Question:

I want to get fit this year and I'm thinking about having liposuction to help slim my belly and thighs to help. My doctor said he didn't think I needed it, but I think I do. How do I know if I'm a good candidate and that liposuction is right for me?

Answer:

Lipoplasty (liposuction) is the single most requested aesthetic surgical procedure in the country, with more than 287,000 performed in 1999, according to statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).

Getting fit often requires major lifestyle changes including reducing food intake, selecting foods that are better for you, and sticking to an exercise routine. While lipoplasty is not a cure for obesity, it can eliminate localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.

The ASAPS offers these tips to help determine if lipoplasty is right for you:

1. Have you tried diet and exercise? A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are always the first choices to improve fitness.
2. Is your weight within the normal range? Lipoplasty is a body contouring technique, not a method for overall weight reduction. The ideal candidate should be no more than 30 percent over their ideal body weight.
3. Do you plan to lose weight in the future? If you plan to lose a significant amount of weight, do so prior to surgery to achieve the best results.
4. Are you in generally good health? If you have pre-existing health conditions, your plastic surgeon will consult with your physician prior to deciding about whether you should undergo surgery.
5. Is your excess fat in specific areas, such as thigh "saddlebags," "love handles" around your waist, or extra padding on your hips? Lipoplasty of these areas of localized fat deposits that frequently are resistant to diet and exercise can help you achieve a smoother body contour.
6. How "elastic" is your skin? Patients with good skin tone will obtain the best results from lipoplasty.
7. Do you have cellulite? Lipoplasty is not effective in treating cellulite, a condition that gives the skin an uneven, dimpled appearance. If you are bothered by cellulite, your plastic surgeon may be able to recommend alternative treatments instead of, or in conjunction with, lipoplasty, but there currently is no proven method for eliminating this condition.
8. Can you take sufficient time for recovery? Typically, it takes a couple of weeks before you can return to normal activities, and a little longer before you can resume exercise.
9. Can you maintain your new body contour? Fat cells that are removed from your body by lipoplasty are permanently gone. However, lipoplasty will not prevent weight gain in the future if you overeat and fail to exercise.

When considering surgery, remember that all surgery carries risks as well as benefits, and a candid discussion with a qualified plastic surgeon should help to answer your questions. For more information, visit the ASAPS Web site or the Plastic Surgery Information Service Web site, sponsored by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation.