What Makes A Good Candidate For Liposuction?

There is no one particular kind of "good candidate" for liposuction, but there are certain characteristics that are good to have and others that are best not to have. What are a few of those?

• Is close to their ideal body weight (within 30%)
• Wants to remove specific areas of fat that are diet- and exercise-resistant (fat pockets in the abdomen, arms, knees, inner thighs, love handles, neck, outer thighs
• Weight has been stable for 6 months or more
• Has good skin tone and elasticity
• Does not have loose or saggy skin
• Does not have stretch marks
• Has realistic expectations
• Is emotionally stable
• Understands the risks of surgery

If you do not meet all of these criteria, but meet some of them, you may still be a good candidate for liposuction. The procedure is most suited to those who are close to their ideal body weight, but if you have a lot of fat in a isolated area, you may still be a good candidate. Some patients find liposuction to be a good incentive for weight loss, but it is not a remedy for obesity.

If you have good skin tone, it is more likely that your skin will respond well to the surgery. Patients with saggy skin or stretch marks are more likely not to tighten and may in some cases look worse. A thigh lift or tummy tuck (depending on your problem area) may be more effective.

Patients planning to have large volume liposuction, which involves the removal of more than 5 liters (5,000 cc's; about 11 pounds) of fat and fluid may have an overnight stay at the hospital.

You are also at increased risk for complications from liposuction if you have diabetes, poor circulation, heart, lung or liver disease, smoke, have a family history of blood clots, take certain medications, etc. You'll want to discuss your medical history thoroughly with your physician before you choose to undergo surgery.