6 Common Reasons Liposuction Candidates Don't Qualify

If you have stubborn pockets of fat in certain areas that have yet to budge despite your best efforts, you may qualify for a fat removal procedure. 

The most common solution, liposuction, is an age-old solution. Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that helps individuals achieve their desired body shape by removing excess fat deposits. While liposuction can be a transformative solution, it's important to note not everyone is an ideal candidate for this treatment. 

Several factors may disqualify individuals from undergoing liposuction. Plus, just because it is time-tested does not mean it is necessarily the best solution. 

Before delving into the procedure details, you must ensure you're an ideal candidate for liposuction. After all, it's an invasive form of surgery, and you may be put under general anesthesia for an effective treatment.

Below we'll share some reasons why you might not be a good candidate for liposuction and other options you can consider.

Some factors that can prevent you from getting lipo may not apply with less invasive options like AirSculpt.  

Your BMI Is Too High  

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measurement that relates weight and height to determine whether an individual falls within a healthy weight range. Patients with a high BMI may not qualify for liposuction, as it is not a weight loss method. Furthermore, surgeons often have specific weight limitations for the procedure to minimize risks and optimize results. Maintaining a stable weight within the recommended range is crucial for liposuction eligibility.

Patients with high BMIs may have a higher chance of experiencing complications during surgery than patients within their healthy weight range.

This also applies to patients that have a very low BMI. Candidates below their healthy weight can incur aesthetic risks such as irregularities of indentations from liposuction.

You Want To Remove Too Much Fat 

Most states recommend that no more than five liters of fat and fluid be removed via liposuction. Removing more than this amount during a case of large-volume liposuction can be risky for the patient. Most surgeons will refrain from going over five liters even if there is no legal limit.  

Alternative options like weight-loss procedures might be better for those needing significant fat and weight removal. 

You Have an Inadequate Amount of Fat

On the other hand, some patients may have too little fat for liposuction.

This treatment is designed to remove localized pockets of excess fat. If a patient does not have enough fat deposits in the target areas, liposuction may not be a good option. The surgeon needs an adequate amount of fat to perform the procedure effectively and ensure ideal results. In such cases, alternative treatments may be recommended.

You Have a Health Condition

One of the primary reasons patients may not qualify for liposuction is the presence of underlying health conditions. 

Surgeons will assess your health before treatment to determine the risk posed by plastic surgery. Even if you have overall good health, you may have an underlying condition that will render you unfit for liposuction.

Individuals with certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, or compromised immune systems may be at a higher risk of complications. It is essential to disclose your complete medical history to the surgeon to ensure your safety.

Your Skin Isn't Elastic Enough

Removing extra fat is only one aspect of regaining a tight and sleek abdomen (or thighs or arms). The other part is ensuring your skin returns to the newly reduced surface area.

Elastic skin is essential for successful liposuction outcomes. After the fat is removed, the skin should be able to shrink and conform to your new body contours. Patients without good skin elasticity may not be suitable candidates for liposuction as they may experience sagging or uneven skin after the procedure. A plastic surgeon can assess your skin quality during consultation.

You Have Unrealistic Expectations

Having realistic expectations is crucial when considering body contouring procedures. Some patients may have unrealistic goals and expect dramatic weight loss or a complete body transformation.

Liposuction procedures are not a replacement for balanced, healthy lifestyle choices; patients must understand the treatment's limitations. Many patients put in the effort to lose body weight, then decide to still get liposuction to address stubborn pockets that resist diet and exercise. A thorough consultation with a qualified surgeon can help manage expectations and determine the best course of action.

AirSculpt® Procedures Have Fewer Restrictions 

It is crucial to restate that newer options like AirSculpt® do not have the same restrictions as traditional liposuction. This gentle approach allows patients with higher BMIs, for example, to remove up to five liters of fat through a freckle-sized opening. 

While AirSculpt® procedures have fewer qualifications, that doesn't mean that the body contouring results are any less dramatic. AirSculpt® specializes in providing outstanding results under a minimally invasive and comfortable experience. Patients with concerns about skin elasticity can pair their permanent fat removal with our skin-tightening add-on, AirSculpt+.

Not using scalpels, stitches, needles, or general anesthesia allows more patients to be eligible than the taxing traditional liposuction methods. Many of our patients go on to lose weight after treatment thanks to the short downtime and quick results they notice.

With more than 27 locations across North America and Europe, we're here to provide you with your ideal aesthetic.

Call the body sculpting experts nearest to you to schedule a consultation.