Is Liposuction After Bariatric Surgery Necessary?

Even after weight loss surgery, patients can retain fat in areas of the body that are notoriously hard to lose fat from. These areas include the lower abdomen, upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. Dieting alone often cannot eliminate stubborn fat from these parts of the body after target weight loss is achieved. You might be asking: is liposuction after bariatric surgery effective?

With over 20 years’ experience, Dr. Suzanne Yee at the Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Center in Little Rock, AR, can answer all of your questions about liposuction and whether it may be necessary for your goals after weight loss surgery.

A Closer Look at Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is performed when diet and exercise haven’t worked, but also when a patient faces serious health problems because of excess weight. Some bariatric surgeries are designed to limit the amount of food a patient can eat. Some are designed to limit the amount of nutrients the body can absorb. Some are designed to do both.

Common Bariatric Procedures That May Necessitate Liposuction

Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss surgery in which the amount of food the stomach holds and the amount of nutrients the body absorbs are limited. Gastric bypass surgery can lead to quick weight loss, which creates noticeably sagging skin. Liposuction can help reduce fatty deposits in specific areas of the body after gastric bypass surgery.

Lap Band Surgery

During laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, called LAGB or lap band surgery, a silicone band is placed around the stomach to limit the amount of food the stomach can hold. As the amount of food digested lessens and weight is lost, a patient may notice an increase in sagging skin. Liposuction after LAGB may be an option to combat that side effect.

Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction candidacy requirements include individuals who:

• Are within 30% of ideal weight. Liposuction can target fatty tissue that healthy dieting and regular exercise cannot eliminate but is not meant to replace a healthy lifestyle.
• Are in good overall health. Patients with underlying or life-threatening conditions can experience complications during the healing process.
• Have good skin elasticity. If a patient’s skin does not contract sufficiently after surgery, body contouring procedures may be needed.

In addition to the above requirements, liposuction candidates should be 18 years old or older, non-smokers, not nursing or pregnant, and have a body mass index under 40.

Combining Liposuction with Body Contouring

It is important to understand that liposuction specifically targets fat, not sagging skin. You may be concerned with large amounts of excess skin on areas like the abdomen and upper arms. In order to address these concerns, Dr. Yee might recommend combining liposuction with a tummy tuck, arm lift, or another type of contouring surgery.

Contact Our Practice to Learn More

Whether you are considering liposuction or any other body contouring procedure, Dr. Yee and the team at Cosmetic & Laser Surgery Center in Little Rock, AR, will answer your questions, address all of your concerns, and guide you to the best solution. Call (501) 222-8758 or send us a message today to get started.