What Is the Minimum Age for Liposuction in Newport Beach?

Getting rid of pockets of extra fat in the abdomen or other areas of the body can be frustrating, especially if you’ve been sticking to a regular diet and exercise program. The good news is that you can achieve the attractive body contours you want through liposuction. Often combined with other procedures such as tummy tuck surgery, liposuction is a potentially ideal solution for those looking to refine their figure. But is liposuction an option for teenagers who are dissatisfied with their appearance? And should you be concerned about the safety of liposuction surgery?

As teenagers are still in the process of growing, patients under the age of 18 are generally not considered for plastic or cosmetic surgery. Before individuals of any age are allowed to undergo liposuction, however, their candidacy must be determined by a qualified plastic surgeon. At SSK Plastic Surgery, we help adults achieve their desired look by reviewing the process as well as the pros and cons of liposuction before moving forward. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sean Kelishadi can explain the best age for liposuction at his clinic in Newport Beach, CA. Simply contact our office to schedule your consultation.

Am I a candidate for liposuction?

Over the years, many people experience weight fluctuations, menopause, pregnancy, and other factors that cause fatty tissue to redistribute throughout the body. Liposuction works by breaking up and removing fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and back for body contouring purposes. This is achieved through a hollow instrument called a cannula, which is inserted through small incisions in the skin. During your consultation at SSK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kelishadi will examine the areas of concern and determine if liposuction is the best method to treat the unwanted pockets of fat.

Dr. Kelishadi wants patients to know that liposuction is not an alternative to weight loss and cannot remove large concentrations of fat or cellulite. Liposuction is mainly used as a means to improve the patient's appearance instead of providing any medical benefits. The best candidates for this procedure are in excellent health, within 30 pounds of their ideal body weight, and have stubborn deposits of fat that don’t respond to lifestyle changes. Liposuction works best on individuals with good skin tone and elasticity; otherwise, they may end up with loose skin in the areas where the procedure was performed.

The best age for liposuction

Candidates should be at least 18 years of age to consider an elective cosmetic procedure. This ensures they are old enough to understand the safety of liposuction and the risks involved. While there is not an age limit for adults to get liposuction surgery, Dr. Kelishadi will take the right precautions by reviewing your medical history and medication use. This is because patients with certain medical conditions may not qualify for liposuction at this time.

Surgery and recovery

Liposuction is a minimally invasive and effective method to remove unwanted fat. To begin this outpatient procedure, Dr. Kelishadi will insert the cannula through very small incisions and suction out the targeted areas of fat. Once the fat has been eliminated, he will suture the incisions and apply the proper dressing. Although the incisions are hardly noticeable, Dr. Kelishadi will try to hide them in natural seams or in places that are easily hidden beneath clothing or underwear. If the patient has areas that lack volume, such as the face or buttocks, the removed fat can be processed and used for a fat transfer procedure. Individuals usually begin to notice their new contoured results before their recovery period has ended.

Patients are sent home with a compression garment to make recovery easier and more comfortable. The garment also encourages healing by increasing circulation in the treated areas. You may notice some side effects such as bruising and swelling, which should go away once the site has healed. It is generally possible to return to work and daily activities within a week, although strenuous activities like exercise should be avoided until they have been cleared by Dr. Kelishadi. The final results can be maintained as long as patients participate in a consistent diet and exercise program.

Schedule your liposuction consultation

Choosing the right plastic surgeon is the most important thing a patient can do when preparing for liposuction. Although this procedure is considered safe, there are some risks involved in the surgery. This is why adult patients should be in good health before considering liposuction, no matter what their age. Dr. Sean Kelishadi is an experienced physician who can give you the contours you desire in a professional, state-of-the-art setting with advanced liposuction technology. At SSK Plastic Surgery, we consider the safety of liposuction to be our highest priority. Contact a member of our team today to schedule your consultation in Newport Beach, CA.