Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
By Vas Sabeeh | Published on July 27, 2010 | 0 Comments
As the popularity of cosmetic surgery procedures continues to rise, liposuction still remains one of the most requested options in cosmetic centers around the country. In fact, according to the staff at Beautologie Scottsdale, which performs liposuction in Scottsdale, Arizona under the direction of Vas Sabeeh, D.O., F.A.C.S., the treatment is an excellent way to target the troublesome areas of your body and contour your shape. However, before you can be approved for liposuction, there are some aspects of your lifestyle and health that you, your primary care physician, and the staff at Beautologie Scottsdale must take into consideration before moving forward.
Your Body
While liposuction is usually not a last minute decision that is made in haste, it is still important that you have consciously reviewed your reasons for undergoing the procedure and are comfortable with your decision. Before meeting with your plastic surgeon, Dr. Sabeeh recommends asking yourself these few questions first:
- Am I at or close to reaching my goal weight?
- Am I height and weight proportionate?
- Am I looking to target small areas of my body, or am I dissatisfied with my overall look?
- Are my expectations realistic?
- Is this something that I am doing for me?
It may be difficult to be honest with yourself and admit that perhaps you aren’t quite ready for liposuction because you are not at a recommended weight for your height. It’s important to remember, Dr. Sabeeh explains, that liposuction is not a tool for significant weight loss. Liposuction will only contour your body, and although it will give you the appearance of a firmer figure, the number on the scale won’t necessarily change.
When you come in for a consultation at the office, the staff at Beautologie Scottsdale will measure your Body Mass Index (BMI), which is standard amongst most plastic surgery groups to determine that you are body proportionate. While there are always exceptions to any rule, Dr. Sabeeh explains that a BMI of over 28 is an indicator that someone is not body proportionate and is most likely to regain any weight lost through the surgery over time.
While Dr. Sabeeh and his staff don’t deny patients over the phone and recommend that you always visit the doctor’s office before making a final decision, they do explain that many people who call about liposuction don’t understand that is not an alternative to dieting. While yes, you may leave the surgery wearing a smaller size, it is because disproportionate areas have been targeted and altered. Although it is rare, sometimes Dr. Sabeeh will recommend that a patient loses weight through diet and exercise first, and then come back in for liposuction to polish everything off. The goal is to never make people feel worse, he says; instead his intention is to help patients achieve the results they are looking for in the most responsible and healthy way possible.
Your Health
Since in most instances liposuction is an elective procedure, it is important that you are given the green light to proceed with the surgery by your primary care physician first. As Dr. Sabeeh explains, a full work up will need to be done to check your blood pressure, heart condition, and vascular system to ensure that you are able to undergo the procedure. Additionally, your family history and your own medical history will be taken into consideration. While an issue in any of these areas might not necessarily prevent you from eventually receiving the liposuction you desire, you will need medical clearance as a precaution.
What will prevent you from becoming a candidate, however, is one particularly bad habit. According to the staff at Beautologie Scottsdale, liposuction will not be performed on anyone who smokes. Furthermore, if it is determined that any of your current medications will interfere with the surgery or your recovery process, then it may be recommended that you refrain from liposuction as well. Other than those few safety measures, Dr. Sabeeh explains that as long your doctor says you are okay to move forward with surgery, you can proceed.
Of course, if you have any questions about your own eligibility or would like to review your options further, you should contact a cosmetic surgeon in Scottsdale or in your local area who can address your individual concerns.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.