Can Liposuction Be Used for Weight Loss?

Although patients may notice a degree of weight loss following a Liposuction procedure, it is not the primary purpose of the surgery, and the idea of weight loss Liposuction is a misconception.

Liposuction is primarily a body contouring procedure, designed to define and smooth areas of the body by removing stubborn fat deposits which are causing an uneven or disproportionate appearance.

If you are considering Liposuction surgery, it is essential to take into account the overall results you are hoping to achieve, rather than just the quantity of fat that may be extracted.

What Are Good Liposuction Results?

Good Liposuction results will depend on the exact procedure a patient has opted for and the results they are hoping to achieve.

During your consultation, your surgeon will show you a range of Liposuction before and after images that reflect the procedure you are interested in and patients who had similar concerns to yours.

Elements that make up good Liposuction results include:

• Balanced proportions
• Symmetry
• Skin tone and texture

It is important to remember that the quantity of fat removed during a Liposuction procedure is not the main indicator of a successful procedure. Your surgeon will discuss your expected results during your consultation and will explain the elements that you should prioritise from your own procedure.

Can You Get Liposuction at Any Weight?

There are several weight-related factors that your surgeon will consider when determining whether you are suitable for Liposuction:

• Your BMI – BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measurement which shows whether a person’s weight is healthy compared to their height. Having a high BMI can affect the safety of a procedure and may influence whether you are suitable for Liposuction.
• Stable weight – If you have been through weight loss or a life change, such as pregnancy, you should have maintained your ideal weight for at least 6 months before undergoing Liposuction to achieve your desired results
• Your desired results – If your primary goal or desired results are focused on weight loss, your surgeon will discuss alternative options and explain why Liposuction may not be suitable for you

Whether you are an ideal weight for Liposuction is based on your personal circumstances, and your surgeon will discuss this with you during your consultation.

What is the Best Option If I’m Not Suitable for Liposuction?

For individuals seeking weight-loss solutions who aren’t suitable candidates for Liposuction, there are various options available.

It is important that if you have any concerns about dramatic or unexplained weight fluctuations, you should speak with your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

In cases where underlying medical conditions aren’t contributing to weight gain, it is most likely due to caloric intake. Although we all need calories from the food we eat to function and for energy, eating too much consistently causes fat to build up throughout the body.

As well as causing self-consciousness and a loss of confidence for many, excess fat can also increase the risk of developing certain health conditions, such as Type II Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Heart Attacks, and Stroke.

Weight loss can be a sensitive issue for many people, and it’s important to find a tailored and bespoke approach that suits your concerns.

Diet and Exercise

For many people wishing to lose weight, diet and exercise are the first port of call.

Diet and exercise help with weight loss by:

• Diet – Reducing regular calorie intake encourages the body to use the energy stored in the reserves of fat, reducing fat and overall weight
• Exercise – Exercise, especially cardio and weightlifting, increases the amount of energy the body uses to use the energy stored in the body fat

Diet and exercise are typically most effective when combined to achieve the best results.

If you aren’t sure where to begin with diet and exercise, speaking with a qualified General Practitioner (GP) will help you to:

• Put together an effective and sustainable diet and exercise plan
• Get suitable referrals to qualified diet and exercise practitioners for specialist advice and care
• Maintain the plan and have accountability for support
• Provide additional weight loss advice and services where necessary

Diet and exercise often feel daunting, and individuals are concerned that they won’t be able to maintain the plan. Speaking with a qualified professional ensures you have support throughout and can also provide additional weight-loss options if needed.

Weight Loss Medication

For many patients who have found that their efforts with diet and exercise haven’t been successful, Weight Loss Medication is now providing a successful and empowering solution.

Originally prescribed as a treatment for Type II Diabetes, its weight loss benefits have now been embraced and offer transformative results for both health and aesthetics for patients who have previously struggled long-term with managing their weight.

There are several Weight Loss Medication options available for patients considering this route:

• GLP-1 Receptor Agonists – The most recognisable Weight Loss Medication, these are injectable treatments which lower blood sugar levels and reduce the speed at which food moves through the stomach, resulting in a suppressed appetite
• Dual GIP/GLP-1 Agonists – These are similar to GLP-1 Agonists. They are also injectables and work by suppressing the appetite and controlling blood sugar. However, there is evidence that they are more effective for purely weight concerns
• Orlistat – An alternative Weight Loss Medication, Orlistat is a tablet which prevents a proportion of the fat consumed from being absorbed

It is essential that Weight Loss Medication be prescribed by a qualified medical professional who can assess your suitability and monitor your progress and any unwanted side effects.

Factors your doctor will consider to determine whether you are suitable for Weight Loss Medication include:

• Your BMI – Weight Loss Medication is typically most beneficial to patients with a BMI over 35
• Medical history and existing medical conditions – Patients who are affected by, or at high risk of weight-related conditions may benefit from Weight Loss Medication
• Any previous weight loss methods – Weight Loss Medication is rarely the first option an individual should try, and your consultant may suggest other methods first
• Your ethnicity and family background – Certain ethnicities are at a higher risk of weight-related health conditions

Your doctor will discuss all of these factors during your consultation, and will explain whether you are suitable for Weight Loss Medication, and the results you can expect to achieve.

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