We often get asked, how much weight can one lose with liposuction?
Liposuction, aka lipoplasty, is normally targeted at relatively small areas of stubborn fat. Most typically on the waist and tummy, butt, hips, thighs and neck. These areas are prone to storing fat deposits that are hard to shift with diet and exercise. Liposuction is also called liposculpture due to the reshaping results possible with this procedure. Tiny incisions are made in the treatment area and a cannula, or thin tube, is inserted to loosen and vacuum out excess fat.
Excessive removal of fat via liposuction can lead to serious complications, so reputable plastic surgeons, like Dr van der Velde limit the removal to up to 5 liters per procedure. He sticks to the strict guidelines laid down in “The Practice Advisory on Liposuction” by The American Society of Plastic Surgeons. And in doing so, reduces the risks.
So, if you are overweight and looking for a way to lose a lot of weight through liposuction, this is not the procedure for you. Liposuction is not typically considered a weight-loss treatment. But if your goal is to remove pockets of stubborn fat that you cannot lose with diet and exercise, you may be a good candidate for liposuction.
Other areas on the body that can be treated successfully with liposuction include the knees, back and breasts – in the case of breast reduction or gynaecomastia (male breast reduction).
For the best results of liposuction, you should have reached a stable body weight. If you are committed to a healthy lifestyle, the results of liposuction can be very satisfying and long-lasting.
To plan for liposuction, first book a consultation with Dr van der Velde. During this consultation, he will discuss your expectations with you so that you have a good understanding of what can be achieved and what the realistic expectations should be. He will examine the areas for treatment, and evaluate your general health status as well as any pre-existing conditions.