Question
Can teens get SmartLipo or mesotherapy?
My daughter just turned 17. She has lost 63 lbs over 1 1/2 years and is 5'6 and now weighs 148. She has saggy arms (area below the triceps. She also has extra fat around the abdomen but this doesn't bother her as much. Should we consider smart lipo or mesotherapy?
I'm concerned that she may be too young. Is this procedure safe for 17 yr old girl or should she wait?
Answers (1)
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1
5 days ago
Liposuction or mesotherapy in 17 year olds
Most plastic surgeons (including myself) prefer to operate on patients who are at least 18 years old. This is not absolute, however. If a 17 year old is mature and the problem is significant, then I would consider it. Having said that, it sounds like your daughter may need more than mesotherapy or liposuction. A 63 lb weight loss over 18 months in someone who is 5'6" tall is rather significant. Although I haven't examined her, it sounds like she may also need a skin excision due to laxity. Mesotherapy or liposuction is not a great treatment option if there is any element of skin laxity. Make an appointment with a local plastic surgeon and hear what he/she has to say! Good luck.
Comment on this
34 posts
11 Oct 2008
Smartlipo is an innovative procedure for removing body fat and firming loose skin. The procedure is safe and produces lasting effects.
4 posts
9 Sep 2008
I would recommend that you attempt a nonsurgical approach before pursuing Smart Lipo for your daughter. Options would include Thermage for skin tightening and body contouring or Mesotherapy for body sculpting. It would be best for your daughter to be seen as a consultation with a doctor who offers nonsurgical cosmetic treatments to determine what procedures would work best.
11 posts
9 Oct 2008
In our age of quick and easy fixes, with cosmetic med spas at the mall and every doctor (and even dentists) starting to do cosmetic procedures, we can lose sight of the fact that these are serious decisions. It's great that your daughter has lost so much weight, and I can appreciate her desire to improve her outward appearance. In general, I typically advise against elective cosmetic surgery in teens, as their bodies are still growing. Non-invasive techniques such as TriActive or RF skin tightening (such as Radiage) may be beneficial at this time. Most people have completed puberty and achieved their full growth potential by age 18. Depending on your daughter's immediate needs, she may be a good candidate for SmartLipo or perhaps removal of excess skin, based on the laxity of her skin. Not knowing how long your daughter had been overweight and the time-frame for desired results, it's difficult to determine whether or not her skin will improve with simple exercise and toning alone. Also keep in mind your budget for any procedures, as they can be costly (especially if you plan on doing non-invasive procedures now, followed by more invasive techniques such as liposuction next year). Prior to making any decision, I advise you to consult with at least a couple of doctors in order to explore your options and to help you make the most informed decison. Good luck!