Can you be too slim for liposuction?

Question

I'm female, 18 yo, 5'6" and 126lb, relatively muscular, not super skinny but on the slimmer side of average. I hold a little excess fat on my stomach and am considering some form of liposuction, because I want to see some ab definition and really don't want to lose any fat from anywhere else. But can you be too slim for liposuction? Apart from the usual possible complications, are there dangers associated with this type of patient getting liposuction?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

You sound as though you are probably a good candidate.  Thinner patients require particular expertise, and you should seek out a surgeon who does this procedure every week for thinner patients.

Mitchel Goldman, MD · Answer

Based on your description of yourself, you actually sound like an ideal candidate for liposuction. Liposuction is designed to sculpt the bodies of people who are already in good physical condition, but simply have some genetic, stubborn fat that they can't remove via diet and exercise. And yes, it is possible to sculpt the abdominal area to emphasize the musculature, if you wish. Generally, your dermatologist will leave a small layer of fat over the entire abdomen because it looks most natural, but in your case I would remove all the fat in certain areas to emphasize the shape of your abdominal muscles.You may also want to consider noninvasive fat-elimination techniques, such as Vanquish, CoolSculpting and ThermiTight. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who is an expert at sculpting the body with liposuction and other fat-removal techniques.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Based on your description liposuction is possible, as it will only get rid of fats in specific areas of your body. This will remove stubborn fats that you can't get rid of with diet and exercise and this procedure will sculpt your abdomen to emphasize the abdominal musculature.

Mark Hanikeri, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hi there
The slimmer you are, the more difficult it is to remove significant amounts of fat.  However, it is not uncommon for slim people to seek liposuction to aid in muscle definition. The risks are low in healthy individuals and are not more significant in someone slim like you.
I suggest you speak to a specialist Plastic Surgeon for an opinion.
Kind regards
Mark Hanikeri MBBS, FRACS

Can you be too slim for liposuction?

Answers (4)

Answer: Liposuction for slim individuals

Answer: Liposuction for slim individuals

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can you be too slim for liposuction?

Answers (4)

Answer: Liposuction for slim individuals

Answer: Liposuction for slim individuals

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.