I'm 270 pounds, I Was Told By A Surgeon This Is To Much Weight To Have Liposuction Is This True? (photo)

BMI is a rough estimate of a person's body fat based on height and weight measurements. The surgeon you consulted likely calculated a BMI in excess of 30 which typically increases the risks of complications during and after surgery and decreases optimal results.  Liposuction is not to be considered a weight loss program, so recommend an appointment with your PCP to discuss an exercise and weight loss program.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Everyone needs a little help sometimes and liposuction is such a great motivator. Getting liposuction under local in a series of procedures can really change a person's life.

The surgeon gave you good advice. Usually I will follow overweight patients as they loose weight to determine what is the ideal weight for any surgery, including liposuction.Often, a good registered dietician is helpful.

Hi, thanks for sharing your concern and photos with us!

The ideal BMI for aesthetics procedures is below 34%, but the more weight you lose the better results you will get. Reaching your weight goal prior to surgery would decrease the risks of complications during and after surgery and enhance results. Remember thata plastic surgery is not a weight loss program.
Have a great day!

Dr. JPG

I would recommend consulting with a bariatric surgeon to explore options. For plastic surgeon, it is generally best to have a BMI of 30 or less for greatest patient happiness.

Thank you for the photos and the information provided.

The best option is to have a stable weight and also a BMI range around or lower 30. I suggest you lose weight first, a high weight increase the complications during surgery and your current BMI, based on your weight is higher than the recommend. 
I recommend you to make a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon and discuss your goals.

Best Wishes.

You should calculate your BMI (easy, just google it).  If your BMI is over 40, you should not have liposuction.  Between BMI 35 and 40, in my experience there's some benefit.  Best results are for patients in the BMI 22-30, although select patients with BMI 30-35 can benefit significantly.

Hello dear!!

Thanks for the question and provided information as well. 

Weighting 270 lbs increase the risk of complications during and after your surgery, the BMI range is 30 and it is important have a stable weight in order to have any surgical process. 

I recommend you maintain your weight in a healthy range and then consider the surgery, you will achieve amazing results.

Also you can make an appointment with a board plastic surgeon for a good evaluation and to talk about your goals.

Good luck.-

Unfortunately, liposuction would not be the solution for you.  Your BMI puts you at risk and the volume that can safely be suctioned would not make a viable difference. If you want to do something life changing, see a bariatric surgeon to evaluate the potential benefits of weight loss surgery. Good luck!

Your surgeon has provided accurate assessment regarding your candidacy for liposuction. With a high BMI you would truly have suboptimal and disappointing results. However, you may wish to consider weight loss surgery if you have had limited success with diet and exercise. Good luck. Be well#drburnett #realself100