Is there a minimum weight where you reject doing liposuction?

Question

While the ideal candidate is within normal weight ranges, can you still get liposuction is you're underweight?

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Yes assuming that you are healthy. Liposuction is not a weight loss technique. Instead, it's for hard to remove pockets of fat which can exist on thin people as well. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Liposuction is for contouring and shaping, in lipedema it works to decrease body size and disproportion.  I suggest a formal consult to see what and if you are a candidate for surgery. There are many options but liposuction it self is really not for weight loss and close to your idea weight is best.  Dr. Emer.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Even though a patient is underweight they probably make ideal candidates for liposuction provided they are otherwise healthy.

Nagi T. Ayoub, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question.While there are no limitations to weight when talking to patients about liposuction there are a few things that may directly relate to weight when considering liposuction.First liposuction is a sculpting procedure not a debunking weight loss procedure.  Therefore the thinner the patient the more successful the outcome.Second with increased weight and BMI come higher risk of complication of any procedure ie DVT and PE ext....Third the maximum liposuction a surgeon can do without admitting a patient is 5000 cc of aspirate and that may not be enough to show much diffetence in larger patient.I hope my answer helped clarify few things.Best regardsNagi T Ayoub MD, FACS

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

It really depends on the individual, being underweight according to BMI does not necessarily mean unhealthy. If you have an isolated fat deposit that your surgeon thinks can be addressed with liposuction and your overall health is good then you should be a candidate for the procedure. The only way to know for sure is to book a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon near you to see what your options are. Best of luck!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  While there are definitely safety concerns with respect to weight and liposuction there are several considerations:1)  Are you goals for the surgery achievable with liposuction?  E.g. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, even though you will lose a few pounds. It is more to contour areas of the body.2)  Is your weight stable?  i.e. does it fluctuate upwards or downwards more than 10lbs?3)  There are increase risks with liposuction if your BMI is greater than 30.I would recommend that you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon who can work with you to discuss your goals and discuss whether liposuction is the right procedure for you.  In our practice, we offer a pre-surgical weight management program to balance our patient's weight and body contouring goals.

Lawrence Rosenberg, MD · Answer

Liposuction generally works best for patients who have localized areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise.  There is no minimal weight to reject liposuction.  It is a clinical decision depending on the patient's expectations, goals and clinical factors.

Stacey Folk, MD · Answer

There is no weight restriction for liposuction. Heavier patients may have a higher risk for surgical complications (such as a blood clot)  and for some thin patients the aesthetic risks (such as contour irregularities) may outweigh the benefits of liposuction. It is really the distribution of fat and quality of skin that determines how good a candidate you are for surgery. You might also look into Coolsculpting as an option if the areas are small. I would recommend that you have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who could offer you either procedure so that you are presented options without bias.Best of luck!

Hector Milla, MD · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. Liposuction is not to for overweight so in theory you should be good candidate for liposuction. I believe you an in person examination to determine the areas to treat. The ideal for a good advice would be to have photos, otherwise this is not so personal for you.Best wishes.Dr. Milla

Benjamin Van Raalte, MD · Answer

Whether over or underweight liposuction is for bulges not for weight loss. If you have saddlebags that are pronounced and are a little under weight liposuction could be appropriate. Saddlebags or outside thigh fat is especially resistant to weight loss.

Is there a minimum weight where you reject doing liposuction?

Answers (14)

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