How old do you have to be to get liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat and contours the body, helping you achieve a slimmer figure in a single session. However, not everyone is eligible, as age is an important factor affecting the safety and effectiveness of the surgery. So, how old do you have to be to get liposuction? The article, Liposuction Experience will answer this question and provide guidance on the appropriate age and important considerations before undergoing the procedure.

What is the suitable age for liposuction?

According to cosmetic experts, liposuction should only be performed on individuals aged 18 and above. At this age, organs and bone structures are fully developed, which helps ensure a safer and more effective procedure. Additionally, the age range of 20 – 45 is considered ideal for liposuction, as the skin still has good elasticity, recovery is faster, and aesthetic results are usually optimal.

However, for individuals over 50, liposuction can still be performed, but a full medical check-up is required beforehand. At this age, there are often health issues such as heart disease, high blood pressure, or reduced skin elasticity, so the surgeon needs to provide proper consultation and consider the most suitable approach.

How old do you have to be to get liposuction?

According to medical guidelines, 18 is the minimum age for liposuction. At this age, the body is nearly fully developed both biologically and psychologically, ensuring better recovery and reducing the risk of complications.

Individuals under 18 are not recommended to undergo liposuction for the following reasons:

• Individuals under 18 are still growing, and their bodies are not yet stable enough for liposuction.
• Hormonal changes are significant, which can increase health risks if the procedure is performed.
• People under 18 may not have the psychological maturity to undergo an invasive surgery.

Popular liposuction methods today

Currently, there are various liposuction techniques, and each method is suited to an individual’s condition and aesthetic needs, including:

• Traditional liposuction: The surgeon makes a small incision to insert a cannula and remove fat. Recovery time is usually longer compared to other methods.
• Laser Lipo: The technician uses a laser to break down fat before suction, while also helping the skin become firmer.
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: This method uses ultrasonic energy to break down fat tissue, causing minimal damage to surrounding tissues and allowing faster recovery.
• Non-invasive fat reduction: Uses external technologies such as CoolSculpting to freeze and destroy fat, suitable for those with small amounts of excess fat seeking gentle slimming.

See more: How long does liposuction recovery time take?

Who should and should not undergo liposuction?

Besides wondering about how old you have to be to get liposuction, many people are still unsure whether they are suitable candidates for the procedure.

To ensure safety and effectiveness, doctors usually classify who should and should not undergo the procedure based on health status and body characteristics, including:

Should

• Individuals with excess fat in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, or double chin that are difficult to reduce through diet or exercise.
• Those without serious underlying health conditions and with a stable BMI are suitable candidates for liposuction.
• Good skin elasticity helps the treated areas recover faster and reduces the risk of loose or sagging skin after the procedure.
• Liposuction is not a substitute for overall weight loss; it primarily removes localized fat to improve body contour.

Shouldn’t

• Individuals under 18, whose bodies are not fully developed, may face long-term health risks if undergoing surgery.
• Individuals with serious underlying conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders have a higher risk of complications during surgery.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not suitable candidates for any invasive cosmetic surgery.
• Individuals who are very thin or have severely aged skin should also avoid the procedure, as lack of skin tissue or elasticity can result in unsatisfactory outcomes.

Important considerations when undergoing liposuction

Liposuction is an invasive cosmetic procedure, so to ensure a safe and effective outcome, you need to be aware of the following important considerations:

• Schedule a consultation with a specialized doctor before deciding on the procedure to assess your health, excess fat, and determine the most suitable method.
• Choose reputable cosmetic facilities licensed by the Ministry of Health with an experienced professional team.
• Stop using cigarettes, alcohol, and medications containing blood-thinning ingredients before surgery.
• Undergo tests and medical check-ups as instructed by your doctor.
• Follow a proper rest schedule, maintain a balanced diet, and stay hydrated as instructed by your doctor to support faster recovery.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery, including exercise and proper nutrition, to preserve your body shape long-term.

Through this article, Aesthetic Surgery Center hope you now understand how old you have to be to get liposuction and the important considerations when undergoing the procedure. However, age is only one factor; overall health and professional consultation with a specialized doctor are the most important. If you are considering liposuction, be proactive in visiting reputable cosmetic centers for a thorough examination and to choose the method best suited for you.