Is there a BMI Weight Limit for Liposuction?

Question

Hello, I was wondering if there are weight restricitons re: liposuction? Do you need to be a certain BMI to be a good canidate for lipo? Why chosew lipo versus tummy tuck? Thanks.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Liposuction is done to individual areas of localized fat and is unique to each person. Fat floats on water so it by itself doesn't weight as much as it looks.  Some patients are thin and have just a particular pouch or bulge which needs liposuctioning under local anesthesia. BMI's are not usually used in accessing the areas of localized fat for liposuctions.  Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Joshua D. Zuckerman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Ideally, those who undergo liposuction (or tummy tuck) should have a BMI that does not significantly exceed 30.  It should also be kept in mind that these operations are sculpting tools, not methods of weight loss.  Easier recovery and better surgical results will undoubtedly result from a healthier pre-operative weight.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Vaser liposuction, also known as Vaser #lipo, LipoSelection or Liposuction, is an advanced body #contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, #Vaser lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently #reshape your body. There are three types of #Vaser Lipo. Each benefit patients differently depending on their needs. 
It is usually recommended that patients who have recently experienced weight loss and massive weight loss (#MWL) remain consistent at their weight for at least six to twelve months prior any cosmetic surgery. Such will better ensure longer lasting results of the procedure without risking the fluctuation and stretching of the skin tissue. An ideal  #candidate for Vaser Liposuction is a person in good health who seeks a minimally invasive way to remove stubborn fat with less downtime than traditional #liposuction.  Vaser is ideal for those seeking improved definition of muscles and contouring.  Those who seek increased sculpting of are ideal vaser lipo candidates.
It's best to begin consulting with a board certified plastic surgery to learn if you are a candidate for liposuction. If so, you will then learn more about which #technique will work best for you and your goals. It is important you select a plastic surgeon who is #board-certified and has a great deal of experience with #vaser #liposuction. Aside from checking board-certification, it is suggested that you look at before and after photos of the surgeons actual patients, and read patient reviews. Gathering all of this information will help you make a well-informed decision. Always discuss your issues and concerns with the Plastic Surgeon during and following your consultation. Information that you read online may not apply to your personal situation.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question. While there are definitely safety 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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Removing unwanted fat with liposuction can leave loose skin, hiding the results of your surgery. If you have loose skin then a tummy tuck would be better. It is best to achieve a normal and steady BMI before undergoing liposuction because it's safer for you and you'll achieve better results.Your BMI should be in the normal range.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Liposuction is not for weight loss and has different goals than a tummy tuck.

	Liposuction:

	
		removes excess fat
	
		contours the shape of the body
	
		offers only very minimal improvement in skin tightening unless you use SmartLipo (50% greater tightening of skin over traditional liposuction)


	Tummy tuck:

	
		removes excess skin from the abdominal area
	
		flattens the profile of the abdomen
	
		only removes the fat that is attached to the skin being removed


	In general it is best to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon that has the ability to perform any procedure and let them help you decide which one is going to help you the most.

Is there a BMI Weight Limit for Liposuction?

Answers (11)

Answer: Liposuction and BMI

Answer: Liposuction and BMI

Answer: Better to have normal BMI

Answer: Better to have normal BMI

Answer: Liposuction is not for weight loss.

Answer: Liposuction is not for weight loss.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is there a BMI Weight Limit for Liposuction?

Answers (11)

Answer: Liposuction and BMI

Answer: Liposuction and BMI

Answer: Better to have normal BMI

Answer: Better to have normal BMI

Answer: Liposuction is not for weight loss.

Answer: Liposuction is not for weight loss.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.