Can Liposuction Reach My Measurement Goals?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in getting liposuction to reduce the size of my waist and hips. Attached are some pictures of my waist and hips. I am after achieving very specific circumferential measurements in these areas. I have a measurement of 34 inches on my waist, and 46 inches on the widest part of my hips/ buttocks. I am 5 foot 8 inches in height. I need to be at least a 32 inches in my waist and 40 inches in the widest part of my hips/ buttocks. I am also interested in getting my thighs done. Is this possible.

A: Thank you for sending your pictures. On a realistic basis, I do think it is possible that your waist could go from a 34 inch down to a 32 inch waistline. However in the hip/buttock area a 6 inch reduction is simply not realistic. This is an area whose diameter is highly influenced by the hip and pelvic bones as well as the thickness of the attached muscles. Fat plays a role in its shape but not the level of a 6 inch reduction. A more realistic goal would be 1 to 2 inches, and maybe even 3, but I am not sure with your body shape how realistic a 3 inch reduction would be. My concern for any patient that comes in for any form of liposuction body contouring that is going to use a quantitative measurement as a determination of the success of a procedure is that they may end up disappointed.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis,Indiana