How to Get Liposuction

Liposuction can be a great way to achieve the kind of body you’ve always wanted, especially if you just have some trouble spots that seem to be resistant to diet and exercise.^{[1]XExpert SourceDaniel Barrett, MD
Board Certified Plastic SurgeonExpert Interview. 23 July 2020.} During a liposuction procedure, a doctor sucks fat out of your body using a suction machine. If you’re considering liposuction, it’s important that you find a highly-qualified doctor. Make sure you follow all pre-op instructions and stay positive about your results, as it may take several months after the procedure for you to see all of the changes.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Determining if You Are a Good Candidate

1
Consider your overall health. Even though liposuction is a relatively minor procedure, there are still some risks involved – so candidates need to be in relatively good health. Talk to your doctor about your medical history and have your records sent to their office. Make sure to be completely honest – you want to be aware of all potential issues!^{[2]XResearch source}
- Your doctor will also need to do tests before you get the procedure.
- This is especially important if you have a compromised immune system, circulation problems, heart issues, lung disease, or chronic ailments like diabetes.
- You should not be taking blood thinners (or must be able to stop taking them several weeks before the procedure), and make sure you aren’t allergic to lidocaine.
2
Avoid thinking of liposuction as a weight loss cure. Liposuction is not a magic procedure that will turn an overweight body into a perfect body. It is a process that can help you reach specific goals, with the aid of diet and exercise. If you don’t plan to also use diet and exercise to achieve your overall health and fitness goals, then liposuction may not be an effective choice for you.^{[3]XExpert SourceDaniel Barrett, MD
Board Certified Plastic SurgeonExpert Interview. 23 July 2020.}
- Typically, people get liposuction to target specific areas of fat deposits that do not respond well to diet and exercise. At the same time, liposuction can also be used to help morbidly obese patients make life-saving progress toward their weight loss goals.
- Liposuction can be used to remove between 1 pound (.45 kg) and 50 pounds (22.7 kg), though larger amounts will be limited to the morbidly obese.
- Ideally, you should be within 25 pounds of your goal weight, and looking to contour your body a bit – not drastically change your overall appearance.
- The amount of fat removed will determine your recovery time, so talk to your doctor about how long you can expect to be down after the procedure.
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3
Make a budget or contact your insurance. Liposuction can be expensive, and unless you are morbidly obese and need the surgery, insurance companies typically don’t cover any of the cost because they consider it an elective procedure. Liposuction normally costs between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the location on your body, the doctor chosen, and the extent of the procedure.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceNational Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UKGo to source}
- While liposuction can be costly to those who are getting it for vanity reasons, insurance often pays for the procedure if you are morbidly obese.
- Make sure you can afford this type of expense before you commit to getting liposuction.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Choosing the Right Doctor

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Do some internet research. Start looking for a plastic surgeon by doing some online research. You can find reviews and summaries online that outline other people’s experiences with similar procedures. Find a doctor in your area who has a lot of experience with the specific kind of procedure you’re interested in.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Be sure to check the doctor’s website and follow up with an in-person consultation to make sure you are a good match before you take the process any further.
- Don’t be afraid to shop around with several different doctors. It’s important to compare price, experience, and bedside manner to find the doctor that you are most comfortable with.
2
Check credentials. In the United States, the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) is the governing body that qualifies any cosmetic or plastic surgeon to practice this specific field of medicine. You need to find a surgeon who is ABPS certified.^{[6]XExpert SourceDaniel Barrett, MD
Board Certified Plastic SurgeonExpert Interview. 23 July 2020.}
- Your doctor’s credentials should be clearly listed on their professional website.
- Additionally, you can look for the distinction of holding a Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery given by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
- In Canada, the equivalent of an ABPS certification is approval by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
- Other countries should have similar board certifications that you should look for.
3
Ask for referrals. A great resource for you to find the best plastic surgeon is often your family, friends, and acquaintances. If you know someone who has had liposuction (or another cosmetic procedure), ask them what they thought about their experience and whether they recommend their doctor.^{[7]XResearch source}
- If you have friends who are doctors, you can also ask them for a recommendation.
- Or ask your general practitioner doctor for a referral to a plastic surgeon they know of and trust.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Preparing Yourself for the Procedure

1
Follow all pre-op instructions from your doctor. Make sure that you take your doctor’s orders seriously and follow all pre-op instructions to the letter. Your doctor may ask you to refrain from eating or drinking for a certain period before the procedure.^{[8]XResearch source}
- This may also include taking any prescribed medications that your doctor recommends, or adjusting any doses of medication you may currently take.
- Any blood thinners or heart medications should be discussed with your doctor.
- You should also avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or herbal supplements as they can increase bleeding during the procedure.
2
Stop smoking. If you are a smoker, you should quit smoking as soon as you can before the procedure. Smoking can cause additional complications during the surgery – like problems with blood circulation. Smokers are also at a higher risk of chest infection after receiving anesthesia.^{[9]XResearch source}
- At the very least, try not to smoke for several days before the procedure.
3
Make recovery preparations. Make sure that you have a room in your home that you have prepped for your recovery. You should have a soft, comfortable place to relax (like your bed or couch), things to keep you occupied while you remain as still as possible for several days (like television, movies, books, or games), easy access to food, and someone to check on you, if possible.^{[10]XResearch source}
- You should follow your doctor’s orders about rest after the procedure. You will most likely need to take several days off work to stay at home and relax while you recover.^{[11]XExpert SourceDaniel Barrett, MD
  Board Certified Plastic SurgeonExpert Interview. 23 July 2020.}
- You will need to take it easy and refrain from strenuous activities for a couple weeks after the procedure.
- If you have had a large amount of fat removed, then your recovery time will be longer than if you have had a small amount removed.
4
Arrange for someone to drive you home. After your procedure, you may feel a little bit groggy from the anesthetic. It’s important that you don’t try to drive yourself home in this condition, so ask a friend or family member to pick you up and take you home.^{[12]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Make sure you ask someone you trust to take care of you since you may be feeling a bit under the weather and foggy-headed.
5
Manage your expectations. Remember that not all of the results of the procedure will be immediately visible post-op. It can take 3-6 months for the full effect to show. Even though some fat has been removed, it is often replaced by fluids and swelling. It takes time to heal from the procedure and see the finished product.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Try not to get disappointed if your body doesn’t look exactly how you imagined immediately after the procedure.
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Expert Q&A

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Can anyone get liposuction?
Daniel Barrett, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Daniel Barrett is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and the owner of Barrett Plastic Surgery based in Beverly Hills, California. With over six years of plastic surgery experience, Dr. Barrett specializes in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, nose and body. He has developed detailed scar management protocols and closure techniques to reduce the appearance of scars for his patients. Dr. Barrett obtained a BS from James Madison University and an MD along with an MS in Physiology and and an MHA (Masters of Health Administration) from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Expert Answer
Liposuction works best for people who already follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen and just need a little extra help with problem areas. If you're considering liposuction, I would schedule an appointment with a doctor certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. They'll be able to help you determine what your best option is.
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