Myth: Liposuction can tighten my skin

For a successful result with liposuction, the key to great results is great skin elasticity. Liposuction - whether it be called tumescent liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, VASER, or laser-assisted liposuction - does NOT tighten skin in any scientifically-proven reliable way. Many surgeons have hoped that the latest gizmo will somehow change this statement, but so far, skin tightening after any form of liposuction has been a complete disappointment. (Are you listening, SmartLipo fans?)

If there is obviously loose skin, some form of skin tightening procedure will be required, either at the same time as the liposuction, or as a secondary procedure a few months later. For the neck, this usually involves some form of facelift. For the tummy, loose skin requires some form of tummy-tuck (abdominoplasty).

Suctioning areas that have poor elasticity leads to a deflation effect as the fat is removed- with more laxity, ripples, wrinkles and cellulite showing up once the post-op swelling has resolved. Think of converting a fat neck into a "turkey gobbler" - nobody wants that!

If there are areas on the body that have a moderate, but less-than-optimal degree of elasticity, liposuction usually involves some form of trade-off. You'll look better in your clothes with a slimmer figure, but you won't necessarily look better naked or in a skimpy swimsuit. There may be more loose or sagging skin than you might like, and pre-existing cellulite might look worse. Most patients have to think about that choice pretty carefully!

Liposuction is not a magic wand.