Would Liposuction in a morbidly obese person be helpful?

Question

Would liposuction in a morbidly obese person be helpful if they just wanted to remove around 11-20 lbs in order to be able to exercise without being in constant pain?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

#Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure (though you do lose weight). In your case you might want to consider a hybrid approach - lose weight by diet and exercise and when you get to a point where it doesn't seem to want to come off more then consider this procedure. Obesity carries added risk with surgery. In California only 5000 cc (about 11 pounds) can be removed as an outpatient. If you do not change your lifestyle it is likely to come back. Only see a board certified plastic surgeon for the best result and for safety.For Morbid Obesity you might want to consider bariatric surgery for weight loss first.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

If you are 100 lbs. over your ideal body weight or have a BMI of over 40,  it is considered morbidly obese with negative health implications. For someone about 5'4", losing about 50-60 lbs, would lower the BMI to about 30 or "overweight.
If losing 10-20 lbs. would actually allow you to exercise without being in constant pain, then weight reduction would be the way to go, but it was not stated where the pain was. If pain is constant, there may be other reasons other than the 10-20 lbs. that are causing it.
Some patients lose over 100 lbs. by weight loss without surgery, and some cannot do it. A consultation with a good weight loss doctor, a bariatric surgery practice and your family doctor should be done, since liposuction is not going to be helpful in this situation, and in fact is not indicated as it is not a procedure for weight loss at all. It is solely for body contouring for diet and exercise resistant fat.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Thank you for asking this question. It is quite common and the answer is simple. An obese individual is most likely not a good candidate for lipo until they lower their BMI. The procedure isn't meant as a weight loss technique, but is intended to remove localized, disproportionate fat deposits from the body. (Those deposits that don't respond to healthy eating or regular exercise.)I recommend talking with your general doctor first to discuss how you can work towards a healthier weight. This could mean testing for thyroid issues, meeting with a nutritionist and/or a weight loss expert who could work with you on a plan that allows you to exercise pain-free.Once you get to a healthier weight, lipo can be revisited if needed. Much success!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Large Volume Liposuction of over 8 liters is a in hospital based operation with a 6 week recovery. Fees approach $20,000+. Risks are many in morbid obesity patients, but yes it can be done...Other way would be staged lipo in office OR but only 4 liters fat can be removed at each session. Fee is $6,000/session...

Mark D. Wigod, MD · Answer

Patients who are significantly overweight do not optimally benefit from body plastic surgery and are at higher risk for problems during and after the operation.  BMI, or body mass index, is a good way to stratify risk.  BMI of 20-25 is ideal.  25-30 is acceptable and then risks go up from there.  You can find BMI calculators on the internet.

Wendell Perry, MD · Answer

Liposuction and tummy tucks are not weight changing procedures. They are shape changing procedures. Remember fats storage compartment if you take away one storage compartment another will take over. No matter how much liposuction you do patient's weight does not change more than five or 6 pounds because the calories will just get stored in another part of the body. Now you can improve back pain with with removing abdominal pannus and with breast reductions. When you do these things to removing  the weight that causes your back to strain because it's to low and away from your core.  I have had many patients who after abdominoplasty and after breast reduction have had a real reduction in back pain and an  inncrease  in the ability to be more active. Another thing you must consider that morbid obesity has higher risk with anesthesia so you must discuss these things with your doctor.

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Liposuction is not appropriate for someone with morbid obesity.  As a tool this is useful only for contours that do not not respond to diet and exercise. Furthermore, large volume liposuction, as expected for someone with a lot of excess fat, is associated with significant morbidity (complications).Liposuction is not used for weight loss.  If applied indiscriminately skin envelopes are emptied which can make hanging skin worse.

Would Liposuction in a morbidly obese person be helpful?

Answers (7)

More Liposuction Questions

Will I feel anything while I'm awake during surgery?

Is it possible that cavitation ultrasound could make me look worse?

I'm considering lipo or cool sculpting for my fatty vagina area. I have monis pubis, and large lips. What is the best option?

5 weeks after liposuction of my belly - ugly dimpling. Is there a chance to correct the unattractive features? (Photo)

What Change to Expect from Liposuction of 700-800cc from Flanks/Love Handle Area?

Back and love handles swelling after liposuction. What's the best treatment to reduce the swelling and fluid build up?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS