Who Is Considered a Good Liposuction Candidate?

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we understand that choosing liposuction is an important decision for achieving your body contouring goals. Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits from targeted areas, creating a more sculpted and refined appearance. The results of liposuction are considered permanent because the fat cells removed during the procedure are gone for good. However, the longevity of your results depends entirely on your lifestyle after the surgery. Liposuction is a body contouring tool, not a weight-loss solution, and it does not prevent you from gaining weight in the future.

If you maintain a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise, the sculpting effects of liposuction can last for many years, even a lifetime. Gaining a substantial amount of weight can still cause the remaining fat cells in the treated and untreated areas to swell. While a small amount of weight gain (within 5-10 pounds) may not be noticeable, substantial weight gain can diminish the results and affect your newly sculpted contours.

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, Dr. Joanna Partridge, MD, is committed to supporting you before, during, and after your procedure. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your progress and address any concerns, helping you enjoy the benefits of your liposuction for years to come.

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, we believe that the best candidates for liposuction are adults in good overall health who have realistic expectations about their results. A good candidate for liposuction is typically a healthy adult who is at or near their ideal body weight but has stubborn pockets of fat. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss solution, so it’s most effective for people who are within 30% of their ideal weight and have maintained a stable weight for at least six months.

Beyond weight, key qualifications include having good skin elasticity, as the skin needs to be able to retract smoothly over the new contours after the fat is removed. A good candidate also has no life-threatening medical conditions that could impair healing and is a non-smoker. Finally, having a positive outlook and realistic expectations about the results of the procedure is crucial for patient satisfaction.

If you are considering liposuction, our board-certified plastic surgeons at Partridge Plastic Surgery can provide a personalized evaluation. Our team will take the time to assess your unique needs and goals to help determine if liposuction is the right choice for you.

At Partridge Plastic Surgery, patient safety and optimal results are always our top priorities. When considering liposuction, several factors determine whether this procedure is appropriate for you. Disqualifying factors for liposuction are primarily related to a person’s overall health, lifestyle, and a clear understanding of the procedure’s limitations. Several specific medical conditions and lifestyle factors can disqualify a person from undergoing liposuction:

• Pre-existing Health Conditions: Individuals with a history of heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, or a weakened immune system are often not considered good candidates due to increased risks during and after surgery.

• Obesity: While liposuction removes fat, it is not for obese individuals. Surgeons often have BMI or weight limitations to minimize the risks of anesthesia and other surgical complications.

• Poor Skin Elasticity: The best results from liposuction are seen in patients with firm, elastic skin that can contract to the body’s new contours. Poor skin quality can lead to saggy or uneven results.

• Smoking: Smoking can significantly impair blood flow and wound healing, increasing the risk of complications like infection and skin death. Most surgeons require you to stop smoking well in advance of the procedure.

• Unrealistic Expectations: Patients who expect a complete body transformation or a cure for obesity may be disqualified. It’s essential to have realistic goals about what the procedure can achieve. A thorough evaluation by a qualified plastic surgeon is the only way to determine if you are a good candidate.

Every patient at Partridge Plastic Surgery receives a thorough, individualized evaluation to determine if liposuction is a safe and effective option. Our skilled team is committed to assisting you in reaching your cosmetic objectives while keeping your safety and health in mind at all times.

We understand that you want to plan your recovery and return to work after liposuction as smoothly as possible. The recovery timeline after liposuction can vary greatly depending on the extent of the procedure, the areas treated, and your healing ability. For those with a sedentary profession, many patients feel comfortable returning to work within three to seven days to one week.

If your job is more physically demanding, requiring heavy lifting, standing for long periods, or other strenuous activity, a longer recovery period is necessary. It is typically recommended that you take at least two to three weeks off before returning to a physically active profession. In all cases, it is crucial to follow your surgeon’s specific post-operative instructions and listen to your body to ensure a smooth recovery and prevent complications.

Every patient’s recovery is different, and we at Partridge Plastic Surgery are aware of this. That’s why we will discuss your specific circumstances and work requirements with you. Dr. Partridge and our team will offer personalized recommendations to help you determine the safest time to return to work and daily activities. We offer fat grafting, fat injection, and reconstruction procedures to enhance contour and restore natural shape. For more information, contact us today or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Princeton, NJ, and North Brunswick, NJ. We serve patients from Princeton NJ, North Brunswick NJ, Milltown NJ, Clyde NJ, New Brunswick NJ, Edison NJ, Sayreville NJ, Rocky Hill NJ, and surrounding areas.