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Daniel Careaga, MD
Paul Durand, MD
Karl William Schwarz, MD

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How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Liposuction?

Posted January 30, 2025 in Liposuction

Female touching her legs with both hands.

Liposuction is the kind of procedure that nearly anyone can benefit from. Whether you’ve lost weight and want to put the finishing touches on your new curves, or if you’re in great shape but are still fighting stubborn pockets of fat that won’t respond to diet and exercise, liposuction can help. However, even though liposuction is a safe and effective treatment, like most cosmetic procedures, it comes with certain restrictions. In this blog, we’ll dig into what you need to know about age requirements and guidelines around liposuction to help you determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment.  

5 Min Read:

General Liposuction Requirements

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure designed to eliminate areas of fat that refuse to respond to diet and exercise efforts. It is a highly effective and versatile treatment—in fact, liposuction can be performed on nearly any area of the body from under your chin down to your ankles. While each liposuction patient has different needs, there are some general guidelines to determine if you’re a good candidate for the surgery. Ideal candidates for liposuction are people who:

  • Are nonsmokers
  • Are in good overall health
  • Have a BMI (body mass index) under 30
  • Have good skin elasticity

Patients should also have realistic expectations regarding their liposuction results, understanding that the procedure is not a weight loss method but rather a way to smooth problem areas on their figure. 

Minimum Age Guidelines for Undergoing Liposuction

As with most cosmetic procedures, the minimum age for liposuction is typically 18. However, there are often exceptions. In 2023, approximately 3,000 people ages 19 and under chose to undergo liposuction. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) states that teens who want to undergo plastic surgery (including liposuction) should:

Be Mature Both Emotionally and Physically

Hormone fluctuations, metabolism, and fitness levels all contribute to how and where a person carries weight. Because teenagers and young adults are still developing physically, liposuction typically isn’t necessary, as their pockets of “baby fat” often resolve on their own. Additionally, it is essential that careful consideration of the psychological impact of liposuction surgery is examined to ensure that the patient is making a well-informed decision. 

Be Committed to a Healthy Lifestyle

Liposuction is an excellent way to enhance your body contour and boost your confidence, but teens must also understand that it is not meant to help them lose weight. You should already be at a healthy, stable weight before seeking out the procedure. Once you undergo liposuction, your results will be long-lasting, but their longevity relies on your commitment to maintaining them. Staying at a healthy weight (within about 15 pounds of when you underwent liposuction), eating a balanced diet, and adhering to a regular exercise routine are all crucial to keeping your liposuction results looking stunning. 

Understand the Recovery Requirements

After your liposuction surgery, it takes four to six weeks to fully return to your regular routine. While you may be able to return to work or school within a week of the procedure, you may have limitations regarding how much you can lift and the amount of pressure you can put on your incision. Any sports or exercise is prohibited for at least four weeks after liposuction or until your surgeon clears you. 

Besides being aware of the above items, the ASPS also says that a teenager’s request for cosmetic surgery should be clearly expressed by them, and reiterated over a period of time. 

Liposuction Considerations for Patients Over 55 

As with younger patients, being an older adult can also affect your candidacy for liposuction. According to the ASPS, approximately 70,000 adults over 55 underwent liposuction in 2023. Besides being aware of the risks of surgery, adults over age 55 should:

Undergo a Complete Medical Assessment

Your plastic surgeon will review your medical history and current health status before determining if liposuction is right for you. Medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and blood pressure concerns, can impact your ability to undergo elective cosmetic surgery.  

Understand That Recovery May Take Longer

As you age, your body takes longer to heal after an injury or surgery. Your circulation slows as your blood vessels become less elastic, making it harder for your blood to pump as efficiently, which can extend your recovery time after liposuction. Reduced blood flow can also slow the wound healing process, putting you at a higher risk for complications. 

Be Aware of Reduced Skin Elasticity

Over time, the natural decrease in collagen and elastin causes your skin to be less able to “bounce back” after being stretched. Because liposuction removes some of the bulk of excess fat from under your skin, you may end up with loose or sagging skin in the treatment area. Fortunately, there are skin tightening treatments available to complement your liposuction results

What Is the Ideal Age for Liposuction?

The ASPS reports that the age group that made up nearly half of the total liposuction surgeries in 2023 (with over 154,000 procedures performed) were adults ages 40-54. However, besides being over 18, there isn’t an ideal age for liposuction because of the myriad of factors that help determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure. Your overall health is the main priority when it comes to deciding if liposuction will be a safe and effective treatment for you. Lifestyle also figures into the equation, as you should be committed to maintaining your liposuction results. 

Finally, every liposuction patient needs to have realistic expectations for their results. Liposuction can work wonders, leaving you with a smoother, slimmer body contour. However, you should be well-informed about the limitations of the procedure according to your overall health and age, and understand what it takes to keep your results looking gorgeous for as long as possible. 

Learn More About Liposuction in Coral Gables

If you’re ready to explore how liposuction can help you achieve the trimmer, more svelte figure you’ve worked hard to achieve, it’s time to visit Careaga Plastic Surgery. Call our office today at (305) 929-0445 to schedule a consultation or complete the online contact form for more information.

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