What is the weight limit for lipo surgery? (photo)

Question

I am over 500 lbs but it is a lot of dead skin...I really don't want gastric bypass, if I can get a lot of that removed can you help me?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

If you want to get liposuction to lose weight, then you'll be disappointed - it will not make a significant difference. You may lose just a couple of pounds, but you can definitely do that on your own without the risks related to surgery. In addition, removing unwanted fat with liposuction can leave loose skin, hiding the results of your surgery. It would be better to lose weight through a healthy exercise and diet plan, then consider plastic surgery to address contour irregularities once you've reached a stable healthier BMI. At that time, you can explore a body lift or tummy tuck to remove stubborn fat and excess skin.

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

The amount of fat removed with liposuction should not exceed 10% of the patient’s weight. For example, a person weighing 60 kilos should have a maximum of 6 liters removed. However, it should be noted that liposuction is not a method of losing weight. For this reason, I prefer not to go beyond the safe range of 2 to 6 liters.Bariatric Surgery will be a good solution for your case.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to say but your health will be greatly improved by undergoing bariatric surgery.  You are really not a lipo candidate until you lose much of your excess weight.  Then you will likely have excess skin and we will be discussing body contouring after massive weight loss.  Best of luck.

Ronald Levine, MD · Answer

Liposuction won't help the loose skin. Saggy skin can be removed with a body lift. However, at your weight you are at a high risk of developing complications. It's better to lose weight with diet and exercise, then pursue a body lift.

John P. Stratis, MD · Answer

Although there is no weight limit for liposuction there are issues that need to be addressed when someone who is obese is considering liposuction. You need to have a comprehensive evaluation as to why you are obese and what would be the best way to handle the problem. No one "wants" to have a gastric bypass but it is very often lifesaving. Liposuction is not going to help you.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

At your current weight liposuction will not offer you any significant benefit. Your best bet is to see a qualified and experienced weight loss doctor for a medically supervised weight loss plan (which may take a few years to bring you to a more appropriate weight). Then you can see if plastic surgery is an option. However, you should reconsider having surgery for weight loss as it may be better for you if you cannot do the weight loss yourself. Good Luck!

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Liposuction is never done to lose weight, it is only for sculpting. It is possible you can find someone who wouold agree to the procedure, but if you do, you can be sure you are putting yourself in a life risking situation. No respectable surgeon would do that to you.

What is the weight limit for lipo surgery? (photo)

Answers (7)

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