Liposuction Healthy Side Effects

September 24th, 2015

Even though liposuction was long considered a purely cosmetic procedure, more recent research shows some positive side effects. Resulting health benefits might include lower triglyceride levels and white blood cell counts, which can significantly decrease a patient’s risk for heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

The study, presented to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, looked at 322 patients undergoing liposuction and/or a tummy tuck, with 71 percent having only liposuction. Among patients with normal triglyceride levels before surgery, there was no noticeable change. However, those patients who had dangerously elevated levels prior to the procedure saw a dramatic reduction — an average of 43 percent. Liposuction surgery was nearly twice as effective as a common triglyceride-reducing prescription drug.

“High triglyceride levels are known to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The decrease in these levels after liposuction was surprisingly dramatic, and revealed that the permanent removal of excess fat cells by liposuction has a major impact on circulating levels of triglycerides,” said the study’s author, Dr. Eric Swanson.

“These findings suggest that patients who are considering liposuction who have at-risk triglyceride levels may reduce their risk of developing these serious health problems, while correcting body disproportions. Patients not only look better, but may be healthier too.”

On the matter of white blood cell counts, the research showed liposuction decreased it by an average of 11 percent, thus lowering inflammation, which is thought to cause coronary heart disease, obesity, hypertension and diabetes.

“For years, it has been assumed that ‘visceral fat’ surrounding the internal organs has greater metabolic importance and is more directly linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk than ‘subcutaneous fat’ that lies under the skin,” Dr. Swanson noted. “These new findings support recent studies suggesting subcutaneous fat, which can be reduced by liposuction, is just as metabolically important.”

Liposuction can be an excellent option for patients who have a stable weight, but some problem areas that are not responding to diet and exercise. For liposuction in Madison, WI, visit board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Clifford King. To learn about your options for creating a sleek new you, contact Madison Cosmetic Surgery.