And since over 70% of patients under 35 cited social media influencers and celebrities as major motivations for undergoing cosmetic procedures, according to a 2022 report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Not to mention that 40% of people considering cosmetic procedures were influenced by celebrity transformations, according to a 2021 survey by RealSelf. You are not alone in wondering what this procedure can do for you.
That is what we will be discussing today, exactly how liposuction became the highly sought-after treatment it is today. As well as who in the world of glitz and glam has gone under the knife to get the body of their dreams.
The concept of body fat removal dates back to 1921 when French surgeon Dr Charles Dujarier attempted to contour a dancer’s legs by removing subcutaneous fat. Unfortunately, the procedure was primitive and unsuccessful, leading to widespread scepticism and abandonment of the technique for decades.
However, in 1974, Dr Giorgio Fischer, a gynaecologist from Italy, developed the first blunt-tunnelling technique using a rotating scalpel and suction device, which was the first true precursor to modern liposuction. Since then, liposuction surgery has been refined, and today, it can deliver incredible and natural-looking results safely.
Of course, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder, and even though there is a lot of societal pressure to look one’s best, the goal behind this procedure is to help YOU look and feel YOUR best. Especially since body image ideals are far from fixed, they are cultural constructs that shift over time, in response to changing power structures and social values.
Let’s not forget that the Venus of Willendorf figurine, with her exaggerated hips and breasts, symbolised fertility and survival. And in the Middle Ages (5th–15th Century), particularly among the upper class, body fat was associated with wealth, status, and prosperity. Today, movements advocating for body neutrality, self-love, and inclusive fashion are challenging conventional standards.
So, what makes YOU happy and confident is the goal you should discuss with your Plastic Surgeon, as there are many different types of liposuction procedures, including VASER liposuction, standard liposuction, and 360 liposuction to help you turn your aesthetic dreams into a reality.
Several celebrities have openly discussed undergoing liposuction, helping remove the taboo that sometimes surrounds the topic. Among them are Cardi B, Clay Aiken, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chrissy Teigen, and Nene Leakes.
Rapper Cardi B first revealed she had undergone liposuction to remove unwanted body fat during her performance at the 2019 Beale Street Music Festival. Months later, she opened up about her decision to publicly address her liposuction in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
In a 2010 interview with People, the former Real Housewives of Atlanta star, NeNe Leakes, shared that she had fat removed around her waist. “I’m very comfortable and confident in myself. I just wanted a tune-up. I still wanted to look like NeNe, the Black woman that I am, but a better version,” she said.
Kyle Richards, another of the Real Housewives stars from the Beverly Hills franchise, explained during a Secrets Revealed special in 2013, “After having four kids, no matter what exercise I did, the love handles would not go away. I wanted to wear jeans and a tucked-in shirt and not feel self-conscious. I’m very happy with the results.”
Of course, when one thinks of lipo, the first thing that comes to mind is removing the fat around the waist, as the abdomen is probably the most popular area to address. However, liposuction is much more versatile than just tackling unwanted tummy and hip fat. It can actually be used to address a double chin and even underarm fat, too.
Chrissy Teigen, the model, also previously revealed that she had gotten liposuction to remove unwanted fat from her armpits.
Contrary to popular belief, lipo surgery is not just for women, even though they do make up the majority of patients. In 2019, the Jersey Shore star Ronnie Ortiz-Magro decided to undergo liposuction to maintain his famous six-pack abs. And Clay Aiken, the American Idol alum, revealed that he had gotten liposuction in his chin while undergoing a procedure to treat symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) in 2012.
Liposuction has evolved significantly and is now a safe and effective way to remove stubborn fat and sculpt your body. It is no surprise that many celebrities have chosen it to help them look and feel their best.
But it is important to remember, lipo surgery is not just for the rich and famous. Increasingly, everyday people are turning to liposuction. Simply because, whether famous or not, as we have seen, liposuction is not about chasing perfection. It is about making a personal choice to feel happier in your body, whether it’s for a smoother waistline, a more defined chin, or simply getting rid of fat that won’t budge after weight loss or pregnancy.
