Liposuction that works: on visible and invisible fat
Patients considering undergoing liposuction may believe that removing fat also removes some of the problems associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
While liposuction offers a series of benefits, it is important that we understand that there are two types of fat: the fat you see and the fat you do not see.
Liposuction can contribute in the reduction of fat which is visible in the waistline, stomach, legs and thighs yet it cannot do the same for the “invisible” fat, which is responsible for health issues related to being overweight, according to the U.S. News and World Report.
Subcutaneous fat is visible and located under your skin in problematic areas, such as the thighs, belly and hips. However, the abdominal fat is located deeper in the middle part of your body, and closer to some organs, such as the liver, heart and lungs.
While subcutaneous fat is easier to detect, abdominal fat is more harmful to your health.
"People are aware only of the fat they see”, says Heather Hausenblas, Associate Professor of Exercise and Health, University of Florida College of Health and Human Performance. “But hidden fat is the biggest threat”
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2004 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that
female patients who had undergone liposuction did not have any positive
changes in their cholesterol, blood sugar or arterial blood levels.
However, a larger-scale study published last year showed that some patients
exhibited significant reduction in their triglycerides and white blood cells
levels. Both are indications of heart diseases or other health problems.
Those in such a risk should be aware that liposuction cannot replace healthy
diet, exercise and medication.
Actually,
experts suggest that those seeking liposuction or other body contouring
correction procedures, should first lose any extra weight before or after
the surgery, if they want to achieve the optimal result.
A certified and specialized plastic surgeon will obtain a full medical
history and ensure that his patient is healthy enough to be subjected to a
surgical intervention of this kind.