Differences between Liposuction and bariatric surgery
Two different procedures with different purposes
If you are suffering from obesity and are considering a surgical procedure such as liposuction or bariatric surgery to have a lasting weight loss along with a resolution of all the medical problems related to your condition, you should first learn about these two surgeries to understand their differences and make the best choice that suits your needs.
Liposuction and bariatric surgery are two different procedures that are often confused with one another. While both procedures aim to reduce body weight, they differ significantly in terms of approach, outcomes, and indications.
Bariatric surgery is a minimal invasive procedure that is designed to treat severe obesity usually done as a laparoscopic surgery with only 4-5 tiny incisions that take about 2-3 weeks to heal, whereas liposuction is a more invasive cosmetic procedure that is used to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. Bariatric surgery is considered a more effective weight-loss solution for individuals who are severely obese, as it can result in significant and sustained weight loss, whereas liposuction is not recommended for those who are overweight or obese.
Obesity requires you to lose a considerable amount of weight to solve the associated medical conditions that carry this kind of disease. That is why specialists recommend several surgical options as non-surgical techniques for weight loss are not completely effective or permanent. So, it is understandable why you are considering liposuction or bariatric surgery as options however, you need to be well informed.
Is Bariatric Surgery better than liposuction?
You need to know that both surgeries are effective and safe if done for the right reason with a certified and specialist surgeon. Bariatric surgeries are different surgical techniques which have been designed to help you and allow you to have an effective and safe tool to begin a weight loss journey with lasting and permanent results. Statistics say that bariatric surgery may lower death rates with extreme and severe obesity if you couple it with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes after surgery.
Bariatric Surgery is a type of gastrointestinal surgery done will makes your own body gradually use the stored fat giving a very controlled weight loss and as a result of this, a decrease in weight-related diseases and comorbidities such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, types of cancer, sleep apnea among others. This will make you lose weight in a proportional manner in all body areas.
On the other hand, Liposuction is considered a purely cosmetic operation or procedure which consists in sucking out through small cuts the excess fat deposits under the skin. The purpose of this kind of surgery is widely different than bariatrics’. Liposuction’s main objective is shaping and contouring specific areas of your body: You cannot expect any major weight loss from that, just a restructure and shaping of your body.
Why is Liposuction, not an obesity treatment?
It is essential you understand that there is not one procedure fix to cure obesity and that includes Liposuction. Liposuction is a surgical treatment designed for fat removal in certain areas of your body. It will remove fat cells from parts that have been resistant to diet and exercise before such as arms, thighs, abdomen, flanks, etc. Liposuction has its limits; it is not a solution to obesity, it just suctions away unwanted fat cells, forming and creating a very defined, good-looking contour.
One reason why liposuction is not a treatment for obesity is that it does not address the underlying causes of obesity, such as poor diet and lack of exercise. It is also not effective in reducing body weight on a significant scale.
While liposuction can be effective in removing small amounts of fat, there are downsides to the procedure. These can include bruising, swelling, and pain, as well as the risk of infection, bleeding, and other complications. The failure rate of liposuction can also be significant, with some studies suggesting that up to 25% of patients may experience unsatisfactory results.
This cosmetic surgical procedure offers to combine small incisions with vacuuming technology to physically eliminate fat cells from the body, being different from bariatric techniques that allow the shrinkage of cells, not a reduction. So, Liposuction is a highly effective surgical technique for you if you are near your weight loss goal and are looking for additional help to sculpt and contour specific parts of your body.
In contrast, bariatric surgery is a more effective and sustainable weight loss solution. The procedure involves reducing the size of the stomach or bypassing part of the digestive system, which helps to limit the amount of food that can be consumed and absorbed by the body.
This can result in significant and sustained weight loss, as well as improvements in obesity-related health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, the long-term benefits of bariatric surgery can outweigh the short-term inconvenience, and many patients report a significant improvement in their quality of life following the procedure.
It is important to note that while both procedures can be effective in reducing body weight, they are not suitable for everyone. Individuals considering liposuction or bariatric surgery should consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure.
At Hidalgo Bariatrics in Tijuana, Mexico, a variety of bariatric surgery options are available for individuals seeking a more effective weight loss solution. Some of the most popular procedures include gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding.
Patients who have already undergone liposuction and are still struggling with obesity may consider these options as a more effective and sustainable solution. If you are interested in Liposuction, you should know that if you are significantly overweight or obese, you might not be an appropriate candidate for this surgery.
The limits of liposuction will depend on your overall health, your body mass index (BMI), and ability to manage the procedure.
