Liposuction Eligibility: Am I Eligible for Laser Liposuction?
This blog is a part of our Ultimate Guide to Laser Lipo. Check it out for more info on laser lipo.
If you have been considering liposuction to target the removal of stubborn fat deposits and achieve a more contoured physique, it's essential to understand whether you meet the candidacy requirements. In this blog post, we will explore the factors that determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate for a liposuction procedure, particularly laser liposuction while addressing common concerns and misconceptions.
Things to Know Before Getting Laser Liposuction
Laser liposuction is a suitable option for individuals who are at a stable weight and have localized areas of stubborn fat that are resistant to traditional methods such as exercise and dieting. Laser lipo is not a substitute for a healthy diet or active lifestyle. If you are looking to shape specific areas of your body and enhance your body's contours in ways that cannot be achieved through targeted workouts alone, this cosmetic surgery can be a valuable solution. Laser lipo cannot increase muscle tone or get you to your ideal body weight; however, it can help those who desire an hourglass figure, wish to eliminate loose skin, or address excess skin in the lower belly area.
Who is an Ideal Candidate?
To undergo liposuction, it is crucial to be in good overall health, with a heart and lungs capable of withstanding the duration of the procedure, which can last up to 8 hours. Certain medications used during the operation may put stress on the cardiovascular system, so it is vital to ensure you're able to tolerate them safely. If you are currently taking blood thinners or have a medical history of blood clots, you may not be an ideal candidate due to the increased risk of clotting associated with major surgery.
In addition, patients with abdominal hernias are generally not considered suitable candidates for liposuction. The presence of a hernia poses potential risks during the procedure, making it unsafe to perform liposuction in such cases.
From a safety perspective, larger patients may have concerns related to general anesthesia. Being put under general anesthesia can impose significant stress on the heart and lungs, and it may not be necessary for an elective cosmetic procedure. Anesthesiologists often impose BMI cutoffs to ensure the well-being of patients during surgery. On the other hand, thinner patients may also present challenges in achieving desired outcomes. With less fat tissue, any minor irregularities or divots resulting from the procedure become more noticeable. There exists an ideal range where optimal results are more likely, and surgeons may select patients who fit within this range to showcase successful before-and-after transformations.
Make Sure to Manage Laser Lipo Expectations
It is crucial to have realistic expectations regarding the outcomes of liposuction. The procedure is primarily focused on contouring the body and enhancing aesthetic appeal, rather than overall weight reduction. Liposuction cannot replace the need for weight loss achieved through a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, if you have significant weight loss goals, liposuction alone will not provide the desired results.
Determining your candidacy for liposuction, specifically laser liposuction, involves considering various factors to ensure your safety and optimize outcomes. If you have localized areas of stubborn fat, are at a stable weight, and have realistic expectations about the procedure's goals, you may be a suitable candidate for liposuction. Want to find out if you are a good candidate? Feel free to reach out! Consulting with a qualified cosmetic surgeon is crucial to assess your individual circumstances and develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals. Remember, liposuction is a powerful tool for body sculpting, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution for weight loss.
If you're interested in Laser Liposuction, we recommend setting up an initial consultation. The treatment plan for candidates may vary based on their personal goals.
Dr. Rivera is a board-certified general surgeon and owner of The Ratio by Body Math in Columbia, SC. She received her medical training at Yale University and completed her surgical residency at the University of Nevada. Dr. Rivera specializes in head and neck surgery and microsurgical reconstruction. She has published and presented her peer-reviewed research and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.