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Liposuction Questions

Questions about Liposuction Surgery

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

Most patients who are interested in localized fat reduction do turn out to be good candidates for the liposuction procedure. However, the only way to rule out any conflicting issues is to schedule a personal, one-on-one consultation with our Santa Monica liposuction surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim,

Generally speaking, the best candidates are men and women who are in good health and who are not expecting liposuction to produce significant weight loss. Patients should be age 18 or older and have a clear understanding of the risks and benefits involved with this type of fat removal method.

Why isn’t liposuction a goord solution for severely overweight individuals?

While liposuction is great for small-volume fat removal, it should not be used primarily as an avenue to substantial weight loss. Removing too much tissue at once is also unsafe — it can stress the body and lead to complications. Also, obese individuals who attempt to use liposuction as their main weight loss method will often find that the weight is regained without any corresponding lifestyle changes. Dieting and exercise are recommended for gradual loss of weight, and liposuction can definitely be used as a complementary procedure to help you achieve your ideal body contour.

See What Body Areas can be Treated with Liposuction? for more information.

Does that mean that I shouldn’t have liposuction if I am obese?

Not at all. If your weight is stable (no large fluctuations recently) and you want to target one or a few specific areas, liposuction may be able to help. The key is to remember that it is a localized treatment, not a full-body weight loss solution. And it is important to talk about the potential increase in risks associated with a higher BMI

What kind of results can I expect after liposuction?

Dr. Kim’s goal with your surgery is to reduce the appearance of fat in your trouble spots and improve the body contour. To achieve the best result, Dr. Kim uses his years of experience and expertise to determine just the right volume of fat to be removed. After the healing is complete, you will notice a reduction in size of the treated area, as well as a smoother body contour. Liposuction often works to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but will not completely eliminate this fact of life for many individuals.

Are the improvements after liposuction permanent?

Since fat cells cannot regenerate after they are removed, liposuction results are considered permanent. However, you can gain weight back in the treated areas if you fail to manage your eating habits and counteract calorie intake with regular fitness. For optimal, long-lasting results, you will want to choose healthy foods and aim for some form of daily exercise.

If liposuction sounds like a great cosmetic surgery option for you, please contact E. Kim Plastic Surgery to learn more about this popular procedure. Our skilled plastic surgeon helps patients in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Los Angeles achieve their ideal body contour. We would be happy to share our before and after photos and work with you to meet your appearance goals.