Comparing Bariatric Surgery and Liposuction: What You Need to Know

Posted on: May 11, 2023

At Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center, located in Schaumburg, IL, we understand the importance of making an informed decision when it comes to bariatric surgery and liposuction. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary information to make an educated decision about which procedure is right for you. We offer a wide range of different liposuction technologies under one roof, and our experienced team of medical professionals are here to answer any questions you may have.

What to Know About Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a form of weight loss surgery that alters the digestive system in order to reduce food intake and help people lose weight quickly. It can be used for people who are significantly overweight or obese, and have not been able to achieve their desired weight loss through diet and exercise alone. There are several types of bariatric surgery available, each with its own benefits and risks.

Types of Bariatric Surgery

The most common type of bariatric surgery is gastric bypass, which involves reducing the size of the stomach so that it holds less food. This reduces hunger and makes it easier for people to eat less without feeling as hungry. Other types of bariatric surgery include sleeve gastrectomy, which removes part of the stomach; adjustable gastric banding, which places an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach; and biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, which involves rerouting parts of the digestive system.

The Safety of Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified medical professional. However, there are potential risks associated with any surgical procedure, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Additionally, some people may experience long-term side effects from bariatric surgery such as nutritional deficiencies, gallstones, and dumping syndrome (a condition in which food moves too quickly through the small intestine). It is important for anyone considering bariatric surgery to discuss these risks with a healthcare provider before making a decision.

Type of Bariatric SurgeryDescriptionPotential Risks
Gastric BypassReduces size of stomach to hold less food, reduces hunger and makes it easier to eat lessInfection, bleeding, blood clots, adverse reactions to anesthesia
Sleeve GastrectomyRemoves part of the stomachSame as above
Adjustable Gastric BandingPlaces an adjustable band around the upper part of the stomachSame as above
Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal SwitchReroutes parts of the digestive systemSame as above Plus: nutritional deficiencies, gallstones, dumping syndrome

What to Know About Liposuction

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes fat deposits from certain parts of the body. It can be used to treat areas of the body where excess fat has accumulated, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, and arms. The procedure involves inserting a thin tube (called a cannula) into the targeted area, which is then used to suction out fat cells.

How Liposuction Works

During liposuction, the surgeon will make small incisions in the skin and insert a cannula connected to a vacuum device. The cannula is then used to break up and suction out fat cells from the targeted area. The amount of fat removed depends on the patient’s individual needs and desired results.

The procedure usually takes about an hour or two and can be done under local or general anesthesia depending on how much fat needs to be removed. Afterward, patients may experience some swelling and bruising for several weeks—sometimes months—as well as temporary numbness in the treated area.

Possible Side Effects & Complications

Although liposuction is generally considered safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, it does carry some risks and side effects. Some possible complications include infection, blood clots, fluid accumulation (seroma), tissue damage, nerve damage, scarring, asymmetry of results, and skin discoloration. In rare cases, liposuction can also cause organ perforation or even death if not done correctly.

It’s important to note that liposuction is not intended for weight loss but rather for body contouring purposes only. It is not recommended for people who are overweight or obese as it can cause further health problems if too much fat is removed at once.

Patients should also keep in mind that liposuction does not prevent future weight gain; therefore it’s important to maintain healthy lifestyle habits after surgery in order to keep off any extra weight gained in the future.

ProcedureDurationAnesthesiaRisks & Side EffectsWeight Loss?
Removes fat deposits from certain parts of the body
Inserts thin tube (cannula) into targeted area to suction out fat cells
1-2 hoursLocal or general anesthesia, depending on amount of fat removedInfection, blood clots, fluid accumulation (seroma), tissue damage, nerve damage, scarring, asymmetry of results, skin discoloration
Rarely: organ perforation or death if not done correctly
Not intended for weight loss; not recommended for people who are overweight or obese as it can cause further health problems if too much fat is removed at once. Maintain healthy lifestyle habits after surgery in order to keep off any extra weight gained in the future.

Prices & Where to Get It

The cost of bariatric surgery and liposuction can vary greatly, depending on the type of procedure and the location where it is performed. Generally, bariatric surgery is more expensive than liposuction, with some estimates ranging from $15,000 to $25,000 for a single procedure. Liposuction usually costs between $3,000 and $5,000 for a single treatment.

Both procedures should only be done by qualified medical professionals in a hospital or clinic setting. It is important to research both the doctor and facility before undergoing any type of weight loss surgery or body contouring procedure. Make sure that the doctor has experience with the specific procedure you are considering and that they have appropriate qualifications.

When researching facilities, look for those that offer comprehensive care and follow-up services after your procedure. This includes pre-operative counseling, post-operative instructions and ongoing support to help ensure the best possible outcome. Additionally, make sure to ask about insurance coverage for these procedures as some insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost.

It is also important to consider recovery time when choosing between bariatric surgery and liposuction. Bariatric surgery typically requires a longer recovery period of up to six weeks while liposuction generally only takes three weeks to recover from. During this time, you may need to limit physical activity in order to prevent complications or further injury.

Conclusion

When considering weight loss procedures, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of both bariatric surgery and liposuction. Bariatric surgery often produces more rapid weight loss than liposuction, but it also has a longer recovery period of up to six weeks. Liposuction is typically less expensive than bariatric surgery, and takes about three weeks to recover from. At Chicago Liposuction by Lift Body Center, we provide a multitude of different liposuction technologies under one roof in Schaumburg, IL. Our team of qualified medical professionals will help you make an informed decision on which procedure is right for you.