Do I eat a basically healthy diet, or do I often binge on fatty, sugary foods that I know are not good for me and that make me put on weight?

Do I have a regular exercise program that helps me bum calories and stay fit, and have I been following it for at least six months?

Am I no more than 20 pounds overweight and preferably less?

Do I have a clearly defined area of fat that will not respond to diet and exercise?

Have I had this area for a while, or did I just gain it recently?

Am I looking to liposuction to solve my personal problems?

Am I doing this for myself or because someone else wants me to?

Have I found a doctor I like who has determined that I am a good candidate?

Am I willing to follow the doctor's instructions exactly, even if they are sometimes inconvenient?

If I am a smoker, am I willing to stop smoking for at least a few weeks, as the doctor says is necessary?

Am I prepared to take a little time off from work and some of my regular activities?

Am I willing to accept the results, even though they might not be exactly what I want?

Can I afford me cost of the surgery?

Can I deal with any possible side effects, such as soreness, bruising, or small scars?

Will I feel better about myself if my areas of excess fat are surgically removed?

Points To Remember About Liposuction Surgery

You should feel comfortable with your doctor, free to discuss your concerns and ask your questions.

Make sure you are aware of your doctor's liposuction training and experience actually doing the procedure.
You should be flexible about your results, because no one can guarantee exactly how your surgery will turn out.
Don't use your friends' results as a deciding factor, because yours might be different.
Looking at before and after photographs in the doctor's office and discussing them with the doctor can be very helpful.
You must be prepared for possible side effects, which should be discussed with your doctor.
Know the costs in advance, and make sure you can afford them.
Find out what the doctor can do if you are not completely satisfied with your results.
Have liposuction only if you want it for yourself, not just to please someone else.
Take as much time as you need to make your decision.
Going back to the doctor for a second consultation can often resolve issues that are bothering you and help you decide whether to go ahead.
Overweight people who think they need liposuction might not realize that surgery is not a replacement for diet and exercise.
People with no excess fat to remove who think they need liposuction might benefit from counseling.
For some people, the decision not to have liposuction is the best decision, especially if others are coercing them to have it and they don't really want to.