Liposuction has developed a reputation for being a catch-all fat reducer that will instantly help a person lose weight. In all actuality, liposuction is a targeted practice that removes pockets of fat on specific parts of the body. Many patients believe they need liposuction when other cosmetic surgeries are better suited for their specific needs. If you’re asking yourself, “Is liposuction right for me?” the answers below should point you in the right direction.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as liposculpture and lipoplasty, is a form of cosmetic surgery that removes localized pockets of fat deposits from the body with minimal scarring and intrusion. You can get liposuction almost anywhere on your body, but the most common locations are:

• Hips
• Thighs
• Love Handles (Flanks)
• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Upper Arms
• Chin
• Neck

Liposuction is not a weight loss solution, but rather an opportunity to get rid of unwanted fat in specific areas of the body. The procedure usually takes 1-4 hours to complete, and most patients are allowed to go home the same day. Occasionally, you may be asked to stay overnight for observation if you have a large volume of fat removed, or if you have other cosmetic surgeries at the same time.

The Best Candidates For Liposuction

The best candidates for liposuction are men and women who have maintained their weight for at least six months. If you are still trying to diet and exercise to lose weight, it would be best to wait until you have reached your target weight before completing your procedure. Your existing skin tone will play a major role in the final skin tone after your liposuction. If your skin still has a high level of elasticity, it will likely retract after liposuction to look smooth and natural. Most patients’ skin responds very well after liposuction. Massive weight loss patients and those with stretch marks or poor skin tone before will have the same skin after lipo. If you have a lot of excess skin, it may need to be removed through a tummy tuck in addition to tightening your muscles. This is especially true and common for women who have been pregnant.

Liposuction Is Not For Everyone

If the only issue you’re dealing with is extra fat in localized areas, liposuction could be the perfect solution for you. Whether it’s making your thighs smaller to match your waste or removing those love handles to get a waistline, you can use liposuction to create the proportional figure you’ve always wanted. If you are obese or your Body Mass Index (BMI) is greater than 31, your risks in surgery are much higher. Other plastic surgeons may operate at that time, but I choose not to as a way to protect my patients. I will wait until you have decreased your weight and established a healthy lifestyle. We offer a medical weight loss program in our cosmetic surgery center that can help you reach your goals and get you on track for liposuction. At minimum, my dietician and I will help you strategise what, when, and how much food to consume based on your specific lifestyle. In addition, we may recommend medical weight loss medications, depending on your severity and your metabolism. You will also have a weight of body fat, water, and muscle composition that is used to track your progress along with weights. If you’re not sure where to start, then call us at 248-948-5500 to discuss your unique concerns and situation with me, Dr. Awada. I will help you determine what the right next step is — even if it is support by a dietician, a weekly plan and a weekly weight and determination of your body fat composition and percentile. We will cheer you on and support you every step of the way to make sure you achieve your goals.