 Recommended Surgeons
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Epidemic Obesity: Is Liposuction the Cure?
I remember sitting in a pizza parlor with my high school girlfriends after weeks of dieting, eating slices of this delicious food and drinking cola, commenting “Don’t you wish they could just suck the fat out of you?” Well, fast-forward 50 years, and doctors can do exactly that. World-wide epidemic obesity has prompted the medical field to develop various procedures that promote weight loss. Liposuction is one method amongst many that aims at reducing the rising number of overweight individuals.
The Phenomena of Liposuction
Liposuction is a fast way to get rid of fat. It is one of the most popular
weight loss procedures, and is typically chosen by overweight people who
can afford the costs. In fact, epidemic obesity and liposuction seem to
go hand-in-hand. In the past, doctors and clinics did not advertise such
services, but today the promotion of liposuction is everywhere: newspapers,
magazines, radio, TV, and even on the sides of buses! The ads are effective
as there are hundreds of thousands liposuction procedures performed every
year in the U.S. alone. Medical companies are spending huge amounts of
money to make liposuction faster and safer. In only two centuries, there
have been many advances and enhancements in the field; nevertheless, there
are still potential risks involved.
Common
Questions Asked Regarding Liposuction
Due to epidemic obesity, liposuction has become a treatment of choice.
If you are contemplating the procedure, here are some facts to take into
consideration:
Will liposuction be the final step in my battle with weight loss?
Do not view liposuction as a substitute for diet and exercise. Liposuction
sculpts your body and gives you a new shape, but after you have reached
your desired weight, you must eat healthy, drink plenty of no calorie
fluids, and keep physically active in order to maintain your figure. Remember
that your body has the ability to manufacture brand new fat cells.
Will I need much time for recovery?
In spite of new advances, you will need a minimum of two weeks to recover.
After surgery, you can expect swelling, bruising and pain. Although the
healing process is different for each patient, you can anticipate a two
to three week period of limited activity.
Can I afford the costs of liposuction?
As a general rule, no health insurance plan covers the costs of liposuction.
Your doctor may offer you a payment plan in order to meet your budget,
but if not, you will have to pay up front. Learn
more about cosmetic surgery financing.
Should I thoroughly investigate the physician’s credentials?
Most doctors who perform liposuction are plastic surgeons. You will want
to know the number of procedures the selected surgeon performs during
a year and the success rate. Ask to see before and after pictures of previous
cases - many doctors keep albums with faces obscured. It is appropriate
to ask if the surgeon is board certified. If the surgeon is located out
of the country, do not make any payments unless you have conducted a satisfying
investigation. Talk to others who have used this surgeon so that you can
feel reassured of not only the doctor’s expertise in the field,
but also the doctor-patient rapport, which is an important determinant
when choosing your surgeon.
The Final Decision
In any weight loss endeavor, attitude is a key factor. Since obesity is
as psychological an issue as it is physical, you need to be ready to change
your life. If you choose liposuction without making the decision to change
your eating habits and lifestyle, you may discover that you have wasted
precious time and money. Be prepared to follow a diet high in fiber, lean
protein, and low in fat, and to exercise daily as well.
The alternatives to liposuction are: fad dieting, pills or supplements, hypnosis, alternative medicine, and invasive surgery. Or ‘do nothing’, which will eventually lead to the chronic illnesses associated with excess weight, such as heart disease, diabetes and sleep apnea.
The Road to Health
Because epidemic obesity is now a reality, it has become a money-making
business - every entrepreneur and every enterprise wants a piece of the
action. The promise of quick weight loss gets more attention than the
slower process of an ongoing healthy lifestyle.
The most cost-effective way to lose excess weight and keep it off is to adopt healthy eating habits and an exercise plan. By going to a weight loss clinic or joining a support group, you can achieve a satisfying end-result without much expense. Obtaining a diet plan is easy, home exercise is free, and going to a gym costs but a few dollars. So, no matter which method of weight loss you choose, you can reach your goal.
Jamie Smith provides free, professional, and independent advice for
those interested in cosmetic surgery. He now provides content for the
Liposuction Costs website.
The author is not a medical expert and does not intend to provide medical
advice regarding liposuction. Readers with medical concerns about liposuction
should contact a health professional.
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