Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States and is beneficial for many people who want to eliminate excess fat and reshape their bodies. If you’re unsure whether liposuction is right for you, read on to learn about what makes someone a good surgical candidate.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is also referred to as lipoplasty, body contouring, or simply lipo. During the minimally invasive procedure, a tiny incision will be made in the area(s) you wish to target. Your surgeon will then use a small tube attached to a vacuum-like device to carefully suck out excess fat cells. The tube’s small, convenient size means it can be used in many areas, including the stomach, chin, thighs, calves, chest, and buttocks. Liposuction is also commonly used in combination with other body contouring surgeries.

Who’s a Candidate for Liposuction?

If you have stubborn pockets of fat and want to achieve a more toned physique, liposuction might be the perfect solution for you. However, it’s important to consider all the factors when determining who is a good surgical candidate. 

1. You’re in Good Physical Health

As with any procedure, liposuction will take time out of your life for recovery as you rest and heal. If you maintain decent health by exercising and eating properly, you’ll heal much faster and run into fewer risks during the healing process. It is also important to continue a healthy lifestyle after liposuction to prevent untreated fat cells from growing.

2. You Don’t Have Any Severe or Life-Threatening Conditions

Although liposuction is a safe procedure, major health conditions and illnesses can increase the risk of complications during surgery or recovery. Patients should be nonsmokers without underlying conditions like bleeding problems, heart conditions, or a weakened immune system. If you are not a candidate for liposuction, non-surgical treatments like CoolSculpting can be great alternatives.

3. You’ve Got Stubborn Fat That Just Won’t Go

Losing weight can be challenging but rewarding. However, it can be incredibly frustrating when people work hard to lose weight but still have areas where fat does not respond. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, but it can help you complete your weight loss surgery by eliminating those stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Ideally, patients should be within 10-15 pounds of their ideal weight.

The Lesser-Known Benefits of Liposuction

While reshaping the body is the primary benefit of liposuction, you may experience several secondary benefits. Too much fat can lead to an increased risk for conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, meaning removing those last stubborn fat cells can reduce your chances of developing such conditions. Next, having fat cells out of the way can also help with circulation and improve tissue condition throughout the body. Furthermore, if persistent areas of fat cause you low self-esteem and anxiety, then having them treated through liposuction can provide significant emotional benefits.

Schedule a Consultation

At Reflections Medical by Dr. Fiorillo, we offer liposuction in Pearl River, NY, and Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Dr. Fiorillo and Dr. Ingargiola are board-certified plastic surgeons who rely on the most advanced liposuction technologies to ensure patient safety and exceptional results. To see if you’re a good candidate and what liposuction can do for you, please call our office or fill out an online complimentary consultation form.