Dear Dr. Tim,

Happy 2010! My primary New Year resolution is weight loss. I am 22 years old, 5'4" and 155 pounds. Friends describe me as ‘curvy,' but I quite honestly just feel overweight, especially in Los Angeles. I'm starting an intense weight loss program using dieting and vigorous exercise. What role if any does liposuction have in weight loss? And when would be a good time to consider liposuction now that I'm in a weight loss program? And are the results of liposuction permanent?

-Tammy

Dear Tammy,

Happy New Year! Your ambition for weight loss and obtaining a better figure is commended! However, intense programs with rapid weight loss must be considered carefully and chosen with a skilled professional. Often, gradual weight loss with realistic goals is safer and can have longer lasting results. A good starting point is identifying where you stand under the Body Mass Index, or BMI. The following website will calculate what your weight is in relation to your height and compare your value to ideals or norms - http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/

BMI Categories:
Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater

According to your measurements, your BMI is 26.6. This is considered somewhat overweight.

Just a 10 pound weight loss will put you in the ‘high normal range' with 24.9. BMI does have its limitations (particularly with individuals with large muscle mass), but does provide a pretty good reference point for most individuals.

It is important to realize that liposuction should never be considered a tool for weight loss. The weight loss from liposuction is actually minimal as fat is taken from isolated regions. To that end, liposuction should be considered once your realistic weight loss goals are met. In fact, studies show that men and women who have lost weight prior to liposuction are typically happier and have superior results than people who are on a weight gain curve prior to liposuction.

So it sounds like you're on the right track, Tammy. But do remember, that ‘liposuctioned' body regions will regain fat if tested! So be sure to set realistic goals, eat right, continue to keep an eye on your diet, and consider more rapid weight loss protocols only with a skilled professional. Liposuction can then be entered into the equation to contour resistant areas. Good luck and happy 2010!

Story by Dr. Timothy Neavin, MD.

Timothy Neavin is a plastic surgeon and Director of Artisan of Beauty Plastic Surgery, in Beverly Hills, California. He has written and lectured nationally on the topics of plastic surgery's influence on one's sex life, body sculpturing, and lectured nationally on the topic of injectables, and the safety of outpatient surgery.

For more information on Dr. Neavin, visit:

ARTISANofBEAUTY.com

P: 310.858.8811
9615 Brighton Way, Suite 303
Beverly Hills, California, 90210

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