Area to Have Liposuction Done First?

asked 2 years ago by pepgir17 in Mansfield, MA
Latest answer by Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Question viewed 770 times

I have an apple-shaped body. I am a very active and healthy person with defined arms, legs, and very little body fat except in my belly and love handles. I work out regularly and eat healthy but my body looks very disproportionate. I saw a plastic surgeon and was advised to have two Liposuction treatments: one in my belly and one for my love handles in the back. Are both necessary? If so, which should I do first?

12 answers to Area to Have Liposuction Done First?

See at least 2 other doctors

It is always good to get a few opinions when you undergo liposculpting since it varies so much depending on the technique and areas to be done. If you have a large tummy then maybe only that area can be done at one time. It is better to be thorough and get a good result than to slop through and get a so-so result. If you are not that large, then it is most common to do the abdomen and the love handles together at the same procedure. If they must be separated due to volume restrictions,... more

David Hansen, MD
Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

www.DrDavidHansen.com

Define liposuction areas--number or order shouldn't matter

Assuming liposuction is done properly, the key to patient satisfaction is knowing what liposuction does and what it doesn't do as well as understanding what area is going to be done and what degree of change and improvement is expected in that area. Since liposuction is nearly always a cosmetic choice, there is no correct answer to which area to do, how many, or in what order. The patient has to look at any area that is suitable and decide which area is the most important or worth the cost... more

Scott L. Replogle, MD
Denver Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction of abdomen and love handles is usually done at the same time

Typically liposuction of the abdomen and the second area "love handles" is done at the same setting.Of course it is elective and your decision. I agree with the value of obtaing a second opinion.See before and after photos of Laser Lipo.

Brooke R. Seckel, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

These 2 areas are usually done at the same time.

Most surgeons do both at the same time and the savings of doing both at one time is substantial. You might want a second opinion.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Lipo is often done in two areas

Liposuction can often be done in two areas. The area that bothers you most should be done first. The examination, by the physician, determines which areas can be done. Talk with your doctor.

Ronald Shelton, MD
Manhattan Dermatologist

Do them together.

Hi! This a very common problem we see in our Manhattan practice. You probably will benefit by having both liposuction of the abdomen and liposuction of the love handles or flanks. We always do these two areas together, and the recovery is easy. If for some reason you only want to do one area, then do the stomach.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Contouring your midsection with liposuction is best if it is done circumferentially.

I always treat the whole midsection at the same time .This will give you the best shape and skin tightening. Surgeons who divide these into little areas and subareas are most likely not board certified plastic surgeons.A lot of doctors do body liposuction such as dentists, oral surgeons, general surgeons, gynecologists, otolaryngologists and even family practitioners. They all can call themselves plastic or cosmetic surgeons. If your doctor wants to do this procedure under strictly local... more

George Marosan, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

Do them both together as long as you don't exceed 5 liters of removal

I see no reason to separate the two areas as long as your surgeon does not exceed about 5 liters of removal at one setting. That safety factor would be my main consideration since excessive blood loss and fluid shifts can happen when more than that is removed in one setting. I assume you are in good health and you have no anemia. Best of luck.

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction of abdomen and flanks

Dear pepgirl, If you collect fat like most women, you probably have fat collections in the love handles and belly. Thus, although it's not necessary to have liposuction of either area, if you're planning on having liposuction, your results will be better if both areas are treated. Virtually all board-certified plastic surgeons would treat your entire trunk at the same procedure (i.e. back, love handles and belly). This is because we are certified to perform these procedures in accredited... more

Sam Jejurikar, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Do both the abdomen and the love handles at the same time

It sounds like your abdomen and flanks could benefit from some liposuction. It s reasonable and safe to do these areas at the same time in most circumstances. Be sure you saw a real Board Certified plastic surgeon because many people who do liposuction are not. It is not uncommon for these non-plastic surgeons to subdivide the surgery into too many little ones because they can't get a physician anesthesiologist to work with them. Remember that a "cosmetic" surgeon is not... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction of abdomen and flank

If you are healthy and have good skin quality, liposuction may be the perfect answer for you. Unless you are planning on doing these as some office based procedure, I'd suggest getting both areas addressed at the same time. You would be combining all the risk portion of the procedure as well as the recovery period(s). I do not see a good reason to separate the procedures based on what you have told us. As far as the procedure being necessary: no cosmetic surgery is necessary. You should... more