Patients who are struggling to eliminate excess fat that hasn’t responded to diet or exercise can feel overwhelmed by the multitude of procedures that claim to offer a slimmer figure. With so many options for addressing fatty problem areas, how do you know when liposuction is the right answer?
The Best Lipo Candidates
Determining if you’re a good candidate for liposuction is the first and most important step. Liposuction is best for patients who want to target and remove isolated fatty deposits that remain despite efforts to eat right and stay active. It’s important to remember that lipo is not a weight loss method and is better for patients who are at or near their goal weight.
If you notice loose and saggy skin in addition to excess tissue—often as a result of weight loss, pregnancy or age—then liposuction may not be the ideal solution to deliver the smoother contours you’re hoping for, since liposuction only removes fat cells. An additional procedure, such as a tummy tuck or arm lift, may offer superior results for men and women who notice significant skin laxity. In these cases, liposuction may be combined with other body contouring surgeries for more comprehensive results overall.
Non-Surgical Options
As an alternative to liposuction, you may consider a nonsurgical solution like CoolSculpting®. Through the use of a patented cooling process to freeze fat, the cells are destroyed and then naturally eliminated from the body, leaving behind a slimmer silhouette. Deciding between CoolSculpting® vs liposuction or other body contouring surgeries depends on working closely with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine which option will give you the best results.