I am a Teenager. Can I Still Get HD Liposuction Treatment?

There’s no denying that teenagers are exposed to more these days than ever before. In particular, images of ideal physiques and perfect bodies are everywhere, leading many adolescents to feel self-conscious about their own looks. One of the most commonly requested cosmetic procedures among this age group is high-def liposuction, which can help patients achieve better muscle definition and more sculpted features. While HD liposuction may be considered safe and appropriate for some teens, there are a number of critical factors that should be evaluated to determine whether or not the patient is a candidate for surgery. At Sawan Surgical Aesthetics in Oklahoma City, OK, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan believes that patients of all ages deserve to feel comfortable and confident about their bodies and carefully considers teenage plastic surgery on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with the patient’s parents or guardians. In this blog, you’ll learn more about the best age for HD liposuction and when this popular procedure may be suitable for younger patients.

What is HD liposuction?

Much like traditional liposuction, high-definition (HD) liposuction removes unwanted fat to give patients a slimmer, more desirable overall shape. The primary difference between HD lipo and regular liposuction is that HD liposuction specifically aims to enhance visible muscle definition and resculpt certain features by strategically and precisely removing excess fat between or above the muscles. One of the most common reasons for getting HD liposuction is to achieve “six-pack” abs – or a “shredded” abdomen.

Is there a minimum age for high-def liposuction?

Generally speaking, patients considering plastic surgery should be 18 or older. However, there are certain scenarios when teens may be eligible for a cosmetic procedure. In the case of HD liposuction, teenage patients may have much to gain – both physically and emotionally – though it is important that they are physically and emotionally prepared for all that the procedure entails. During an initial consultation for HD liposuction in Oklahoma City, Dr. Sawan will take ample time to evaluate the patient’s concerns, assess their emotional maturity level, discuss their motivations for surgery, and explain the details of the procedure at length. Through close collaboration between Dr. Sawan, the patient, and their parent/guardian, a decision can be made as to if the teen may qualify for surgery. Ideal candidates for teen liposuction should be:

• Developed physically
• Emotionally mature
• Have healthy motivations for surgery
• Have realistic expectations for their results
• Understand the risks and recovery details of HD liposuction
• At or near a stable goal weight
• In good overall health
• Nonsmokers
• Committed to maintaining a stable weight after surgery through a balanced diet and regular exercise

How long will liposuction last for a teenager?

It is essential that teens considering liposuction understand that they may not be done growing and that their hormones may not be done fluctuating, both of which can ultimately compromise or even reverse the results of liposuction. Additionally, younger females who plan to have children in the future may also experience changes to their initial results. With this in mind, teens and adolescents are often encouraged to wait until they are adults before undergoing HD liposuction.

Interested in liposuction as a teenager? We can help.

Patients who are fully grown and developed typically achieve the best and longest-lasting results with plastic surgery. That is not to say, however, that there may not be some benefit to pursuing a cosmetic procedure at a slightly earlier age. Because teenage plastic surgery is a complex field, it is important that patients consult with a highly experienced and knowledgeable plastic surgeon. To learn more about whether HD liposuction may be safe and appropriate for your teen, call Sawan Surgical Aesthetics today to schedule your private consultation with top Oklahoma City board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Kamal Sawan.