Since its inception, cosmetic surgery has been sought after by people of all shapes, sizes, and ages. All types of procedures have individual requirements or factors affecting success, and in the cosmetic surgery industry, this is no different. Liposuction is considered one of the most common cosmetic surgeries designed to help people dealing with stubborn fat. What counts as stubborn fat tissue accumulates because of aging, genetics, or one’s lifestyle. During a liposuction procedure, incisions are made in the desired area for fat removal, after which a thin hollow tube called a cannula is inserted. The cannula is moved back and forth in controlled movements to loosen the excess fat so it can be suctioned out through the tube. Although this sounds simple enough in writing, there are precautions that any trained surgeon must consider before clearing any candidate for surgery.
Liposuction restrictions start with patient age. The minimum age for this procedure is 18, which is straightforward enough, whereas the maximum age requirement is not so clear. As mentioned, age is a significant factor as to why some have stubborn fat. Ideally, anyone considered “old” should not be looking at liposuction because they are prone to having a weakened immune system. It doesn’t have to do so much with age as it does with their state of health. While there is no established upper age limit for liposuction, most doctors will hesitate to perform this treatment on those over the age of 80.
Although this procedure is meant to remove excess or stubborn fat, there is also a preferred weight for candidates. Those within 30% of their ideal weight are perfect candidates due to the amount of fat that can be removed in a single procedure. If you are a bit over this percentage, then having firm, elastic skin, and healthy muscle tone will be an added benefit; if there is too much excess skin, that leaves you with the possibility of having to get additional surgery to remove it after liposuction, like a tuck or lift procedure. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment and will not help with obesity.
There are other health factors still to be taken into consideration when looking at liposuction. You must be a healthy adult with no life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing. When recovering, you can expect to see bruising and swelling; however, other risks can flare up depending on your health. Thrombophlebitis are on these hazards, more commonly known as blood clots that form in the vein. A pulmonary embolism, which is when fat gets into the blood vessels, is another risk. There is also the possibility of kidney or heart problems. These possibilities highlight why your surgeon will need to review all your medical history before a procedure.
As always, keep your expectations realistic before liposuction. Cosmetic surgery is there to assist, not to create perfection. Talk to your surgeon about the possibility of needing additional sessions in order to see the results you desire.