Fat deposits accumulate under everyone's skin. The best candidates for liposuction may have bulging and flabby areas of the body from these fat deposits, especially the abdomen, arms, thighs, and neck. Even in people who eat a healthy diet and stay physically fit, these fat deposits can persist. They can result from genetic factors, body chemistry, or other causes.

The ideal candidates for liposuction are physically fit, exercise regularly, and are not more than twenty pounds overweight. People with very localized, exercise-resistant fatty deposits may obtain the best results. Patients should be aware that the flabby appearance of the area being treated may not disappear completely. Crash diets before or immediately after this plastic surgery procedure are not recommended.

An ideal candidate is also someone who has made an effort to eliminate the fatty deposits through extensive exercise and diet. These candidates may spend an inordinate amount of time on exercise programs or with excessive diets just to reduce or eliminate one final, persistent bulge. Some bulges are exercise resistent, and liposuction may provide a solution.