Lipo for 280 lbs?

Question

I am 20, 5'5" and 280 Lbs. been trying diets and exercise for 10 years and only gained. had assistance with a dietitian and work on my feet for 3 hours a day. wondering if lipo would be possible. or even removing the hanging fat over my lower region. I was also diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) as to why i cant lose any weight.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure.  See an expert with experience to help you lose weight and then consider contouring with liposuction and/or skin removal at that time.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Austin Hayes, MD · Answer

It's a good question. Unfortunately, liposuction doesn't work very well for losing weight.It sounds like you had difficulty with losing the weight that you desire by using just diet and exercise. You may consider consultation with a bariatric surgeon. Bariatric surgery is an effective weight loss tool.It's best to have a discussion with your primary care physician, so that they can advise you how best to proceed regarding weight loss.Good luck with the process.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

As you are aware liposuction is not a solution to a high BMI. However some patients benefit psychologically from the contour improvement created by liposuction. So as you are not an excellent candidate for liposuction you might be a satisfactory candidate provided your expectations are in line.

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It would be helpful to have photos to evaluate. It is best to be within 15 pounds of your ideal body weight prior to surgery, but this is not always attainable.  Many women with PCOS have intra-abdominal fat is beneath your abdominal wall, around your internal organs. This can not be treated with liposuction. However, this fat will decrease with weight loss through strict diet and exercise. Please see your primary care physician for guidance to help achieve your weight loss goals. If you truly are unable to lose any more weight, you may be a candidate for an extended tummy tuck as well as liposuction of the flanks, back, and hips. The lower abdominal skin excision and muscle tightening will improve the tone of the anterior abdominal wall. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for an in-person examination and to discuss the specific details of the procedure. Ask to see before and after tummy tuck photos to get an idea of what can be achieved. Hope this helps!

Lee B. Daniel, MD · Answer

It’s
difficult to say what your best options are without seeing photos. However, it
sounds like there may be a few different ways to address your concerns.
Liposuction is best for patients who are at or near their target weight and
cannot be used for excessive weight loss. Before you would benefit from any
body contouring procedures, your first goal should be to lose the excess
weight. If you’ve exhausted traditional weight loss methods, bariatric surgery
may be something to explore. Discuss this with your primary care physician to
see if you’re a good candidate. Best of luck to you.

Lipo for 280 lbs?

Answers (7)