Liposuction
For many years, breast augmentation has held the title of most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed in the United States. Due to its relatively short down time and instant gratification, breast augmentation has lorded over other cosmetic procedures. Since 2020, however, different trends have allowed other procedures to shine. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ (ASPS) Top 5 procedures indicated that the top 3 of 2020 were all facial procedures, followed by liposuction at number 4, and breast augmentation at number 5. The incredible surge of demand for cosmetic services increased over the last 3 years, with liposuction rising to the top of this list in 2022!
More now than ever, patients are seeking plastic surgery in this post-pandemic life. Many people are looking to feel refreshed after the pandemic stress, while others have noticed body changes that they want to improve now that there is more in-person interaction. Additionally, improving one’s self-confidence is a major factor for patients.
Targets Stubborn Areas of Fat
Liposuction, in particular, has risen due to the fact that it is a body contouring procedure that ticks off the above boxes. It targets stubborn areas of fat to improve and tone a person’s body shape. What it does not do is be considered an alternative to weight loss, and prospective patients should be at or near their ideal body weight.
Common areas that are targeted include the abdomen, flanks, hips and thighs. It may be combined with other procedures to maximize body contouring. Unfortunately, liposuction is not ideal for cellulite or areas with sagging skin. Patients can expect swelling for up to a few weeks, and plan on wearing a compression garment to help reduce the swelling. Final results are seen once the swelling goes down completely, typically in 3-6 months.
So, why is liposuction getting more popular? For starters, it is a minimally invasive procedure with little downtime compared to more extensive body contouring surgeries. Patients are likely to be ok with small inconspicuous incisions, instead of a large scar such as that seen in a tummy tuck.
Remove Fat Permanently
Additionally, liposuction removes areas of stubborn fat permanently. This does not mean, however, to continue to snack on useless calories, as the remaining fat cells can increase in size due its unique cellular structure.
Liposuction began trending upward in 2018, with an increase of over 12,000 procedures over the previous year, and continues into today. The COVID pandemic that closed many gyms often led to weight gain and changes in body contours that patients are now looking to improve. Another factor playing a role in the increase in liposuction demand is that millennials and the younger generation are opting for these procedures, which do not seem as taboo as in the past. They create immediate, visible changes without the long recovery process that traditional body contouring procedures typically do. Liposuction has surged in popularity and may continue to claim its place at the top for the foreseeable future.
Questions? Book a Consultation Now.
Contact Houston / Webster, Texas Plastic Surgeon Shitel D. Patel, MD at Lift Plastic Surgery.
For more information on cosmetic procedures and treatments provided please schedule a consultation.
Serving patients in Houston Texas, Webster, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Katy, Friendswood, Pearland, League City, Richmond, Spring, Humble, Kingwood, Stafford, Cypress, Fulshear, Missouri City, River Oaks, Piney Point, Hunters Creek, Memorial Close In, Bunker Hill, Southside Place, Afton Oaks, Tanglewood, Crestwoods and all other surrounding Greater Houston, Texas communities and more.
