Is tumescent liposuction right for you? Fat removal vs skin tightening considerations and more

Possibly. Our Board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Susan Schroeder, may recommend liposuction as a possible alternative to shrink stubborn, exercise- and diet-resistant fat. These fat deposits accumulate in the belly, waist, thighs, and under the buttocks. It is appropriate for patients who are generally healthy and have a healthy and realistic outlook on treatment. If you are a good candidate for liposuction, you generally have firm and elastic skin, sound muscle tone, and are close to or at your ideal weight (within 30%).

No worries! We have solutions to help with that. For many patients, the tissues largely accommodate and tighten up or conform to your leaner contours following liposuction surgery. However, we may complement the surgery with skin tightening procedures for those with crepey and loose skin. Or, we may recommend skin tightening as an alternative to lipo, depending on whether your concerns are rooted more in laxity than excess fat. Think of it this way: A younger patient with excess, stubborn fat around the middle may be an ideal candidate for liposuction due to their youthful, highly elastic, and firm skin. However, an older patient or someone with a history of yo-yo dieting who has lax skin may benefit from other alternatives or a combination of liposuction with skin tightening to help tissues “snap back” into place.

Here again, every patient is different. But, during the process, the remaining connections between the skin and underlying structures contract and support the positioning of the underlying skin. This is because lipo removes fat through small tunnels within precise areas and, in turn, preserves numerous fibrous connections. For instance, patients who might otherwise have undergone an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” may not need it once the targeted sites have healed and post-treatment contraction has occurred. At Perfect Skin MD, we account for many unique considerations and factors for each patient. We encourage you to schedule a consultation at our Juno Beach, FL office. Serving Jupiter, North Palm Beach, and greater Southeastern FL, our team can be reached at 561-462-1965.