Can obese 144cm, 87kg, 64 year female, large distended stomach on hypertension medication have liposuction before knee replaced?

Question

Seeking options for my mum who due to her weight and size has knee arthritis. Knee replacement was recommended and fear weight will only damage new knee. She has low motivation to stop eating and tried several failed healthy dietician diets and says cannot exercise due to knee pain. Also has had one hip replaced 2 years ago. Would liposuction and a tummy tuck work for her to stop weight gain?

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Lipo removes an insignificant amount of weight and does not provide a solution for additional weight gain afer the procedure. The proper surgical treatment is bariatric surgery of which a variety of procedures exist. This will reduce weight on the legs and improve weight related knee pain.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

liposuction is not a tool for weight loss, but is more a tool for body shaping and localized fat reduction to improve disproportion.  In cases of patients with lipedema, we can get body reduction with improvement in joints.  However, this isnt best for patients with multiple medical issues. I suggest a formal consultation to see what is best.  Dr. Emer.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Liposuction just removes excess fat, and tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin. Neither will prevent weight gain. Some patients have benefited from removing excess abdominal fat before surgeries like a knee replacement. Your mother may need medical clearance from her physician. I would suggest having her meet with a board certified plastic surgeon and discussing all her concerns.

Francisco Canales, MD · Answer

Your mom is not a candidate for liposuction or tummy tuck. Neither surgery is meant to help with weight loss. At 4 ft 9 inches and about 191 pounds, her risks of surgery with obesity and hypertension are significantly higher.  Make sure her primary physician is involved. Even the knee surgery can have significant complications with obesity and hypertension, and you are right about possibly injuring the knee replacement due to the weight.  Make sure her medical condition is maximized before pursuing any kind of surgery. Best wishes.

Can obese 144cm, 87kg, 64 year female, large distended stomach on hypertension medication have liposuction before knee replaced?

Answers (4)

Answer: Liposuction, obesity and hypertension

Answer: Liposuction, obesity and hypertension

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Can obese 144cm, 87kg, 64 year female, large distended stomach on hypertension medication have liposuction before knee replaced?

Answers (4)

Answer: Liposuction, obesity and hypertension

Answer: Liposuction, obesity and hypertension

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Smart Lipo

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.