I'm 5'2", 213lbs. I would like to get Smart Lipo but was told I couldn't until I got down to around 190 in weight.

Losing weight is a Fantastic idea prior to getting any bodywork done if you're very heavy. Your height and weight would suggest that you have a large amount of fat on the surface and a large amount of fat inside your abdomen. This intra abdominal fat is called visceral fat and pushes your belly out just like a baby. This fat won't go away with lipo, but it will go away if you lose weight. There is no magic number, but your doc probably estimated how much weight it might take for this type of fat to go down. I would be suprised if lipo would be enough. You might need a tummy tuck. No way to tell without a photo. However, weight loss would be required either way. The video will help you understand better.

Thanks for the question. Based on your words, you might be a good candidate for smart lipo. I recommend you to contact a Board Certified Surgeon for consultation. I wish you all the best.

Thank you for your question.You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best. You will likely need to lose weight first before undergoing any cosmetic procedure to get the best outcome. For best results, it is recommended to be at your ideal or stable weight before getting a sculpting liposuction procedure. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure; rather, it is for sculpting, defining and removing problem areas that cannot be removed with weight loss, diet and exercise alone. If skin is very loose before surgery, then it will need to be removed: tummy tuck/abdominoplasty for lower abdominal skin; breast lift for excess breast skin; and/or a brachioplasty for loose arm skin. In the meantime, I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a bariatric doctor or dietitian. Best, Dr. Emer

Hi.  Thanks for the question.  Yes, you can have lipo done at your current weight.  However, the results will not be as good as they could be if you were thinner.  The main things for you to consider are what result are you trying to get, and what are you willing to go through to get them.  If you want a flat abdomen, a tummy tuck would be best.  If you want your clothes to fit better and won't mind having some loose skin then lipo can work.  It really is up to your level of expectations that will determine what procedure is best for you.Best of luck!M Kerin MDKerin MedSpa

Dear 
high BMI is a significant risk factor for complications. So, most plastic surgeons will demand you to reduce your weight prior to surgery. Also, based on your info, you will most likely have a lot of loose skin after liposcution so tummy tuck might be a better option. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Without photos, the pouch you describe could be amenable to Smart Lipo or may represent visceral fat that is accentuated by abdominal muscle laxity. A more optimal weight is always a good idea prior to any cosmetic surgery.

Thank you for your question. I hope I can clear up any confusion you may have regarding liposuction.There are some prescribed guidelines for how much fat that aught to be removed during liposuction. The default maximum is 5 liters. Certainly, doctors are empowered to make their own judgement call based on the totality of the circumstances and what they believe might (or might not) be in the best interests of the patient. This is why sometimes (even frequently) you may see liposuction patients getting more than the suggest maximum of fat removed.Another medical school mantra: liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure, so patients should be at a healthy and stable weight to qualify as candidates. The thinking behind the guidelines reveals the intended purpose, which I believe is more important. The fact is that some doctors may be reluctant to perform liposuction on patients of a certain weight because they feel obliged not to present the procedure as a weight loss solution. I wish you the best of luck.   

I have done liposuction on patients who weighed in the 200's. You do need to have a realistic expectation on what liposuction at your current weight will do. You still can benefit from the fat removal.

I understand your frustrations. While you could certainly find someone who would be willing to perform Smartlipo™ at your current weight, you will likely be disappointed with your results. The closer you can come to your target weight prior to your body contouring treatment, the more thorough and complete your results can be.


It’s also important to keep in mind that maintaining a healthy, stable weight before Smartlipo can help you keep your same great results for years to come.

Thank you for your question. I do see the occasional patient with similar concerns. As you have already stated Smart Lipo is not a weight reducing procedure, but a body sculpting one. Inches are lost , but not necessarily weight. You do need to adhere to an appropriate diet and exercise regimen in order to lose more weight. The intention of having Smart Lipo performed afterwards when you achieve an acceptable BMI should give you more motivation to lose that weight. I hope my answer was helpful