Should I Lose Weight Before Liposuction?

You’re considering liposuction to help you get rid of some stubborn fat that isn’t responding to diet and exercise. But you’re wondering if you should try to lose more weight before the procedure. Read on to find out!

If you’re considering liposuction, your goal is likely to improve the way you look. You’re not happy with some aspect of your body’s appearance, wanting to get rid of some of the stubborn fat you can’t seem to lose.

Given this fact, it might seem like a good idea to lose as much weight as possible before your liposuction procedure, right?

Like so many things in life, the answer is … it depends. Getting to your goal weight a few months before liposuction is indeed a good idea. Crash dieting in the last few days or weeks before your procedure isn’t such a good plan.

Here’s what Pamela Phillips, PhD, FNP-C, tells our patients at Phillips Family Medical who are considering liposuction.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive body sculpting procedure that uses advanced suction technology to remove excess fat deposits from specific sites on your body. The goal is not weight loss, but an improved body shape, proportion, and figure.

While it can be done just about anywhere, the areas most targeted include:

Abdomen
Thighs
Buttocks
Neck
Back
Arms

It can be done as a stand-alone procedure or with other related treatments designed to improve your image, such as a tummy tuck.

More than 200,000 liposuction procedures are performed each year in the United States.

How should I manage my weight before liposuction?

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. Sure, you may lose some weight as a result of the procedure, but it will only be from targeted areas of fat cells that have not responded to diet and exercise.

Ideally, you should have reached your goal weight and maintained it for 6-12 months before your liposuction procedure. Then, you’ll know for sure where those last stubborn pockets of fat are located.

Many people try to quickly lose as much weight as possible before liposuction, but crash dieting is harmful for your health, and weight lost in this manner tends to return as quickly as it left, which would negate the positive results of your liposuction.

To achieve your ideal figure, use a slow and steady weight loss plan based on a healthy diet and consistent exercise. Not only will you drop the pounds, you’ll also build muscle, which will accentuate the results of liposuction.

Taking the next step

If you’ve had enough of stubborn fat deposits and are ready for a slimmer and more toned body, our expert team at Phillips Family Medical can help guide you through the process. To get started, call our DeSoto, Texas, office at 972-861-1151 or use our online scheduler to book your visit today.