Health Watch is a public service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we've been talking about exercise for fitness and other health benefits. But what if you just want to have a better-looking body? Is liposuction a good short cut? Plastic surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say liposuction isn't really a shortcut to a great body. You'll still have to exercise and diet to get the best results.

Dr. Rod Rohrich, chairman of plastic surgery at UT Southwestern, says liposuction is most effective as a way of contouring trouble spots, like hips and thighs. Patients who made lifestyle changes along with liposuction have the best long-term results. Following a healthy diet and exercise program allows patients to lose more weight or maintain weight loss following surgery. Those who don't exercise may gain weight after liposuction.

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July 2006

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