Who is an Ideal Candidate for Liposuction Procedures? - Learn About Body Contouring

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure to remove excess fat from the body through a thin tube known as a cannula. Liposuction procedures can be performed almost anywhere on the body, anywhere you have stubborn fat accumulations. Candidates for liposuction are no more than 30 pounds overweight, with localized fat deposits that do not respond well to diet or exercise. If you have relatively proportionate fat distribution, you may not be a good candidate for liposuction.

Ideal candidates for liposuction are adult men or women in good overall health. If you are overweight, it's best to lose the weight first before considering liposuction. Ideal candidates for liposuction have made an effort to reduce fat accumulations through diet and exercise, but still have a few persistent areas of fat they'd like to remove.

Most candidates for liposuction are between the ages of 30 and 50. Although liposuction can be performed on older patients, the skin loses elasticity as a result of aging, and there may be some loose skin after liposuction. Poor health puts patients at greater risk for complications from the liposuction surgery and recovery period. Chronic health conditions like heart or lung disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure can affect your ability to undergo liposuction. Smoking also increases the risk of complications, as can certain medications. Your plastic surgeon will review your full medical history to determine whether you are a candidate for liposuction procedures.

It is important to realize that liposuction is not meant to be an effective way to lose weight. Most liposuction procedures remove less than ten pounds of fat. Liposuction is means as a way to sculpt the body's contours. It is important to have realistic expectations about what liposuction can do for you if you are considering this procedure. Liposuction can enhance your appearance by resculpting areas of your body you don't like, but it won't change your looks completely, and it can't make your body look like that of your favorite celebrity.





Depending on your goals, plastic surgery can produce subtle results or completely transform your appearance. If you are considering liposuction, arm lift, or laser hair removal, speak with a plastic surgeon to find out what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.