Posted March 31, 2025 in Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S., with nearly 350,000 people choosing it to slim and smooth their bodies in 2023. However, while liposuction remains the most requested plastic surgery procedure, not everyone is an ideal candidate for this surgery. If you’re thinking about undergoing liposuction, it’s essential to understand the factors that determine whether the procedure is right for you. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a good candidate for liposuction (and what may disqualify you).
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical tool designed to remove fat that can be a stand-alone procedure or can be used with other procedures. It is most commonly used in cosmetic reshaping of an area of the body but it has non-cosmetic uses, as well. Even though it eliminates excess fat, it is very important to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss solution. Instead, it is a body contouring tool used to shape a body area to a more desired contour.
Several liposuction techniques are available; however, they all involve using a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) in the treatment area. The cannula is used to dislodge the unwanted fat and suction it out of the body. All methods of liposuction also use tumescent fluid, a saline solution containing lidocaine (a local anesthetic to numb the area), and epinephrine (to help reduce bleeding). Tumescent fluid also makes it easier to dislodge targeted fat cells. Types of liposuction include:
- Tumescent liposuction, which is the traditional method of liposuction
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), which utilizes ultrasonic waves to break up fat for easier removal
- Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL), which uses laser energy to heat and liquefy fat for easier removal
- Power-assisted liposuction (PAL), which uses a vibrating cannula to gently and precisely remove fat cells
While each liposuction technique offers different advantages, the most important factor when considering liposuction is whether it is the best procedure to achieve your desired results.
How Do I Know If I’m a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
When you visit your plastic surgeon for a consultation to determine if liposuction is the right procedure for you, some of the criteria for determining your eligibility include the following:
You Are Close to Your Ideal Weight
Again, because liposuction is not a method of weight loss, it offers the most effective results for patients who are within about 25 pounds of their ideal weight. If you have reached a stable, healthy weight but struggle with pockets of fat that refuse to respond to your best diet and exercise efforts, liposuction may be the solution for you.
You Have Good Skin Elasticity
Skin elasticity plays a vital part in achieving gorgeous results after liposuction. Because liposuction quickly removes volume from under your skin, you may be left with loose or sagging skin after surgery. However, if your skin is firm and has good elasticity, it can more easily “bounce back” and conform to your new contours after surgery.
You Have Localized Fat Deposits
Liposuction is designed as a spot treatment, meaning it is most effective in areas that need refining or touching up. As you may know, it is impossible to “spot reduce” when it comes to weight loss—your body loses fat where it wants to. This can be frustrating, which is where liposuction comes in. The areas most often addressed with liposuction include the abdomen, hips, thighs, or under the chin, as they most commonly need some extra contouring.
You Are in Good Overall Health
Ideal candidates for liposuction should be in good overall health to reduce the risk of complications during surgery or recovery. If you have a chronic condition like uncontrolled diabetes, cardiac issues, or immune disorders, you may not be a good candidate for liposuction.
You Do Not Smoke or Are Willing to Quit
Smoking (or any type of nicotine use, including vaping) puts you at a higher risk for complications both during liposuction surgery and as you recover. Nicotine use can cause respiratory and heart issues during surgery, and it significantly impacts healing. Nicotine inhibits blood flow, which can slow down the recovery process and lead to complications like poor wound healing. If you use nicotine, most surgeons require you to quit at least four weeks before and after surgery to ensure a healthy and safe procedure and recovery.
You Have Realistic Expectations of Your Results
Liposuction can smooth and slim targeted areas, but it is not for people who wish to use it to lose weight. While you may lose inches after liposuction, or your clothes may fit better, in reality, the amount of weight that can safely be removed during liposuction is a maximum of eleven pounds (according to FDA guidelines). Ideal liposuction candidates understand that losing weight takes time and that liposuction will not drastically reduce their body weight but rather enhance their body contour.
You Are Committed to Maintaining Your Results
While liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the areas targeted for treatment, fat can still increase in untreated areas if you gain weight. To ensure that your liposuction results are long-lasting, you must be willing to commit to maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Find Out More About Liposuction in Dallas
If you’re considering liposuction and feel you meet the above criteria, it’s time to take the next step and schedule a consultation with Dr. Todd Pollock. Dr. Pollock is a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring procedures like liposuction and will work with you to create a treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. To learn more and schedule an appointment, call our Dallas office at (214) 363-2575, our Allen office at (214) 509-0270, or complete the online contact form.
