Embarrassed About Having Liposuction

You are not alone in being embarassed about considering liposuction. Many feel guilty about using surgery instead of other means to achieve their goals. Talk to your friends about your decision, and you will be surprised that many will share your feelings. Ultimately, it is a very private decision and should be kept that way.

Dear RealSelf Admin,

Thank you for sharing your concerns. It's important to recognize that feelings of embarrassment about undergoing cosmetic procedures are not uncommon. However, it's worth noting that attitudes towards plastic surgery have evolved significantly since this question was originally asked in 2009.

In today's society, there is a growing trend towards openness and transparency regarding plastic surgery experiences. Many individuals are choosing to openly discuss their procedures with friends, family, and even on social media platforms. As the stigma surrounding cosmetic enhancements continues to diminish, more people feel empowered to share their journeys without fear of judgment.

While it's natural to feel apprehensive about revealing your experience, it's essential to remember that undergoing liposuction or any other cosmetic procedure is a personal decision. Ultimately, what matters most is how you feel about yourself and the positive impact the procedure has had on your confidence and self-esteem.

If you find yourself struggling with feelings of embarrassment, consider reaching out to a supportive community or seeking guidance from a trusted friend or mental health professional. Remember, you have the right to decide whom you share your experiences with, and there is no shame in prioritizing your well-being and happiness.

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen
Plastic Surgeon

You should seek out an experienced aesthetic physician, preferably board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to achieve rejuvenated but natural appearance. Thankfully, most cosmetic procedures available can be performed in a relatively discreet fashion. Whether or not you choose to share your decision to pursue liposuction or any other cosmetic procedure is personal. Work with your aesthetic physician to minimize down time, e.g. tumescent liposuction without general anesthesia, taking Arnica and avoiding blood thinners prior to filler injecitons, so that if you choose to keep the procedures to yourself, you can.

Hi there-
The only reason I can think of that you might be self-conscious about your liposuction procedure is if you experience a poor outcome as a result of making poor decisions, like letting your eye doctor do liposuction on you in his office...
As long as you have your procedure performed for appropriate motivations by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in a certified facility and with responsible anesthesia and attention to surgical technique (a given if you use a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon), you can reasonably expect an outcome that you can be proud of and that your friends will admire.
One of the benefits of seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for these types of procedures is the training and experience we have in managing the problems that can occur (although they are infrequent) after liposuction.
Trust your body and your safety to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon- and be proud of your outcome!
Here's a little help in choosing a plastic surgeon:

If you are concerned with how your friends would react to you having had cosmetic surgery, don't tell them. Fortunately, liposuction is one of those procedures that can be done without many people knowing. This is because you can hide the postop garment under your clothes. Postop pain is tolerable and you should be able to return to work within days.
Choosing to have cosmetic surgery is a very personal decision, as is letting others know about it. Hopefully, this issue won't prevent you from enjoying the benefits of liposuction surgery.
Good Luck!

Liposuction can be easily hidden from your critics. Plastic surgery is a personal decision and most patients don't want to advertise it. Makes it tough for we plastic surgeons to assemble galleries for prospective patients. Liposuction is easily covered by clothes until the stigmata of the procedure has passed. Then you look great and need not offer anyone any explanations.

People just need to get over this. There are no negative stigmas regarding cosmetic treatments; there are just negative people. One should just focus on themselves and forget what others may say or think.
Let’s face it: the reason people undergo cosmetic procedures is because there is something that concerns them and they want it improved. What could possibly be wrong or negative with this?

Many of my patients desire privacy and there is nothing wrong with that. Your healthcare is between you and your doctor. As long as you are comfortable withthe procedure and your plastic surgeon believes you are a good candidate both mentaly and physically then have your procedure and enjoy those benefits.

It is understandable to feel the need to preserve your privacy. However,cosmetic surgery is gaining increased societal approval.  Voice your concerns to your family and see what their reaction is.  I am sure that you will find your family and close friends will be very accepting that you had liposuction.

Plastic surgery is always a personal, private decision. Most of my patients who do liposuction have tried to lose weight with diet and exercise.Their weight is stable. They do liposuction not to "lose weight" but to sculpt. Reduce the love handle bulges over the jeans or thighs which rub together.
Should you tell?
I will repeat, it is a personal, private decision. I don't think you should be ashamed. Liposuction is not a weight loss technique. It is great for people who have a problem area, or for those who gained weight. It can be hard to get to your ideal weight and shape.
If you are comfortable, I think it is good to be honest. I am dismayed by the celebrities who say they "eat broiled fish and exercise", when it seems clear to most of us they have had surgery. Liposuction has been one of the top three plastic surgical procedures for the last decade, and the number of people getting cosmetic surgery continues to rise.
But for those who don't know you well, feel free to say it was diet and exercise. To maintain your liposuction results, that is not a fib- you need to have a good exercise and diet regiment.