Is Liposuction the Answer to Childhood Obesity?

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There was much scrutiny after an obese12-year-old girl underwent large-volume lipoplasty to lose weight. While the girl and her parents claim the surgery changed her life, others remain skeptical about liposuction being the solution to childhood obesity.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), there is no evidence that supports the efficacy or safety of liposuction for weight loss in children. Furthermore, the group adds that liposuction is and never will be an effective obesity treatment for adults or children.

In fact, liposuction is intended to remove small pockets of fat that don't respond to diet or exercise and is used to contour and sculpt the figure of an overall healthy patient—not combat obesity.

Liposuction vs. Diet and Exercise

While liposuction offers numerous benefits to those seeking a more contoured body, clinical studies have found it does not give patients, particularly obese patients, the same health benefits such as decreased risk of diabetes, heart disease or metabolism benefits as diet and exercise offer.

Furthermore, liposuction doesn't address the vital lifestyle and diet changes that must be made for long-term weight loss.

The most ideal candidates for liposuction are patients who are at a healthy body weight, but have small deposits of fat that, when treated, will give them positive aesthetic results.

“Childhood obesity is one of our nation's growing health problems and there are a number of widely accepted treatments for children and adolescents who struggle with their weight. Liposuction and abdominoplasty are not among them,” said Dr. David Sarwer, professor of psychology and noted authority on this issue.

Cosmetic Surgery Does Offer Some Benefits to Youth

Most medical expert agree that for some appropriately chosen younger patients, plastic surgery does have a positive impact. However these patients must be psychologically healthy and have reached their physical development. Furthermore, the ASAPS advises every young plastic surgery patient to:

  • Learn about all the possible risks and recovery times
  • Evaluate physical maturity – surgically treating a physical feature that has yet to fully develop could impact it's growth, or reverse the benefits of the procedure later
  • Assess emotional maturity and expectations – young patients must have realistic expectations
  • Do research and choose only experienced surgeons with board certifications

Considering plastic surgery? Please contact us today to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon near you.


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