Amy Schumer has definitely been through a lot in the past few years. Having recently opened up about her struggles with endometriosis and an unfortunately unsuccessful round of IVF, the star also touched on how she had liposuction in an effort to restore her figure after a complicated pregnancy and delivery (documented in the HBO Max series Expecting Amy).
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, the Trainwreck star shared that she wanted to be open and honest about her procedure, sharing weight-loss methods like ”grilled chicken and walks,” weren’t having an effect on her postpartum body and as such, she has no regrets.
It should also be mentioned that liposuction is not something that the comedian ever thought she would do, but after turning 40 and struggling with endometriosis and undergoing surgery, she revealed to Chelsea Handler that liposuction really seemed like a great choice,
“When I would hear liposuction I was just like, that’s so crazy to me, and I would say that I’m not ever going to do anything…I healed well, and I was like, “Can I get lipo?” And I got lipo and I’m feeling really good,” – Amy Schumer.
So, what exactly is liposuction?
Liposuction (lipo, lipoplasty, or body contouring) is a surgical procedure whereby excess fat is removed from the body. The process involves the removal of fat from areas such as the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, arms, neck, or back.
There are many different ways that this procedure is performed, be it with lasers, ultrasounds, or the traditional method of the doctor injecting a sterile solution into the area before making small cuts and inserting a thin tube under the skin.
amy schumer/instagram
Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment, and many patients often seek it out after traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise have failed.
What are the benefits of liposuction?
While liposuction is touted as a ‘body countering’ procedure, you might be surprised to learn that there are other ways that the procedure can help the body. According to one study, liposuction may help to improve cardiovascular risk factors.
Additionally, liposuction is also an effective remedy when it comes to the treatment of Gynecomastia, more commonly known as ‘man boobs’.
Sounds great, but what are the limits?
Again, liposuction is not a weight-loss method. It will not drastically help you lose weight, nor should it. Liposuction is more about subtle results than anything else. That said, if you are hoping for extreme results, might we suggest bariatric surgery? The reality is that even with liposuction, without a change in your eating and fitness habits, then the impact of liposuction will not last.
What about the risks?
All surgical procedures come with risks, and the risks associated with liposuction surgery include:
- Infections
- Numbness
- Allergic reactions
- Blood clots
- Fat clots
- Brushing
- Swelling
- Death
Is lipo for me?
That depends on a few factors.
Firstly, liposuction is best for people whose skin has elasticity, as this will allow for the skin to mold itself into new contours. Unfortunately, those with poor skin elasticity who undergo liposuction may end up with saggy and loose-looking skin.
Additionally, individuals with circulation issues or weakened immune systems should likely not undergo the procedure. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also shares that good candidates for liposuction should be:
- Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin, and good muscle tone
- Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical condition that can impair healing
- Nonsmokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring
Takeaway
Liposuction is an elective procedure that continues to grow in popularity. While it is not a weight-loss method, the procedure can help in other ways. However, not everyone is a candidate for this, so it’s important to speak to your doctor so that you can be sure of a way forward.
MAIN IMAGE CREDIT:amyschumer/instagram
References
Benatti, F. B., Lira, F. S., Oyama, L. M., do Nascimento, C. M., & Lancha, A. H., Jr (2011). Strategies for reducing body fat mass: effects of liposuction and exercise on cardiovascular risk factors and adiposity. Diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity : targets and therapy, 4, 141–154. https://doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S12143
