Would I qualify for liposuction?

Question

I've tried everything to lose weight. I'm 5'1" and i weight 235 pounds. I cant seem to lose weight in my belly, back or thighs no matter how much i change my diet and exercise.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Liposuction is not for weight loss and it will not help unless you have localized problem areas or are looking for contouring.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

yes you could be for body contouring but not necessarily for weight loss.  You need to be seen for a consultation.  Thanks

Richard Rosenblum, MD · Answer

Liposuction is not weight loss surgery,   and not an option for someone that is significantly over weight.   I would see a bariatric surgeon in your area to help you with your weight loss.   Good Luck!

Joel Patrick Maier, MD · Answer

You have two options: weight loss (bariatric or diet) or liposuction. Weight loss (by whatever method) is the best answer to your ultimate goal. While liposuction is not designed for this purpose, it can be used to de-bulk troublesome areas in the high BMI patient who is not interested in, or is not a candidate for bariatric surgery. It can be safely done with light sedation and local . . . no general anesthesia needed as an outpatient. It may take two stages to cover the are of concern separated by one week's time. An in person consult would be needed to see if you are a candidate. Thank you for your inquiry.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your struggle to lose weight in these common "problem areas."  I would recommend employing the use of a nutritionalist and/or personal trainer to help you in your weight loss journey.  With their assistance to identify areas of nutritional deficiencies as well as the opportunity to supply motivation and accountability you should see steady improvement in your weight and overall appearance.  Once at a lower weight you may be a better candidate for surgery.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Without photos- it's difficult to comment accurately. However, based on your description- it sounds as though you might be a good candidate for  a bariatric surgery. Once you get to your ideal weight, then you probably would benefit from a body contouring surgery. Liposuction at this time in my opinion- is a complete waste of time and money.

Renuka Diwan, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, liposuction is not a good solution for you at this point in time.  Once you've lost enough weight to bring you within 15-20 lbs of your ideal body weight, in the range of 105- 115 lbs, liposuction with the tumescent technique would be a a good solution for any areas of accumulated fat that have persisted to achieve a better contour. There are a couple of possibilities to consider for the difficulty in losing weight.  One possible reason is that you have a metabolic syndrome, as seen with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. If you haven't already sought medical attention for the excess weight, I would recommend consultation with an internist or endocrinologist to rule out a metabolic syndrome and abnormal hormone levels, that can make it difficult to lose weight without medical treatment. Other conditions with imbalanced hormones can create the same problems. Bariatric surgery - such as a gastric bypass operation- may be an option if you get clearance from your doctor. Even if it turns out that you have an underlying medical problem, or undergo bariatric surgery, a balanced calorie-limited diet and exercise ( a trainer can help you make progress without injuries) are important to adopt into your lifestyle. Hope this helps answer your question. All the best!

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

Although losing weight can be difficult, you are not a candidate for liposuction.  Your BMI is over 40 and this qualifies you as morbidly obese.  You should see a bariatric surgeon about weight loss options before considering any body contouring.  Sorry, but liposuction is not for you.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, thanks for your question and provided
information as well.. This is the surgical
procedure that revolutionized cosmetic surgery becoming one of the most
performed cosmetic procedures. Subcutaneous tissue or fat is removed in order
to contour the body in a way that is harmonious and pleasing to the senses. It
can be performed in almost all regions of the body such as the neck, chin,
abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, arms and ankles. Usually done through a small
incision in the skin through which a cannula connected to a vacuum is applied,
it can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures. After
liposuction your body is going to be really swollen for at least 2 to 4 months
after your surgery. It is important for you to wear your compression garment
for at least 6 months, the first 3 months 24/7 and then the last 3 months at
least 12 hours per day for your body get use to not having the faja for so many
time. When you remove it, your body can get swollen and also you can have pain.
Remember to also compress your body to prevent a seroma which is an
accumulation of liquid that has to be drained, it is hard to touch and also
really painful. Bruises are completely normal for almost 3 months from surgery,
that’s why is better for you to use a bruising cream and apply it all over your
body 3 times a day. To prevent bad circulation and swollen legs, use
compression socks. Brazilian butt lift can be performed with the same procedure
and for a month it will be swollen and it will drop a little bit without losing
it’s shape if you use your garment.. If you’re going to perform liposuction on
your inner, outer, anterior, lateral, postetior thighs, be careful and consult
with your surgeon what’s best for you, sometimes we have more extra skin than
fat, that can cause severe sagginess on our legs, which can be only be reversed
performing a thigh lift. Hugs!

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Unfortunately with such a high BMI, I think it would not be wise to have liposuction.  Best to lose weight first. Good luck.

Would I qualify for liposuction?

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Answers (12)

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