Could I Be a Candidate for Liposuction at 40 Pounds Overweight?

Question

I know lipo is not a weight loss tool. I don't want lipo to lose weight; I want it to contour my neck and abdomen so that my body shape is nicer and clothes are more comfortable. My weight has been stable for over 15 years... I've lost 10-20 lb.s a few times, only to gain it back because it always jumps back to my "base" weight, but then it stays there. Basically, my body wants to stay right here at 180. (Female, 5'6", 42). I exercise, I am active and I enjoy basic activities such as hiking.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

If you are active and exercising, then liposuction can help with those stubborn areas to help you feel better and look better.  The results can be very dramatic and is so safe now-a-days , especially if done under local anesthesia and you are back to work in 2 days.  Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Ritu Chopra, MD · Answer

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we plastic surgeons know that better than anyone. We sometimes get rotund patients who want to use liposuction as a weight loss tool. You aren't like that. You know it isn't for generalized "shrinking" of your size, but for specific target figure flaws. As long as you have no medical issues and pass medical clearance with your internist, it's a go!

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is hard to provided with a valid medical opinion without photos.  I would suggest to be treated by board certificated plastic surgeon with experience in this procedure, to get the best desired results.
Kind Regards,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

You are probably a reasonable candidate if your weight is stable, not obese,  have excessive subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise, like you are experiencing. If you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male chest/breasts, trunk abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles.Most patients are near normal weight and are stable, and desire permanent contour changes. Patients with average weight, localized fat collections, and healthy elastic skin are the best candidates for liposuction. I would recommend that you seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you in person and give you the best answer.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

While surgical outcome and safety improve dramatically when patients are at an ideal and normal BMI, you may be able to still undergo the procedure. A consultation with a board certified surgeon will be able to confirm this. Best of luck

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Yes, liposuction is not a replacement for diet and exercise. You might get a wonderful result in the areas you mention, but it could be that you will put the weight back on. If a sizable volume of fat is removed, then your body will need less net calories to keep the weight off. So if you don't exercise a little more, or eat a little less than before liposuction, your net calories will be the same as before surgery, and as you said your weight has been stable, then those calories will have to go somewhere and you'll see the results not last. Often, patients who undergo liposuction, and see for the first time, reduction in the stubborn areas they had wanted to reduce for years but couldn't, become more motivated to maintain this good result. They start to exercise more and watch their diet. Good luck!

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

You BMI is 29 therefore you are not considered obese. I think as long as your weight is stable you can benefit from liposuction.

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

Based on your question, it sounds like you have reasonable expectations and goals, and may very well benefit from liposuction. Often liposuction of the neck can offer a dramatic improvement in overall appearance. Also, liposuction of targeted areas when your weight is stable is very reasonable . Everybody has a different weight at which they live, and as long as you understand the goals and limitations of liposuction for your body in particular, you can have a very positive outcome with liposuction. The key points you mention are recognizing liposuction is not a weight loss tool, that you are active, are happy with your weight, have a stable weight, and want focused areas of liposuction for specific reasons. Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	In regards to your weight, as long as you are at a stable weight where you plan to be long-term you may be a good candidate for liposuction procedure.  I would suggest in-person consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon.

	Best wishes.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Hello,

	Your absolute weight is not as important as your ability to maintain that weight. Lipo results change as you gain or lose more than a few pounds from the point after surgery. Being able to maintain weight is key.

	As long as your expectations are reasonable and you have fat in the areas to be treated with good skin tone, you should be OK.

	 

	Best Regards,

	John Di Saia MD

Could I Be a Candidate for Liposuction at 40 Pounds Overweight?

Answers (15)