Is there any lipo or surgery you can get for a BMI over 30 without having to lose weight first?

Liposuction is for patients of all sizes and weights.  You don't need to be at your ideal weight to get liposuction.  Many patients work out and diet and then reach a plateau so then that is the time to do lipo and see a big improvement so it can motivate you to push on forward.

It is true that your BMI should be ideally under 30 for plastic surgery. In my practice, I recommend for the BMI to be under 35, as I have not seen increased complications for most procedures. You should understand that your results may not be comparable to somebody with the BMI under 30. You should still see an improvement, and this often motivates you towards a healthier and more active lifestyle. Remember that the amount of liposuction is limited to about 5 L which translates to just under 5 pounds. The size reduction is often larger than the weight reduction.#StayBeautiful #RealDrWorldWide

For best results, it is recommended to be at your ideal or stable weight before getting a sculpting liposuction procedure. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, rather it is for sculpting and defining and removing problem areas that cannot be removed with weight loss and diet / exercise alone. With skin laxity, a tummy tuck or lifting procedure could be performed at the same time. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a bariatric doctor or dietitian. Best, Dr. Emer

Yes you can definitely get liposuction at nearly any BMI to jumpstart your weight loss and fat reduction. As long as you are healthy and can undergo general anesthesia, a significant amount of fat can be removed at once. 

Ariel.  I appreciate your dilemma, however studies show a much higher rate of complications after surgery on patience with a BMI over 30. Also, liposuction in patients with a high BMI demonstrate limited improvement because of sagging skin and greater chance for asymmetry because of the high volume needed to be removed. Most states do not permit more than 5 L of fat to be removed at one sitting as fluid shifts in your body can be significant causing serious medical problems. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area to help counsel you with the best options in your case.

Hello Ariel6626,
It’s a pleasure to answer your questions! Based on your pictures and description, I would recommend you setting up a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon to assess your candidacy for a large volume VASER Liposuction. With this minimally-invasive procedure, patients can remove beyond 4-5 Liters of excess fat, and tighten their skin at the same time. When the lipoaspirate surpasses the 5 Liters, my patients get admitted overnight in the hospital. I also require them obtaining a medical clearance from their primary care physician (or cardiologist for age >45, or if patients are over 40 years old and have co-morbidities such as diabetes, family history of cardiac problems or hypertension) prior to BBL procedure. Safety is of utmost importance when undergoing large volume liposuction. One of the extensive benefits that 4D VASER Liposuction offers is that this procedure can be used on both, athletic patients who work out at the gym, as well as overweight patients who want more definition and muscular look. Best regards! Dr. De La Cruz.  

Thanks for your question. Patients considering cosmetic surgery should have a BMI of 30 or less. Based on your measurements your BMI is 34.9, I would recommend you to get as close to your goal weight as possible. This will help to minimize risks and maximize results. That said, the ideal liposuction candidate has localized fat deposits and quality overlying skin without significant excess skin or skin damage.  Fat can then be removed to strategically sculpt the body and accentuate feminine curves.  The skin then retracts over the new shape to give the final result.You definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.  A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Thank you for your question.  Can you do anything with an elevated BMI over 30 ...Yes but should you?  The reason is that for the best result the lower BMI and weight get a better result.  The other reason is BMI >30 increases overall surgical complication risk by 20-25%.  Best Wishes!

You can do any kind of lipo to jumpstart weight loss if it is appropriate for your health.  The appropriateness of its use in this way is certainly debatable.  Good luck in your pursuits.

Surgical and non-surgical options are available for most patients, and a BMI over 30 does not mean that you would be unable to have some type of body contouring procedure(s).  I would recommend contacting a surgeon in your area to start the process, and many even offer free consultations.  At the time of your consultation, your goals can be expressed, and your surgeon can review all options available.  Best of luck to you!