Who Are The Best Candidates?

Simply stated, the best candidates are women and men with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat. It can do wonders for people of any age, but because aging does affect skin elasticity, younger people tend to have the best results.

Like any cosmetic surgical procedure, it is important to have realistic expectations about what liposuction can (and cannot) do. Can it make you feel more attractive in (and out) of your clothing? Yes and yes! Has having the procedure improved the self-confidence of many patients all over the world? Yes, again! But Liposuction won’t necessarily change your life, turn you into a movie star or cause other people to treat you differently. Talk to your physician and your plastic surgeon about your expectations and let them help you decide if what you’re anticipating is realistic.

When is liposuction the right choice?

Are you a relatively normal weight – yet have unwanted bulges that can’t be eliminated by diet and/or exercise alone? This procedure is often used to reduce a number of unfortunately-named conditions like “saddlebags,” “love handles,” “double chins,” “bra bulges,” and other fatty deposits. Liposuction should not be used as a cure for generalized obesity.

Does Liposuction help the appearance of cellulite?

Liposuction is not effective in removing cellulite or sagging skin and can sometimes worsen the appearance of both.

Some considerations – before you schedule surgery

While liposuction is safer than ever, it isn’t for everyone. Like many other surgeries, people with certain pre-existing conditions should not undergo Liposuction. As with any surgical procedure, a patient should have a complete physical examination before the surgery. Those with certain medical conditions should be thoroughly evaluated. For example, some conditions which might prevent you from having liposuction include:

• Heart disease, including high blood pressure
• Blood clotting disorders
• Pregnancy
• Breathing problems such as COPD or pulmonary embolism
• Diabetes
• Allergies to antibiotics or medications used during the procedure

Are there other risks from the surgery?

All surgeries carry with them some risk. Those include bleeding, infection, swelling, and blood clots. In addition, liposuction has other inherent risks, such as:

• Shock or fluid imbalances
• Fat embolism (tiny globules of fat in the blood stream that can block blood from reaching tissues)
• Nerve, skin, or tissue damage from the heat or instruments used.

What if the results disappoint you?

The need for touch-up work is rare. However, in some cases, the fat may not be removed evenly or the skin may be scarred or sag after treatment. Additional surgery or other procedures may be required to satisfy your expectations. Also, there is a possibility that you may regain the weight in the same areas that were treated or you may gain fat in areas of your body where you did not have it before. When you meet with your plastic surgeon, ask questions and see before and after pictures of patients with similar body types and procedures. Those photos will tell you a lot about whether your expectations are realistic or not. And they will help you choose the right doctor from those you interview.