Liposuction, also known as lipo, is by now a well-known body contouring procedure that surgically removes stubborn fat deposits from target areas of the body. Liposuction procedures most commonly focus on the abdominal area, underneath the arms, or around the thighs. But having unwanted belly fat, for example, isn’t the only factor that determines whether one is a good candidate for liposuction. So, how do plastic surgeons determine who’s right for liposuction?

Basics for Cosmetic Surgery Candidates

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so the same criteria for candidacy apply as do for any cosmetic procedure. The best candidates for plastic surgery should always be:

• Physically fit with a healthy lifestyle (e.g., balanced diet, regular exercise)
• Psychologically stable and mentally fit
• Well-informed about cosmetic surgery options and risks

Ideal candidates are also non-smokers (smoking inhibits healing) with no chronic illnesses or conditions that could impede healing.

Specifics for Liposuction Candidates

Good candidates for liposuction, in particular, are adults who have good skin elasticity and healthy muscle tone, and who have visible, localized fat they cannot otherwise eliminate through diet or exercise alone. The ideal weight for liposuction candidates is within 30 percent of the goal a patient wants to achieve post-surgery. Note that surgeons typically extract roughly one to ten pounds of fat during a liposuction session.

Surgeons also look for patients who set realistic goals because they are more likely to be pleased with the outcome. Liposuction can successfully reshape specific zones, but it is not a solution for obesity. Those with bodies in flux, as during adolescence or pregnancy, are also not good candidates for liposuction because of the changing fat distributions and a greater chance of fat redeposit.

Pairing Procedures for Better Faster Results

If a candidate is really well-suited, doctors may suggest consecutive surgeries during the same session to achieve more optimal results with less downtime. Abdominal liposuction is often paired with abdominoplasty (a “tummy tuck”) in order to tighten skin around the surgical site loosened by fat extraction. As with any procedure, healing after liposuction takes time and results vary. But by pairing these procedures the surgeon ups the odds that the results will look smaller and smoother in shorter order, since the patient heals from both surgeries at the same time.

Dr. William Franckle is a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in traditional and body-jet lipo techniques. To see if you’re a good candidate for liposuction, schedule a free consultation today. Dr. Franckle will utilize our 3D imager, allowing you to see how lipo can benefit you before making an informed decision.