and exercise aren’t enough, medical and surgical interventions may be considered. These options range from minimally invasive procedures to more extensive surgeries like liposuction.
Besides diet and exercise, making broad lifestyle changes can also help manage and reduce body fat. These include:
Liposuction stands out as a highly effective solution for removing excess fat, particularly in areas that do not respond well to diet and exercise alone. This surgical procedure is designed to reshape specific areas of the body, improving body contours and proportion by removing unwanted fat deposits.
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that involves the removal of fat from various parts of the body using a hollow instrument known as a cannula. This cannula is inserted under the skin, and a powerful vacuum is applied to suction out the fat. The procedure is not a weight-loss solution but rather a way to remove stubborn fat that has not responded to traditional weight loss methods.
One of the primary advantages of liposuction is its ability to target specific areas for fat removal, offering results that diet and exercise can’t achieve alone. Common areas treated include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, and neck. The benefits of liposuction include:
Ideal candidates for liposuction are people who are near their ideal weight but have localised fat deposits that they would like to eliminate. Candidates should be non-smokers, in good general health, and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes. It is also crucial for patients to maintain a stable weight before and after the procedure to preserve the surgical results.
Liposuction is usually performed under general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia depending on the extent of the surgery. The procedure might last from one to several hours. Here’s a brief overview:
Various treatments offer solutions depending on your needs, the amount of fat to be reduced, and the desired speed and permanence of results. Liposuction is one of the most direct and effective methods for removing fat, but how does it compare with other popular treatments like CoolSculpting, laser treatments, and traditional methods such as diet and exercise?
The results of liposuction can be long-lasting, provided you maintain a stable weight. The fat cells are permanently removed during the procedure; however, it is possible to gain weight in other areas of your body. To ensure the best possible results over time, it is important to adhere to a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Liposuction and CoolSculpting are fat reduction procedures, not weight-loss solutions. They are best suited for removing localised fat deposits and contouring the body, rather than reducing overall body weight. For significant weight loss, lifestyle changes such as dieting and exercising are recommended.
Most non-surgical treatments, including CoolSculpting and laser fat reduction methods like SculpSure, do not provide immediate results. These treatments require time for the body to eliminate the destroyed fat cells, typically several weeks to months. For quicker, more visible results, surgical options like liposuction might be more appropriate.
Choosing the right fat reduction treatment depends on several factors, including your health, the amount of fat you wish to remove, your body goals, and your tolerance for downtime or potential risks. Consultations with Anca can provide personalised advice and help you make a decision based on your specific conditions and aspirations.