Those who struggle with obesity have likely considered every procedure, diet, and more to help them lose the weight. For most of us, there’s not a fad diet we have not tried, a surgery we have not considered, or an exercise plan we have not undertaken. In the end, for whatever our own personal reasons, we have not been able to find success in losing the weight or we have not been able to maintain these new standards for health.

Liposuction is a procedure that is often thrown around as an option for losing weight – something that has become so commonplace in our society that few people think anything of undergoing the procedure. But what is the difference between liposuction and weight loss surgery?

Here is the most important factor of difference between the two – weight loss surgery creates anatomical change to reduce the amount of food that we can ingest. As a result, this allows for long-term, sustainable weight loss. It is a permanent weight loss solution that can address overall health and obesity-related conditions.

Liposuction, on the other hand, is a cosmetic procedure that is intended to eliminate fat. This does not address obesity but rather allows for the removal of fat in particular areas. It’s best used for spot reduction in people who are already invested in a healthy diet and exercise program but are having difficulty getting rid of “trouble” areas.

Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of weight loss surgery in your particular case. It may be that liposuction will suit you just fine. But if you have long been struggling with obesity, then it may be that you are a good candidate for weight loss surgery to help you lose life-threatening pounds and manage your weight and health for the long term.