Although there are many people who are interested in cosmetic surgery, not everyone is a good candidate to undergo such procedures. As liposuction can be a very invasive surgery, it is important that people who wish to undergo this procedure meet five important criteria. If you are interested in undergoing liposuction in order to reshape or change the contour of your body, be sure to read the guide below. This guide will help you understand whether or not you might be a good candidate for liposuction surgery. Although this guide names the top five criteria for good liposuction candidates, remember that it is best to defer to the advice of a trusted doctor.

No. 1: Your Overall Health

No matter what type of surgery a patient undergoes, doctors always assess overall health prior to the surgery. If a patient is unhealthy in any way, there is an increased risk of complications during surgery. In the initial consultation with your liposuction doctor, be sure to be very clear and candid about your medical history. Patients with histories of blood clotting, excessive bleeding and anemia, heart problems, epilepsy and trouble with their immune systems have a greater risk of experiencing complications during any kind of surgery, including liposuction. Furthermore, if your overall health has been poor in the time leading up to your surgery, your doctor may recommend waiting until you have your strength back before you proceed with the liposuction.

No. 2: Your Circulatory System and Related Medications

If you are taking certain types of medications, then liposuction might not be safe. Anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants, and any drugs that increase the risk of heavy bleeding can cause serious problems during the liposuction procedure. Because liposuction is a very invasive surgery, especially if you are having a large area treated, then your circulatory system must be in good condition in order for you to be a good candidate for the procedure. If you fear that you do not meet the criterion for liposuction, you may want to work with both your primary care physician and your liposuction surgeon of choice to find whether or not you can have the surgery.

No. 3: Anesthesia and Medication

There are certain medications and types of anesthesia that do not function well together. If you are on one of these medications, your surgeon may ask you to discontinue use for two or more weeks prior to your liposuction. Of course, be sure to check in with your primary care physician before discontinuing the use of any medication.

No. 4: Your Expectations

While liposuction can significantly change the way you look, it is not a "miracle" procedure. Liposuction is not an effective means to permanently lose weight or an obesity treatment. Rather, this type of cosmetic surgery is meant to remove fat deposits that are difficult or impossible to remove through diet and exercise. Most people have the same number of fat cells in their body as they did when they were born. Over time, however, weight gain can cause the fat cells to become enlarged. While liposuction does permanently remove fat cells, other fat cells can become enlarged and "replace" those that were removed.

No. 5: The Elasticity of Your Skin

If your skin does not have good elasticity, then removing the fat cells beneath it can cause it to sag or wrinkle. Over the years, your skin stretches to accommodate the growth of fat cells. If your skin is not very elastic, when those fat cells are removed, it will not bounce back into place over your new shape.