Can a general practice doctor perform liposuction?

In the US, a license to practice medicine allows a doctor to LEGALLY perform any treatment they like (brain surgery, leg amputation, allergy shots, C-section, or manage blood pressure).  
The question you should be asking yourself is, would you ask your general doctor to perform a hip replacement for you, even though they are legally allowed?Your health and safety matter.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search. 
I hope the answer is obvious.  Just because it's cosmetic, it doesn't mean it's not real surgery.If you can't afford a properly trained safe surgeon, save the money you have (and your health), and avoid surgery altogether.

Liposuction remains the most popular plastic surgery procedure performed across the country.  It is extremely safe, relatively painless, and offers quick recovery.  However, disasters have been reported.  I urge you to seek a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, which is the only board recognized by the AMA for plastic surgery on the head, neck and breasts and the entire body.  Another credential worth investigating is if the surgeon is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.  This assures you that this surgeon is board-certified and has the expertise in aesthetic surgery.  Do your research.  I often find patients spend more time researching a pair of shoes than they do a surgeon for this type of procedure.  

Yes, it may be possible, but for best results I recommend seeing someone who specializes in high definition physique procedures. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Hi,Any licensed physician can legally perform liposuction. However, you want to see someone with the most experience and training to provide your care. I would suggest you see a board-certified plastic surgeon. Thanks for the important question.

Unfortunately, any licensed physician can perform liposuction in a facility of their own according to the laws in most states. Many just take a weekend course and don't have the same experience in performing the procedure, and more importantly, in knowing who will benefit from the procedure and who should either not have surgery or should have a different procedure. It is not just the technical aspect of being able to do the procedure, it is the experience gained from years of training and an artistic eye.

It was Malcolm Gladwell in the book outliers who enlightened us that it takes 10 000 hours to become an expert in anything. A surgical residency only brings a surgeon to about 6500 hours so residency plus years of being in practice is required for a surgeon to become an expert. If the primary care has completed around 10 000 hours of surgery than they would likely be qualified

Liposuction is most often performed by plastic surgeons and dermatologists.  However, any licensed physician may perform liposuction.  I recommend that you base your decision to have liposuction with a physician on who has had specialized training in the procedure and has successfully performed it hundreds of time before.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Yes, while it is legal for a general practice doctor to perform liposuction, it is not something that I would recommend. Performing liposuction correctly takes experience, skill and training. Just as I wouldn't recommend going to your internist to have a tooth pulled, I don't recommend seeing anyone other than a board certified plastic surgeon for liposuction. Hope this helps. 

Hello dear!Thanks for the question. Happy you ask before doing it with a general practice.The only doctor that it's allow to performance a plastic surgery is a BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON. Always check on the official page of the association of plastic surgeon of any country you choose to have the surgery. It can be very dangerous to have surgery with a non specialist in the area.Hope this could help and good luck :)

I would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon who performs this procedure all the time.  Best of luck.