Am I a Candidate for Liposuction in Miami?
Liposuction candidacy is a medical assessment, not a marketing checklist. This page walks you through the honest criteria — BMI, skin quality, medical status, and expectation calibration — so you can arrive at your Miami consultation with a realistic starting point.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Camila Ortiz, MD, Board-Certified Plastic SurgeonLast reviewed: 2026-06-01Last updated: 2026-07-01
The candidate checklist
- Within roughly 30% of a stable goal weight (BMI ideally <30)
- Firm skin elasticity — pinch test snaps back in <2 seconds
- Non-smoker or willing to stop 4–6 weeks before and after
- Well-controlled chronic conditions
- No active infection or unhealed wound
- Realistic contouring goals (not weight loss, not cellulite)
- Willing to wear compression garments and follow recovery protocol
Deep-dive resources
Liposuction with Loose Skin
The skin-laxity decision tree.
Read more →
After Pregnancy
Post-partum timing and options.
Read more →
After Major Weight Loss
GLP-1, bariatric, and staging.
Read more →
Risks & Safety
Complications and how they are prevented.
Read more →
Preparation Guide
Preop testing, medications, home setup.
Read more →
Book a Consultation
In-person or virtual, English or Spanish.
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When liposuction is NOT recommended
- BMI significantly elevated (loss first, contour later)
- Skin laxity beyond BodyTite/Renuvion range (needs a lift)
- Diastasis recti (needs tummy tuck with rectus repair)
- Goal is weight loss (nutrition + activity intervention)
- Active smoker unwilling to stop
- Unrealistic expectations that no operation can meet
Frequently asked questions
- What BMI is acceptable?
- There is no absolute BMI cutoff, but most surgeons prefer BMI under 30 for safety and consistent results. Higher-BMI patients face increased complication rates and less predictable contours. Weight loss to a stable target before surgery improves both safety and outcome.
- Do I need to quit smoking?
- Yes. Nicotine in any form (cigarettes, vaping, patches, gum) constricts small blood vessels and increases wound-healing complications. Most surgeons require 4–6 weeks nicotine-free before and after surgery.
- Medical conditions that disqualify?
- Uncontrolled diabetes, active cancer, coagulopathy, unstable cardiac disease, immunosuppression, and active infection. Well-controlled chronic conditions are usually acceptable with clearance from your treating physician.
- Age limits?
- Adults of any age with good health can be candidates. Skin quality declines with age, which shifts recommendations from lipo alone toward BodyTite, Renuvion, or lifts.
- Realistic expectations checklist?
- Liposuction contours; it does not weight-loss, cure cellulite, tighten loose skin, or repair diastasis. If your goals require any of these, the correct operation is different.
Your surgeon
Dr. Alejandro Reyes, MD, FACS
Board-Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery · Florida Medical License ME #PLACEHOLDER
17+ years of body-contouring practice in Miami. Technologies used: VASER 2.2, MicroAire PAL, BodyTite (InMode), Renuvion (Apyx), Tickle Lipo. Hospital privileges: Baptist Health South Florida, Mount Sinai Medical Center Miami Beach. Consultations in English and Spanish.
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