Liposuction and weight loss are not the same. Weight loss focuses on reducing overall body fat through lifestyle, nutrition, exercise, and, in selected cases, medical weight management. Liposuction focuses on contouring specific areas such as the abdomen, waist, arms, thighs, or double chin.
Patients who are significantly above their ideal weight may need to start with weight management first. Patients with relatively stable weight but stubborn localized fat may be better candidates for liposuction.
Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and is not a substitute for diet and exercise. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that liposuction is more suitable for people of relatively normal weight who have extra fat in specific areas.