Weight Limit for Liposuction

One of the most common questions I receive from prospective liposuction patients is if there is a pre-operative weight limit. One of the biggest misconceptions patients often hold about liposuction is that it is a weight loss tool. I have also been asked how many pounds a patient can expect to lose via liposuction more times than I can count! While it is true that you can expect to lose a few pounds and noticeable volume from an area after liposuction, the weight of the fat removed is not significant. The most significant effect is the change in contour and shape of the area targeted.

A recent liposuction before and after outcome by Dr. Zuckerman. Patient underwent liposuction of the abdomen, flanks and lower back with fat grafting to the buttocks (buttock augmentation).

Liposuction is a sculpting tool and is ideal for those who have a stubborn pad of fat that is not responsive to diet and exercise. It is in the top two to three plastic surgery procedures in terms of popularity nationwide. The downtime is relatively minimal compared to other surgical procedures I perform, and the incisions are tiny poke holes made to insert the liposuction cannula.

Because liposuction is more for reshaping than for weight loss, I ask that patients who are significantly overweight lose weight before undergoing surgery. Surgical guidelines also specify that more than five liters of fat should not be removed via liposuction at one time. Otherwise, dangerous complications such as possible heart failure are possible. A patient who undergoes liposuction or a tummy tuck should not have a BMI that significantly exceeds 30.  Easier recovery and better surgical results will undoubtedly result from a healthier pre-operative weight.

While losing weight before undergoing surgery may seem onerous, I advise you to take the longer road to a better long-term liposuction result!