Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
Athletic individuals who are already on an exercise program and of normal body weight are considered ideal for this treatment. Usually they have done just about everything possible to lose the unwanted localized fat accumulation. Patients can be moderately over-weight and still be candidates for this surgery. In general, the most important thing is that they have realistic expectations of what can be achieved. Age by itself is not a significant factor. Many patients who are in there 70’s have been delighted with the outcome. The patients should be in good health without significant medical problems. This technique is not a substitute for weight loss; however, many overweight patients can be happy with an improvement in contour. There is a limit as to how much fat can be removed safely at one time.
Men and women who have diligently tried diet and exercise to reduce their size, and who have been frustrated time and again because they cannot achieve their ideal size and figure, are good candidates for liposuction. Often, these are people who have gained disproportionably large amounts of weight and fat due to pregnancy, or prescribed drugs such as hormone replacement therapies or cortisone. Also, those who have stubborn areas of localized fat such as “saddlebags,” “thunder thighs,” “love handles,” and “double chins” are good candidates.
