Can my daughter get liposuction at 16?

Question

Hi my name is Carole Calen. My daughter showed me this website and set it up for me to ask my question on wether or not it was possible to have her get liposuction at the age of 16 and a half. She's currently 185 lbs and 5'2" making her look much heavier than she would like. She's tried diets and exercise but it's not enough. I was wondering with my consent if it's possible for her to get the surgery done and the details behind it. Thank you so much doctor(s)!

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Being overweight as a teenager can cause such psychological problems. That's why lipo has helped so many kids get back their self-esteem and is safe and easy to undergo under local. With a parent's consent, you will change their life. Liposuction is a great motivator.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. There's no age limit or ideal age for Liposuction. However, patients must be over 18 years of age.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

Yes, with parental consent, liposuction can be performed on a 16 year old. But please keep in mind that liposuction is for the removal of targeted pockets of fat. It is not for overall weight loss. Best, Dr. Nazarian

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

As a general rule is probably would be something I would advise against. In special cases where there is a significant psychological handicap, liposuction in this age group might be beneficial.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I can sympathize with your daughter's difficulty in weight loss.  As she is still developing at the age of 16, I would not recommend surgical intervention in the form of liposuction to help her lose weight.  Her best option is to pursue a healthy diet and exercise regimen, assisted by nutritionalists and personal trainers, to teach her the lessons of health, lessons she can carry with her throughout life.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While it is possible to have  liposuction at age 16 with parental consent, I would recommend that you visit with your pediatrician first.   They should be able to recommend you to a pediatric weight management specialist. It is worthwhile exhausting all medical attempts prior to undergoing surgery.

Brenda Pache, MD · Answer

Liposuction surgery is a body sculpting technique, not a weight loss. It could be done at age 16 with parental consent .Look  for  a board certified plastic surgeon who will do the evaluation and  the correct recommendations.All the Best!!Dr.Brenda Pache

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Liposuction is not usually performed on young adults at 16.  Often we wait until they are a bit older. I think it has to do more with goals and the patient maturity level to understand realistically what can be accomplished. I have performed liposuction on some select individuals under 18 but it is not my common practice.

Gustavo E. Galante, MD · Answer

It is true that plastic surgeons are seeing an increase in requests for cosmetic surgical procedures in the teenage years. However, most procedures should wait at least until the patient is 18 years old or older. It is best to have the patient be able to give his or her own consent for an operation. In addition, they are likely to be more mature by then. That is not to say that some teenagers are not mature and other patients in their 30s and 40s are mature. I have seen many very mature teenagers, but we as plastic surgeons need to have a general rule for this situation. There are exceptions, but it is best if the patient understands what he or she is getting into. Liposuction is for contouring, not weight loss.There is a difference between short term gratification and trying to envision long term consequences. Unless there is a serious metabolic problem, dieting and a strict exercise regimen should result in weight loss. It is less expensive, less risky, and has no recovery time. I am a big proponent of Weight Watchers. It allows one to eat freely but just eat smartly.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

The goal of any liposuction is body contouring, not weight loss. Your daughter needs to lose weight. I would recommend that you arrange a referral to a bariatric specialist to discuss options for her. Good luck!

Can my daughter get liposuction at 16?

Answers (12)

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