New Trend: Seriously Skinny Women Getting Liposuction

Princess 19 on 16 Jun 2011 at 6:00pm

One might assume that liposuction is done on those that went through a rapid weight loss or with clearcut problem areas of excess fat. But, a growing number of thin women are getting the procedure done. We're talking the size 0/2 set. Are these women out of their mind? One RealSelf doctor says "no."

Recently on the Today Show, Beverly Hills dermatologic surgeon Dr. David Amron, Matt Lauer and co. discussed the growing trend of mini liposuction.

Comments (3)

KateH (Community Manager) 24 Jun 2011

I agree with the doctor on this. I have had friends that are extremely active and lean, but they for some reason cannot get rid of fat in a specific area. They, in turn, would be a perfect candidate for liposuction because the fat just won't shed on its own!

I agree with the Dr. Amron that someone that is extremely overweight should first do what they can on their own, and then may turn to lipo for "stubborn" areas.

The stomach is a perfect example of a fatty area that is extremely hard to shed for some individuals.

David Amron, MD 17 Jun 2011

I was the surgeon who was interviewed on the Today show regarding mini-liposuction on Monday, June 13th, 2011. My goal was to clear up confusion surrounding liposuction surgery and to clarify the misperception that liposuction may only be suited to someone who is overweight. Like I mentioned, weight loss and being in good muscular tone is the patient’s responsibility, mine is to target disproportion. The reason a thin, fit patient may be an ideal candidate such as the patient highlighted on the Today show, is because they have done everything they can do. Any incremental improvement targeting disproportionate areas will come from the surgeon. In the overweight, out of proportion patient, it is commonly a combination of their role to lose the weight and the surgeon’s role to correct the disproportion. In the overweight, proportionate patient, the surgeon actually has no role. The proportionate, overweight patient should simply lose weight and get in shape.

I also discussed my feelings regarding the recent study published in Obesity, mentioned in the NY Times, implying that liposuction may cause fat to go to other areas. If the surgeon is careful to only approach liposuction as a re-proportioning procedure and has good judgment, artistic sense and technical skills, a disproportionate patient will be made proportionate by liposuction. I have extensively discussed my feelings and experience with thousands of patients regarding re-proportioning in the article on my website entitled “Fat Redistribution After Liposuction? No Big Surprise. “

For further information regarding mini-liposuction, which is shorter version of liposuction targeting one or two areas, you can visit my website ExpertLiposuction.
David M.Amron, MD
Beverly Hills, CA

View answers from David Amron, MD

fiddledd 16 Jun 2011

Liposuction takes away cushioning that might well be advantageous when older to help protect bony prominence areas if bedridden. I think it is a very unhealthy practice and that it is unfortunate the medical society doesn't restrict it. It is a real money maker though, all the way around. The more that goes wrong with it just means more dollars for the medical industry.