Hypothalamic ammenorhea - can I have inner thigh and knee liposuction?

Question

I am considering doing inner thigh and knee liposuction but I currently have hypothalamic ammenorhea and I was wondering if it will affect my surgery (e.g the impact of anesthesia)? Also I heard that hypothalamic ammenorhea is usually fixed by gaining weight, which I have not done. Am I a good candidate for liposuction if i may need to gain weight in the future?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Hypothalamic amenorrhea is an important reason to pause before elective liposuction. It often reflects low energy availability, low body weight, excessive exercise, stress, or hormonal imbalance, and it should be evaluated and managed before considering cosmetic surgery. The anesthesia itself may still be possible in some patients, but your surgeon and anesthesia team would want medical clearance, stable labs, and a clear understanding of your nutrition and hormone status.

If you may need to gain weight to restore your cycle or improve your overall health, it is usually better to do that first and then reassess your body contour once your weight has been stable for several months. Liposuction works best for stable, localized fat deposits, not when body weight or health status is still changing. An in-person exam plus clearance from your primary doctor, gynecologist, or endocrinologist would be the safest next step before deciding whether inner thigh or knee liposuction is appropriate.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

It's great that you're considering liposuction, but it's important to address a few key things regarding your health condition. Hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) occurs when there is a disruption in your hypothalamus, which can be triggered by factors like stress, weight changes, or over-exercising. It’s often associated with low body fat and hormonal imbalances.
Regarding liposuction, generally speaking, you can still be a candidate for the procedure, but there are a few things to consider. First, because liposuction involves anesthesia, it’s important to make sure your body is in a stable enough condition to handle it. Since HA may affect your metabolism and your body's ability to recover from surgery, it’s essential to have a conversation with your doctor, ideally both a plastic surgeon and your primary care physician, to assess any potential risks.
As for gaining weight, you're right that one of the approaches to treating HA involves addressing any underlying factors such as nutrition and body weight. However, if you are still in a position where weight gain is a potential goal in the future, it might be worth reconsidering liposuction until your body has reached a more stable weight. This is because liposuction removes fat cells, and if you gain weight later on, the fat might distribute differently, and it could affect the results of your surgery.
Ultimately, the best course of action is to have an open discussion with your healthcare providers about your overall health and goals. They can help you determine if liposuction is a safe and appropriate option for you at this time.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

An examination is needed to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.  During a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon you will review your medical history and medications as well as a physical evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedures that interest you.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Without seeing pictures, we can’t begin to make an assessment.
Liposuction will permanently change fat distribution.
You can then gain or lose weight and the fat will follow the new fat distribution.
Inner thigh, liposuction is technically challenging and often does not give the results of patients had hoped for.
I recommend Caution when considering this procedure.
If not done by sufficiently skilled provider, patients can be left with permanent contour irregularities
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Hypothalamic ammenorhea - can I have inner thigh and knee liposuction?

Answers (4)

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