Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

This blog details what plastic surgeons mean when they talk about “ideal” liposuction candidates, why candidacy rules matter, and how to learn more about the consultation process.

Get Slimmer with Liposuction

Do you have stubborn pockets of fat, perhaps around the hips, thighs, tummy, upper arms, or back? Do you find that your clothes no longer fit quite right? Are you frustrated with your body shape? Don’t worry, these are very common complaints for men and women, especially following weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, pregnancy, or simply, aging.

Regardless of the cause, liposuction can help permanently remove areas of fat on the body, and, in the hands of an experienced body contouring specialist like Dr. Joshua Halpern, can even sculpt the body for a more appealing result. Dr. Joshua Halpern also utilizes the Vibrostat®, a high-tech suction device that vibrates back and forth at up to 5,000 RPM, to enhance the final result.

All cosmetic procedures carry their own requirements for candidacy; a set of rules that determine if a patient can (and should) undergo this procedure. But beyond basic health and safety regulations, certain patients are better candidates than others, and thus, may yield better liposuction results.

Liposuction Candidates

Cosmetic procedures, although elective, are still medical procedures that must be taken seriously, not only for the patient’s safety but also to ensure optimal results. Setting rules for candidates means that surgeons like Dr. Halpern can be sure their patients are completely safe–that’s why it’s important that you honestly share all of your relevant medical information. Procedure candidacy also relates to the procedure steps specifically:

Liposuction Procedure Steps

Liposuction requires small incisions around the treatment area, such as the hips or thighs. Through the incisions, Dr. Halpern inserts a long, thin tube called a cannula, through which he vacuums out excess fat. Using the SAFE technique, the high-tech Vibrostat®, and ultrasonic liposuction, Dr. Halpern sculpts the tissues to achieve a more appealing result, removing fat in such a way as to reshape the treatment area. Once the desired result is met, he removes the cannula and skillfully sutures the incisions.

If the patient’s skin is loose, Dr. Joshua Halpern may use Renuvion to help tighten the skin without requiring skin removal. This high-tech device utilizes radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin.

Dr. Halpern utilizes the SAFE lipo technique, incorporating high-tech ultrasonic-assisted liposuction for a smoother, safer result than traditional liposuction. He has lectured on this subject nationally and internationally.

Dr. Joshua Halpern started as an art student at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. His artistic background contributes to the outcome of his body contouring procedures.

What Makes a Good Liposuction Candidate?

Ideal liposuction candidates should:

• Be nonsmokers or willing to quit
• Be generally in good health
• Have realistic expectations for results
• Have good skin elasticity

We’ll break down what each of these parameters means below.

Important Health Qualifications Before Undergoing Liposuction: What Does “Good Health” Mean?

You’ll see this phrase on Dr. Halpern’s and other surgeons’ websites for most procedures, but what does “good health” mean? Essentially, patients need to be healthy enough to safely undergo a surgical procedure, including the use of anesthesia.

Certain health conditions, like untreated high blood pressure or obesity, can increase the risk of infection or postsurgical complications, so most plastic surgeons will decline to perform the procedure. Other lifestyle choices, such as smoking or drug use, may also disqualify you for surgery, as these can affect blood clotting and healing.

It’s important to be completely honest with Dr. Halpern during your liposuction consultation, as inaccurate medical information can increase the risk of poor healing and poor results.

Importance of Having Realistic Expectations for Your Liposuction Results:

Understanding What Plastic Surgery Can and Cannot Do

Plastic surgery can create beautiful results. But it’s not magic, and results vary from patient to patient. When you meet with Dr. Halpern to discuss your liposuction candidacy, he’ll want to know what exactly you’re looking for with your procedure. This is in part to develop a plan to deliver those results and assess your understanding of the possibilities and limitations of the procedure. It is important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure.

Skin Laxity

Liposuction can still be a viable option even if you don’t have the best skin elasticity. If the skin is lax, Dr. Joshua Halpern may utilize the high-tech Renuvion® system to tighten the skin with radiofrequency energy. One of the advantages of using Renuvion® is that there are typically no extra incisions that need to be made, therefore minimizing scars.

Want to Learn More About Liposuction in Tampa, FL?

Dr. Joshua Halpern is one of the leading body contouring experts in Florida, with decades of experience performing seamless liposuctions with the SAFE technique. He has lectured nationally and internationally on this subject. If you want to learn more about what Dr. Halpern can do for you and to determine if you are a candidate for liposuction, call (813) 872-2696 or fill out the online contact form.