Weight Gain Before I Have Liposuction Done

If you see that your belly, thighs and hips are bothering you then do the liposuction now. We take out as much as possible safely and contour the area. 5 lbs won't change the way we do the procedure or the final outcome. A good surgeon can tell the amount of fat that is there and what can and can't be removed. That is why we don't tell patients to lose the weight ahead of time anymore like we did 20-25 years ago. We are going to get what is needed to contour the area regardless of weight now days. It is a great procedure and you will be glad you did it now.
Sincerely, David Hansen,MD

Dear mimi-jelly,

Your consideration of seasonal weight fluctuations in planning for liposuction is a thoughtful approach to achieving your aesthetic goals. Understanding how these changes might affect the outcome of liposuction can indeed help in timing your procedure optimally.

Liposuction is designed to remove stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, rather than serving as a method for weight loss. The goal is to sculpt and contour the body, enhancing its shape rather than significantly reducing weight. Here’s how seasonal weight gain might play into your decision:

1. Stability is Key: Ideally, liposuction should be performed when your weight is stable and close to your desired weight. If you undergo liposuction at a lower weight, then gain weight later, the new fat can distribute in different areas or even in the treated areas, potentially altering the results.

2. Visibility of Fat Deposits: While it might seem logical to wait until after gaining weight so the surgeon "can see more to remove," it’s more about the quality and location of fat deposits rather than quantity. A skilled surgeon can evaluate your body's contours and determine how to best achieve your desired shape, regardless of minor weight fluctuations.

3. Post-Procedure Weight Fluctuations: Gaining weight after liposuction can affect the longevity of your results. New fat cells can accumulate in different areas of the body, including the treated zones, although to a lesser extent since there are fewer fat cells in those areas post-liposuction.

4. Consultation is Crucial: A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best step forward. Discuss your typical weight patterns and concerns. Your surgeon can advise you on the best timing for the procedure based on your body’s natural cycles and how to maintain your results.

Considering your pattern of seasonal weight fluctuation, it might be wise to schedule your liposuction for a time when your weight is most stable and reflective of your usual body weight. This way, the results will be more predictable, and you'll likely be more satisfied with the outcome.

While the instinct to wait until after weight gain might seem like a way to maximize the results, the focus should rather be on having the procedure when your weight is stable and you're at or near your ideal weight. This approach ensures that liposuction results align closely with your goals.

I require my patients to be at a stable weight for 3 months prior to their surgery.

Thank you for your question and I hope this answer heps.
Sincerely,

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FASMBS, FICS
Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon

Thank you for your question. While there are definitely concerns with respect to weight and liposuction there are several considerations:1) Are you goals for the surgery achievable with liposuction? E.g. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, even though you will lose a few pounds. It is more to contour areas of the body.2) Is your weight stable? i.e. does it fluctuate upwards or downwards more than 10lbs? Weight gain after liposuction will diminish your body contouring results as the remaining fat cells enlarge to store more energy. In addition, you may that other parts of the body that were not liposuctioned may enlarge disproportionately compared to pre-liposuction weight gain. If your weight is stable, your results will also be stable.3) There are increase risks with liposuction if your BMI is greater than 30.I would recommend that you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon who can work with you to discuss your goals and discuss whether liposuction is the right procedure for you. In our practice, we offer a pre-surgical and post-surgical weight management program to balance our patient's weight and body contouring goals.In your situation, your weight fluctuations are reasonable, and I do agree that doing surgery in the winter may make it easier for your surgeon to address your concerns.  

5 lbs is a minimal weight gain for the average person. Therefore, I wouldn't worry too much about when to proceed with surgery.  However, you should talk to your surgeon about this just in case and see what they say.

Unless you are nautrally very thin, 5 lbs really won't make much of a difference in your final result, and you're probably ok to proceed with the procedure at your convenience.  Talk it over with your doc and see if he agrees, but it should not be a major issue.