It can sometimes be challenging to get rid of stubborn fat deposits on the thighs, flanks, abdomen, and other areas of the body, even with diet and exercise. These stubborn fat pockets are typically unresponsive to natural treatment.
Liposuction plastic surgery is an effective option to remove excess fat from various areas of the body. At the time of the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will determine whether the patient is an ideal candidate for liposuction surgery, and explain its benefits and limitations to them.
Board certified plastic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD provides liposuction to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA , and surrounding locations.
Candidacy
Before proceeding further, an experienced plastic surgeon will first establish the patient as a candidate for liposuction. Suitable candidates for this surgery are in good general health and weigh within 25 pounds of their ideal weight range.
They want to get rid of fat pockets that have not been responsive to diet and exercise. Individuals who are 18 years or older and meet the required medical criteria are good candidates for liposuction surgery.
The following people may not be good candidates for liposuction:
- Pregnant or nursing women
- People who use blood-thinning drugs, unless they can discontinue using these medications in the weeks before the surgery
- People with medical issues that could be an impediment to the healing process
- People who are allergic to lidocaine, which is used in the tumescent liposuction technique
Teens and Liposuction
A surgeon will approve a teenage patient as a candidate for liposuction surgery only in exceptional cases. If the teenage patient has lost a significant amount of weight that has left behind stubborn fat pockets, they may be a suitable candidate for liposuction. Additionally, the surgeon will ensure that the teen has the emotional maturity to cope with liposuction surgery.
The surgeon may determine that only a single problem area needs treatment to improve the teenage patient’s self-esteem. Some teenagers are bothered by the presence of excess fat pockets in the calves, hips, under the chin, or other areas.
This may be a source of embarrassment for them among their peers. Liposuction cosmetic surgery may be an appropriate procedure for such patients as it can eliminate fatty deposits in specific areas to create a more sculpted, toned appearance.
Adult Candidates
For patients considering liposuction surgery, there is no upper age limit. However, liposuction does involve some risks, similar to any surgical procedure.
The patient should be in good general health to be able to cope with the procedure. Patients with serious health conditions or those on specific drugs may not be good candidates for liposuction surgery.
People considering liposuction should consult their primary care physician and cosmetic surgeon to understand whether they are good candidates for liposuction.
While liposuction removes fat, it does not tighten loose skin. Therefore, the presence of relatively elastic skin will usually lead to better surgical outcomes. Older patients tend to have less elastic skin.
Medical Issues
The existence of certain conditions may exclude some patients as candidates for liposuction plastic surgery. People with chronic issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes may be unsuitable candidates for liposuction.
Individuals with a weakened immune system or those with heart disease, lung disease, or poor blood flow may not be good candidates for liposuction as it could cause serious medical complications.
Cosmetic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for liposuction.
For more information on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and treatments by Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon, Roger Tsai, MD please click here or call us at 310.276.1190. Taking patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and other surrounding cities.