Can I get liposuction? I'm 136 pounds and 5'6.

Question

Hi I have an eating disorder, but I need to lose twenty pounds. I can't find a doctor that will do a liposuction on me. They are like, there is nothing to suction. I am like, I have lots of fat. Help.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

From the description it sounds like you are at ideal body weight. If several surgeons feel I cannot help you with liposuction it probably means they cannot.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

My sympathies. The advice given on this page by many doctors should be very helpful to you. A thin person may have some localized pockets of fat, such as hip saddlebags that would look better after liposuction, but since liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, patients who are truly overweight should lose weight first. Eating disorders such as anorexia are quite serious and patients can actually starve themselves thinking they are fat when they are not. So you should not be looking to a doctor, plastic surgeon or otherwise to help you lose weight or get liposuction.  Since you have already identified a problem, an unspecified eating disorder, you should spend your time and energy understanding that, and staying healthy. Once you get more perspective, then you can more objectively examine your body image.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Some patients certainly will go to multiple surgeons until
they get the answer that they are looking for. 
With due respect, and of course without a photograph, if several board certified
plastic surgeons have suggested that you are not a good candidate for
liposuction, perhaps there may be some validity to this common consensus.  I wish you the best of luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Its best to post a photo for us to give a formal assesssment or to see someone with experience in hi definition contouring as they can fine tune with mini-liposuction and remove small amounts.  Best, Dr. Emer.

R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD · Answer

Your insight is good in that you recognize you have an eating disorder. The key word you used is "need" and that is something you should discuss with your primary care physician. Unless the fat is localized as others have mentioned there are healthier ways than surgery to help you

David S. Chang, MD · Answer

The reason you can't find a doctor who will perform liposuction on you is probably because of your eating disorder.  If you admittedly have an eating disorder, you should speak to someone who can help you with this before you speak with a plastic surgeon.

Ross Stutman, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I recommend that you focus on treating your eating disorder prior to contemplating cosmetic surgery. Once you have gained control of these very difficult problems and are healthy both mentally and physically then reevaluate your concerns.I wish you success in your treatment.Best Regards,Dr. Stutman

James Anthony, MD · Answer

Assuming you are under a professional's care for your eating disorder and this is now under control you MAY be a candidate for liposuction based upon your height and weight.The best way to determine this is to see a Board-certified Plastic Surgeon who will help make this determination for you.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question but without photos or an examination it is impossible to say whether you would benefit from surgery so see more experts in your area for their opinionsDr Corbin

Robert T. Buchanan, MD (retired) · Answer

At your height and weight, it is impossible to have "lots of fat." This is in the low range of BMI. Losing 20 pounds will place you at the bottom of normal BMI. If you want general liposuction, then you need to see a psychologist or psychiatrist who specializes in body dysmorphic syndrome or eating disorders. You also need to see this person if you really think you "need" to lose 20 pounds. If, you have 1 or 2 very localized areas of fat, then a plastic surgeon who has significant experience in liposuction should be able to help. However, your "eating disorder" needs to be treated first.

Can I get liposuction? I'm 136 pounds and 5'6.

Answers (10)

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