Liposuction and Weight Loss

Daniel Reichner, MD answers: Does liposuction make you lose weight?

I am thinking about having liposuction around my stomach, lovehandles and thighs. Will I lose weight or just get a bit smaller? Overall, I am happy with my figure, but I have always had an extra 20 pounds that I haven't been able to lose through diet or exercise. Will liposuction accomplish this?


Daniel Reichner, MD
9 months ago

Liposuction is more about sculpting and is not designed to help with weight loss.  Even with 5 liters of liposuction, patients will only lose a few pounds. Therefore, you will not lose the 20 lbs, but your shape will be much better.

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A: NO!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
9 months ago

The short answer is no! Liposuction is great for body sculpturing. Removal of fat from areas like the hips ,flanks etc..

Liposuction should not be used to loose weight. The society recommendation is to stay within 5 liters of lipoaspirate. Together with using a tumescent technique ,this will keep you safe.Hope that helps!

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A: Most patients lose little weight as Lipo is sculpting

John P. Di Saia, MD
8 months ago

Hello,

Liposuction is a sculpting procedure. It makes you "thinner" as long as there is fat to remove, but weight loss is uncommon. Even large volume lipo patients tend to put the weight back on.

If properly selected, at least some of the benefits of the "thinning" remain, however.

If you think "sculpting" and maintain a relatively steady weight, you should be in the best shape.

Best Regards.

A: Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure

Farbod Esmailian, MD
9 months ago

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. If you expect to come out from surgery 20 lbs lighter, then you will be disappointed. Liposuction is used as a body contouring procedure to hit areas that one has not been able to work on with diet and exercise.

Ideally, Liposuction should be performed on patients at their ideal body weight or close to it.

Hope that helps.

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