Liposuction vs. Bariatric surgery

Liposuction has become one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the country, but what happens to the fat that is removed? Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine recently discovered that it eventually returns within 1 year. It tends to be redistributed to other parts of the body, such as the upper abdomen, shoulders, and arms. Long term weight loss is best achieved through bariatric surgery for patients who qualify. In addition to weight loss, bariatric surgery patients achieve health benefits such as improvements in blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, which are not affected by plastic surgery.

Patients who are looking into plastic surgery as a method of weight loss should seek the advice of an experienced bariatric surgeon prior to making that decision. Bariatric procedures such as the Lap-Band are better alternatives for sustained weight loss, and provide significant health benefits as well.

Drs. Keith Wright and Gerardo Carcamo with South Texas Surgeons in San Antonio are happy to discuss all the available options to help you choose the most appropriate procedure.