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?

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11 answers to “Does liposuction make you lose weight?”

A: Liposuction is not for weight loss

Steven H. Williams, MD

Liposuction is for targeted fat loss to improve contour.  It is not designed for weight loss and can make your appearance worse if you are outside of your ideal bodyweight.  Liposuction will not change your weight significantly.  Liposuction can also increase the amount of loose skin in... more

A: Liposuction is not about weight reduction, but sculpting

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD

Dear Star12345, Let's get real. What you weigh boils down to two things that are hard to control: How much you eat and how much you metabolize. Change either of these things and you change how much fat is on your body. Unfortunately, what happens to most of us is we eat too much and don't exercise enough. ... more

A: Liposuction is a contouring procedure

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

I would not look at weight to determine if you are a candidate for liposuction. In fact, I would not even think of liposuction since that is just a tool we have for removing fat. First, I would have you look at your lifestyle (i.e. diet, exercise, habits, , etc.). You should optimize your lifestyle as much as... more

A: You'll only lose a few ounces from liposuction

Sutton Graham II, MD

Star12345:  Liposuction removes localized excess fat fairly well.  Patients look better because of how it changes the contour of the treated areas.  Fat is bulky, but not very dense.  Therefore, small changes in body weight occur when liposuction is done.  Liposuction really won't help... more

A: Liposuction and Weight Loss

Daniel Reichner, MD

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.

A: NO!

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

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... more

A: Liposuction is not for weight loss

Richard P. Rand, MD

The proper patient for liposuction has done all they can with diet and exercise, has goone skin elasticity and a few very specific areas of fat excess that are resistent.  It is for contouring of these areas and not for any significant amount of weight loss.  20 pounds is within your reach, just... more

A: If you are happy with your figure, DON'T have liposuction.

George J. Beraka, MD

To start12345, Hi!  Of course you remove a few pounds with liposuction.  But this is incidental.   The purpose of liposuction is to remove bulges and improve contour. So I am afraid there is no easy answer for you.  You need to slowly and gradually reduce your caloric intake (diets... more

A: Liposuction is about shaping and contouring

Brian K. Brzowski, MD

Like Michelangelo's sculpture, David, liposuction is all about the shape and contour you leave behind. 500 years later, skilled plastic surgeons understand this (see these other excellent replies). We're just trying to end up with a good shape, and aren't too worried about how much the marble on the floor... more

A: Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure

Farbod Esmailian, MD

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... more

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