Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat cells that may be resistant to diet and exercise alone. However, it’s not the right choice for everyone. Knowing whether you qualify for liposuction is the first step to making an informed decision. In this article, we’ll cover what makes someone a suitable candidate for this procedure, such as being at a stable weight, having specific problem areas you want addressed, and importantly, having realistic expectations about the surgery.
Suitable Candidates for Liposuction
1. You’re at a Stable Weight
When considering liposuction, one of the key factors is being at a stable weight that’s close to your ideal. Why is this important? Liposuction is designed to remove stubborn fat deposits that don’t go away with diet and exercise, not to significantly reduce your weight. If your weight isn’t stable, any fluctuations after the procedure could alter your results dramatically.
- If you gain weight after liposuction, new fat can deposit in different areas of the body, potentially altering the results of your liposuction surgery.
- Losing weight post-lipo could lead to loose skin in the treated areas, which might also affect your results.
Essentially, being at a stable weight helps ensure that the results you see after recovery are likely to last.
2. You Have Specific Problem Areas to Address
Liposuction is not a weight loss solution. It’s designed to target stubborn fat cells that are hard to remove through diet and exercise alone. Common areas where people choose get liposuction include:
If you have a particular area in your body you want to reduce fat (and not just your whole body), then you might be a suitable candidate for liposuction.
3. You’re in Good Health
Being in good health is crucial when considering liposuction. This means you shouldn’t have any serious illnesses that could complicate the surgery or your recovery. Good health ensures that your body can handle the procedure and heal effectively afterwards.
It’s also important to note that non-smokers often see better results from liposuction. Smoking can slow down the healing process1https://www.who.int/news/item/20-01-2020-smoking-greatly-increases-risk-of-complications-after-surgery and increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. If you’re a smoker, most surgeons will advise you to quit well in advance of the procedure to enhance your recovery and the overall success of your results.
4. You Have Realistic Expectations
Having realistic expectations is key to being satisfied with your liposuction results. Outcomes can vary significantly from person to person, depending on factors like body shape, skin elasticity, and how the body responds to the procedure.
It’s important to understand that liposuction is designed to reduce fat in specific areas — it’s not a guaranteed fix for body weight issues or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.
Before deciding on liposuction, have an open conversation with your surgeon about what the procedure can and cannot do for you. This discussion can help set realistic goals and clarify what to expect.
5. You Have Good Skin Elasticity
One of the keys to solid results from liposuction is having firm, elastic skin. When your skin bounces back easily, it can adapt to the body’s new shape better after fat is removed. This means you’re likely to see a more toned and defined outcome – but this varies from patient to patient.
However, if your skin is looser and less elastic—often a result of ageing, significant weight changes, or genetics—liposuction alone might not achieve the look you’re hoping for. In these cases, your surgeon might recommend additional treatments, such as a tummy tuck or body lift, to help tighten the skin and achieve more satisfactory results.
6. You’re at the Right Age
While there’s no ideal age for liposuction (although you must be 18 or older in Australia2https://www.medicalboard.gov.au/Codes-Guidelines-Policies/Cosmetic-medical-and-surgical-procedures-guidelines.aspx), your skin’s quality and your body’s recovery abilities do play a role in how well you might respond to the procedure.
Younger skin typically has better elasticity, which helps with the reshaping process post-liposuction. As we age, our skin becomes less elastic and our bodies may not bounce back as quickly, which doesn’t mean you can’t have liposuction, but you might need to manage your expectations and consider additional skin-tightening procedures.
The decision to undergo liposuction should be based more on your skin condition and overall health rather than your chronological age.
7. You have Good Mental Health & A Support Network
Being in a good place mentally and having a strong support network is incredibly important when undergoing any surgical procedure, including liposuction. It’s essential to be mentally prepared for the surgery and understand the recovery process.
Surgery can be a stressor both physically and emotionally, so being stable and having people who can support you through the recovery can make a big difference in your experience and outcomes.
This support can come in various forms, from practical help at home while you’re recovering to emotional encouragement throughout the healing process. A positive mindset and good support can help you cope better with the immediate aftermath of the surgery and adjust to the changes in your body.
Explore Your Liposuction Options with Levant Cosmetic Surgery
At Levant Cosmetic Surgery, we’re here to guide you through every part of the process, from initial consultation to post-surgery care. Call us on 1300 323 772 or schedule your consultation and learn more about what Levant Cosmetic Surgery can do for you.
Qualifications for Liposuction FAQs
What BMI do you need for liposuction?
There isn’t a specific BMI requirement for liposuction, but it’s generally recommended for individuals who are close to their ideal weight. Typically, the best candidates have a BMI under 30. This isn’t a strict rule, but being within this range usually means the skin’s elasticity is better, which helps achieve better results after the fat removal.
Is there a weight limit on liposuction?
Liposuction isn’t primarily about reducing body weight, and there isn’t a specific weight limit. However, surgeons often recommend that patients be within 5–10 kgs of their ideal weight. This guideline helps ensure that the patient has realistic expectations and that the procedure can be performed safely and effectively.
Can you get liposuction if you are not overweight?
Yes, you can get liposuction even if you’re not overweight. The procedure is designed to remove localised fat deposits, not to reduce overall body weight. It’s ideal for people who have stubborn areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise, regardless of their overall body weight.