Liposuction and Your Heart

The Journal of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery has published the results of a new study showing a relationship between triglycerides and liposuction in people who have had high levels of triglycerides. What are triglycerides? Well, triglycerides are the main form of fat that the body stores. These triglycerides are in the blood, saved for when you need energy. They are made of three fatty molecules and one molecule of glycerol, hence the name. The important thing is that it is believed that these triglycerides contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls, which of course can lead to heart attack or stroke. Fat cells produce triglycerides.

What does this mean? It turns out there is a correlation between how many fat cells a person has and the amount of triglycerides produced, but only in people who tested high in triglycerides to begin with. Belly fat, in particular, is associated with high triglycerides. In other words, liposuction reduces triglyceride levels in these people. 300 patients who had liposuction had their triglyceride levels measured before and three months after the surgery. The results showed a 43% reduction rate in blood triglyceride levels! This is more of a reduction than achieved by other medical means of controlling triglycerides, such as medication, diet, or supplements. Liposuction just may be healthier for you than we thought!

Of course, no one is suggesting that you run out to have liposuction if you test high in triglycerides, but it is good to know that if you want liposuction there just might be another health benefit involved. Generally, if you test high in triglycerides, your doctor will tell you to lose 5 – 10 pounds, exercise regularly, limit your fat intake, and alcohol. These are all good ideas for anyone who is even slightly overweight and wants to remain healthy anyway. As a doctor, this is the advice I give. As a cosmetic surgeon I can offer Arkansas patients liposuction at Little Rock Cosmetic Surgery Center as well.

Dr. Branman

Call Melinda, my Patient/Surgery Coordinator to set up your consultation. 501-227-0707

Thanks to lifelikeapps for the great heart photo!