Yes, liposuction is an effective way to remove stubborn excess fat from
nearly any area of the body.
Unfortunately, however, liposuction is not an appropriate treatment option
for everyone. Keep reading to find out who is not a suitable candidate
for liposuction with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. David Sayah.
Individuals Seeking Major Weight Loss
Liposuction is not intended as a tool for major weight loss. The best candidates for liposuction are, among other considerations, at or just slightly above their ideal body weight. They are at a body weight they feel they can maintain following surgery, but have localized deposits of fat that are resistant to their healthy diet and exercise efforts. (For individuals who suffer from obesity and have tried unsuccessfully to lose excess weight by making healthier lifestyle choices, bariatric surgery may be an appropriate treatment option.)
It is important to be at a stable body weight before undergoing liposuction surgery. The reason is that although the fat cells that are removed with liposuction will not grow back, the remaining fat cells can grow larger if the patient gains more than about 10 percent of their body weight after surgery. In addition, new fat cells may be generated with this amount of weight gain.
Pregnant Women
Although liposuction can technically be performed on women who are pregnant, no reputable plastic surgeon would perform this elective procedure on a pregnant woman, including Dr. Sayah.
First, a woman’s body will change after childbirth, so it is best to wait and see how it looks after she has lost all the excess “baby weight” before proceeding with a body contouring plastic surgery procedure.
Second, pregnant women should take every precaution available to help ensure a healthy birth. This includes avoiding (elective) surgery and the effects of anesthesia whenever possible. There is a small risk of birth abnormalities anyway, so why would a pregnant woman want to compound this risk by undergoing surgery when it is not absolutely necessary? If, for some reason, there were a problem at birth, the mother would forever wonder whether undergoing liposuction during pregnancy was the cause.
Smokers
Smoking before and after a plastic surgery procedure of any type is harmful. Smoking constricts the blood vessels and floods the blood with toxins. All this limits the amount of oxygen going to the cells, which is essential to proper healing. Smoking can prolong the recovery period and may cause complications, such as poor wound healing. Anyone who smokes will be advised to stop smoking for several weeks before and after liposuction surgery.
Patients With Poor Skin Elasticity
Finally, individuals with poor skin elasticity are not suitable candidates for liposuction. This is because the skin must be able to “bounce back” to a smaller size and shape once the excess fat has been removed with liposuction. Patients with poor skin elasticity who undergo liposuction will likely have loose skin that hangs off the body, following the procedure. For those with poor skin elasticity, Dr. Sayah may recommend tummy tuck or another type of body lift procedure to remove excess skin and repair the underlying tissue structures.
Determining Candidacy
The best way to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for liposuction is to come in for a consultation. Dr. Sayah can examine your physique, listen to your aesthetic concerns and suggest an appropriate treatment option to suit your needs.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sayah to establish your liposuction candidacy, contact his practice by calling (310) 984-1150.