Currently, procedures that restrict nutrient intake are the operations of choice for most patients. Liposuction, a cosmetic procedure, is not a treatment for obesity. It involves the surgical removal of fat tissue from localized areas of the body, and it is more effective for 'body shaping' than for total body fat reduction. Should weight gain occur after liposuction, fat stores will be redistributed to other body areas. Large weight fluctuations are not desirable following liposuction, so effective weight management is generally a criteria for determining the appropriateness of the procedure.
Liposuction is the most common cosmetic procedure requested by both sexes.
Surgical treatment for severe obesity has been in practice for almost 50 years. Over the years, improvements made in surgical techniques have resulted in fewer complications. Surgery may provide a lifesaving option for severely obese individuals for whom diet and exercise alone have failed. However, it still carries physical risks and requires significant psychological adjustment for those who choose it. Even with advances made in surgical technique, surgery remains an invasive and potentially life-threatening option.