Do I Need to Lose Weight Before Liposuction?

Liposuction is one of the most remarkable tools in cosmetic surgery. It’s one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries every year, and for a good reason: the results you can get produce dramatic results. 

From reviews of people who have had this procedure, 87% overwhelmingly say it was “worth it,” according to the cosmetic procedure site RealSelf. It can be a great decision. But the only problem is that most people believe they can’t get it until they’re within a short range of their ideal weight, and they may feel intimidated by that requirement. But is it even true? The Advanced Plastic Surgery Center specialists explain more about what you should know when you can and can’t get liposuction.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure that removes the excess fat from parts of your body that are resistant to weight loss efforts like diet and exercise. The surgeon inserts a tiny tube called a cannula (which looks similar to a metal straw) and then suctions out the fat through it. 

You can easily lose significant amounts of fat and smooth the appearance of your skin almost instantly. Getting it while you still have weight to lose can help you achieve your desired results faster, such as if you’re trying to get “six-pack abs” and you have stubborn pockets of fat on your abdomen.

The issue of weight before the procedure

The procedure is commonly done, but there’s often a caution that you should wait until you’re within 30 pounds of your body’s ideal weight before getting it.

This is for a good reason, including the risk of complications. Unfortunately, you’re at greater risk of experiencing complications after surgery if you’re overweight or obese. Some of these risks include the following:

• Difficulty locating your veins, which is necessary to deliver anesthesia and life-saving emergency medications that the IV delivers
• Having more difficulty determining the right amount of medications to give you
• Getting enough oxygen and airflow during surgery (especially if you also have sleep apnea)
• Difficulty placing a breathing tube

These risks can be mitigated by choosing a reputable, experienced provider.

Why You Might Not Need to Wait

Although having surgery when you’re significantly overweight or obese, you may not need to wait until you lose weight to have it done. Here’s why:

You might not need to lose as much as you think

A lot of people overestimate the amount of body weight they need to lose. But you only need to feel concerned if you still plan to lose over 30% of your body weight. If you’re within a few pounds of your ideal weight, the surgery is probably a go, but the specialists will let you know if you have other complicating factors of concern.

Experienced providers know how to work with it

This is when choosing an experienced cosmetic surgeon is essential. Dr. Munasifi and Dr. Economides are well-reputed providers who have done this procedure countless times. 

The more times a specialist performs liposuction surgeries, the more likely they are to have already encountered the conditions that can lead to serious complications–which means they also know how to prevent them. Follow the instructions you get about post-surgical care, and that will reduce your risk of complications. Now is not the time to look for a less well-trained provider, even if they exist and charge less money. You want to be certain you’ll be as safe as possible.

If you’ve been considering getting liposuction, getting a consultation about it never hurts because the results have such a dramatic payoff. You can achieve many goals faster if you get the surgery done. Contact the Advanced Plastic Surgery Center specialists in Arlington, VA, today or request an appointment online.