What body fat percentage before Liposuction?

Question

I will be getting lipo on my love handles in a couple of weeks. I was told that I should be close to or at my ideal body weight which I am(male, 180lbs, 5'11) but I still feel like I want to be a little less fat and bloated. I think I'm around 18%. How does this factor in, is it better to be as fat-less as possible before or will it not matter? Or will it be better to carry extra fat before it, will I then keep the result if I lose fat later on?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I tell patients to be at their natural weight and make decisions on the type of procedure based on what their weight is at the time of the procedure. I do not have patients lose weight, especially if we are going to do fat transferring or if we are trying to do hi definition contouring.  Please see a specialist.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Mark E. Mason, MD · Answer

Your question is not an uncommon one regarding weight before liposuction. As other surgeons have mentioned, it is best to be close to your ideal weight to get the best results from liposuction. My male patients often get the best results, especially to treat love handles, because they have already started eating healthy diets and exercising. Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment, but rather a way to get rid of stubborn areas of fat (love handles or flanks and tummy are the most common areas in men). I recommend that you continue keeping up your healthy lifestyle so that you get optimal results. Good luck on your upcoming surgery!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I suppose we would like to do all of our cases on individuals at are in perfect health and at the ideal body weight. However, many heavier patients get results they are delighted with from liposuction. Often times it can serve as a psychological lift for future weight loss.

Tania Medina de Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello dear, I suggest you to get an evaluation with a board certified plastic surgeon, eve though, 19% of the body fat is a reasonable number

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

It comes down to wanting to see major changes versus wanting to look your very best.People who have thick layers of subcutaneous fat have the potential for dramatic changes after liposuction. The opposite is also true.One issue that is common with the male abdomen is the amount of intra-abdominal fat that many men carry. This is the fat below the muscle layers and around the internal organs. Excess intra-abdominal fat gives the classic beer belly look. Patients with intra-abdominal fat have to lose weight to look better. Generally, people who are lean and athletic have a more desirable body contour. Lean, athletic people also have less fat to be removed with liposuction. Keeping your weight down before the procedure will allow you to have the best possible look, but expect a less dramatic change. Patients who are a little overweight and receive liposuction typically look just as good if they lose weight after the procedure. There are some differences to this when it comes to morbidly obese patients. You are not in that category. Patients who are 50 pounds to 100 pounds over their ideal weight never look great after liposuction, though the results can be dramatic. Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

What body fat percentage before Liposuction?

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