How soon can I have liposuction? I want to have a gastric sleeve surgery and liposuction. (photo)

The timing of liposuction and gastric sleeve surgery should be carefully considered and discussed with a medical professional, preferably a board-certified plastic surgeon and a bariatric surgeon. Both procedures have different goals and potential risks, and the timing of each can impact your overall health and surgical outcomes. Here are some key factors to consider:
1.) Consultation with Bariatric Surgeon: Your journey should start with a consultation with a bariatric surgeon. They will evaluate your overall health, weight, and medical history to determine if you are a suitable candidate for gastric sleeve surgery. Gastric sleeve surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a high body mass index (BMI) who have struggled to lose weight through other methods.
2.) Weight Loss Prior to Surgery: Many bariatric surgeons recommend that patients lose some weight before undergoing gastric sleeve surgery. This can help reduce the size of the liver and make the surgery safer. The length of this preoperative weight loss period can vary depending on your initial weight and the surgeon's recommendations.
3.) Stabilization of Weight: It's important to stabilize your weight before undergoing liposuction or any cosmetic procedure. Rapid weight fluctuations can negatively affect the results of liposuction and increase the risk of complications. After gastric sleeve surgery, you should work with your healthcare team to achieve a stable weight.
4.) Recovery Time: Gastric sleeve surgery and liposuction are both surgical procedures that require a period of recovery. It's essential to allow your body to heal fully from one surgery before considering another. The timing will depend on your individual recovery and the recommendations of your surgeons.
5.) Medical Clearance: Before any surgery, you will need to obtain medical clearance from your healthcare provider. They will assess your overall health and ensure that you are physically fit for surgery.
6.) Cosmetic Goals: Consider your cosmetic goals and priorities. Liposuction is often used to target specific areas of unwanted fat, while gastric sleeve surgery primarily addresses overall weight loss. Discuss your aesthetic goals with a plastic surgeon to determine if liposuction is the right option for you.
It's crucial to have open and honest discussions with both your bariatric surgeon and plastic surgeon about your goals, expectations, and the timing of these procedures. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique situation. Keep in mind that patient safety and well-being should always be the top priority when planning any surgical procedures.

Thank you for your question. Generally you want to wait about a year or after weight loss surgery to have liposuction or any other body contouring surgery. You want to wait until your weight is stable for at least 3-6 months. We normally recommend this so your body is where it's going to be and we can see what areas need lipo and where you may have loose skin. It's a great idea to consult with plastic surgeon as well as discuss your options with your weight loss doctor. Having the procedures within a week of each other wouldn't be recommended.
Daniel Park, MD
Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Diplomate, American Board of Surgery