It can be frustrating to try to remove surplus fat deposits on the thighs, flanks, abdomen, and other regions of the body.

These fatty deposits are often unresponsive to diet and exercise. In these cases, individuals who want to attain more desirable body contours may consider liposuction.

During the initial consultation, the surgeon will determine the patient’s candidacy for liposuction, and explain its pros and cons. Dedicated cosmetic surgeon Dr. Landon D. McLain provides liposuction to patients in Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama, and surrounding communities across the horizon.

Ideal Candidates

A qualified surgeon will establish the candidacy before a patient can undergo liposuction surgery. Suitable candidates for this procedure are in good health and within 25 pounds of their ideal weight range.

They have fat pockets that have been unresponsive to diet and exercise. Individuals over the age of 18 years who meet the required medical criteria are good candidates for liposuction surgery.

The following people generally do not make suitable candidates for a liposuction surgery:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• People with health issues that could hinder the healing process
• People who are on blood-thinning meds, unless they can discontinue the use of such drugs in the weeks ahead of the surgery
• People who have an allergic response to lidocaine, which is used in the tumescent liposuction procedure

Teens and Liposuction

In exceptional circumstances, a surgeon may perform a liposuction surgery on a teen, especially if significant weight reduction has left behind lingering fat deposits. The doctor will evaluate the teen’s self-esteem as well as their emotional maturity before consenting to perform the procedure.

Many of these patients decide to have only one problem area contoured to improve their self-esteem. Some teenagers are unhappy regarding the surplus fat under their chin, in the hips, calves, or other sites. It could be causing them embarrassment among their peer group. In such cases, liposuction can eliminate these fat deposits and offer a more toned, slimmer appearance.

Adult Candidates

There is no upper limit on age for patients who want to undergo liposuction. However, certain risks are associated with any type of surgical procedure. The patient should be in good general health to undergo the surgery safely. Patients with serious health conditions or those who take certain types of drugs may not be ideal candidates for a liposuction procedure.

People considering liposuction should consult with their primary care physician and cosmetic surgeon to establish whether they are a suitable candidate for this surgery. Liposuction eliminates fat pockets but does not tighten the skin. Therefore patients with a fair amount of skin elasticity usually enjoy more desirable outcomes. Patients who are older usually have skin that is less supple than younger patients.

Health Problems

Specific medical conditions may prevent patients from being candidates for liposuction. Individuals with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes may also attain less than desirable cosmetic outcomes.

People with an immune system that is compromised or those suffering from heart disease, lung disease, diabetes or poor blood circulation should not consider liposuction as it could cause serious medical complications.

Dr. Landon D. McLain receives patients from Huntsville, Madison, Florence, Decatur, Scottsboro, Cullman, Athens, Alabama and in the illustrious Cotton State for liposuction surgery.

McLain Surgical Arts is a leading cosmetic surgery practice headed by Dr. Landon D. McLain MD, DMD, FACS in Huntsville, AL. Dr. McLain is a double board certified cosmetic and oral & maxillofacial surgeon, offering a variety of procedures such as dental implants, wisdom teeth extraction, breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, facelift, Botox, and laser skin resurfacing. For more information or to schedule a consultation call 256.429.3411 or click here.

Now taking patients from Huntsville, Scottsboro, Decatur, Madison, Athens, Florence, Cullman, AL and surrounding areas.