American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
Laurie
5 years ago
Answered

Paraplegic

My significant other is paraplegic. I can clearly see that his abdomen has increased significantly over the last 3years. He desperately needs liposuction for health reasons. He is 62 can someone in Fort Worth Texas please help us.His general doctor agrees that liposuction is in his best interest. Where do I start?

Procedure: Liposuction
Location: Fort worth, TX

Replies 4

Gregory Dowbak
ASPS Surgeon

Assuming he is otherwise healthy with an acceptable BMI he cannot have liposuction done as an outpatient in a surgery center. By definition he is Class III ASA meaning his risk factor being that he is paraplegic is too high and if he is to have this procedure it must be done in a hospital. Be sure to see a member or candidate member of this Society. Unfortunately there are many fake plastic surgeons out there who will underestimate the risk amd “lead you into temptation.” Good Luck ❤️

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Nelson Castillo

Thank you for sharing your excellent question. Ultimately the best decision would be based on a review of his medical history and current health condition. Liposuction is not a weight loss too, and rarely is effective long-term as most patients regain much of the weight. Hope this helps.

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Thomas Fiala
ASPS Surgeon

Depending on the level of his spinal cord injury, the abdominal contour may actually be related to muscle laxity due to paralysis, rather than from a thick deposit of subcutaneous fat. Also, the data to support liposuction for health reasons is pretty limited - the studies to date show pretty mixed results. Not sure it's really the best option for your partner.

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Jon Ver Halen

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

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