Would my 15 Year Old Daughter Be Aloud to Get Liposuction with my Concent?

Liposuction is a great motivator for patients that have been dieting and exercising and getting nowhere or reached a plateau. Doing several liposuctions could change a child's life and give them back the motivation and self esteem to succeed in life. With your permission as a parent, liposuction is definitely an option along with diet and exercise. Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

Thank you for submitting your question. I would wait until 18 years of age before you consider a cosmetic surgical procedure. There are risks and complications that can occur with any surgery. When your an adult, you are more emotionally and physically ready. Best wishes

   I would have to say that even with the amount of fat I typically liposuction, there would be little change in the weight or look.  I would recommend some weight loss and then consideration of liposuction in the future.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

At 222 lbs, your daughter is obese and would benefit more from a proper diet and exercise regimen to get her to her goal weight. Liposuction is not the solution. At that point, any issues secondary to the weight loss can be addressed.

Liposuction is not a weight loss substitute. The safety limit in the US is about 5 liters at a procedure or 11 pounds, maybe 8 of which is actually fat. Absent change in diet and activity it is likely that the weight will return. Even if not, it would take many sessions of surgery to make a dent in the weight.

Better would be an evaluation in a weight loss center, where medical and sometimes surgical options can be offered. 

All the best. 

Maybe, but it doesn't sound like it's the right thing for her.  Most likely, she needs to undergo weight loss via diet and exercise.  Lipo is an outstanding procedure for contouring; it is not a replacement for weight loss which, it sounds like, is what's indicated for her.

I hope that this helps and good luck,

Dr. E