Thoughts on Lipo After Reaching Goal Weight?

I've just recently joined the site and committed myself to watching my daily caloric and fat intake to get back down to my goal weight (from 158lb -to- approx 135lb)

Here's what I would love some imput on.  I previously did get down to my goal weight of 135lb and was very happy with the way my body looked, except for my inner thighs.  I have always retained fat in that area regardless of my weight and exercise level.  Lipo is not an option that I would choose until I have reached and maintained my goal weight for at least a few months, and settled into a realistic exercise routine that I know I will be able to maintain.

So, what are your thoughts on this option to remove the last little stubborn bit of fat off my thighs that may never respond to diet and exercise?  I feel that this may be a more healthy option as opposed to attempting to lose even more weight overall, and then becoming unhealthily underweight in general.

Does anyone have any personal experience with lipo?  I have started to do some research on pros, cons, risks, prices, etc. but any imput would be appreciated! Thanks!

Liposuction is majory surgery requiring a lot of recovery time - it's not a "healthy option", especially as you have no medical need for surgery in the first place.

The healthy options you have once at your goal weight are

- work on those legs. Do you lift weights?

- accept that women's bodies are designed to have a little bit of fat on them and that's not a problem that requires invasive surgery to "correct".

My personal thoughts are that you should strength train to shape your body.  You are talking about a little bit between your legs that you dont like...train the muscles and tighten it up. 

Dont tell me that it cant be done as I have personally experienced it.

Hit the gym and change your body!  Surgery is not the right answer for such a little amount of weight.

Thanks for the input so far.

devilish_patsy, could you give me any hints/tips as to what specific exercises you did?

I interned at a Plastic Surgeon's office as a Medical Assistant for 6 weeks. A patient I saw had lipo for the last little bit of fat on her stomach. She had to come in for Ultrasound(heat) therapy once a week for at least 6 weeks after the procedure. She also had to wear a compression garment for that amount of time. The area treated can become hard during the healing process. She revealed to me that she wish she hadn't done it and just worked harder in the gym.

I agree with the comments above. If you get to your goal, and have tried to tone plus maintain for a year without result, I would say go for it, if it's really super important to you. There are always risks though. You hear horror stories all the time. Here are some tips:

• Get a Surgeon certified by the Board of Plastic Surgeons. NOT just a cosmetic surgeon. Any MD can get certified for cosmetic surgery. This doesn't mean they are good at it. 
• Meet with at least 3 doctors for a consultation. Usually these are free.
• Go with your gut feeling. If you don't get a good vibe from the doc, don't go there.
• Once you pick a doctor, research them. Do they have any lawsuits under their belt? Make sure lipo is one of their specialties. I knew a doc whose did great facial work, but only did so-so with breast augs. Ask to look at some of their work(they usually keep a book of patient before and after photos for this purpose).

I hope you reconsider the surgery. Good luck. :)

I think that if you think it will make you feel better and more confident and if you have realistic expectations (and can afford it!) then go for it.

But, as sassysarah said, make sure you go with a reputable surgeon that you've done a background check on and that you feel comfortable with.  Surgery isn't a place where you want to cut corners!

Also, research and fully understand the procedure, understand realistic expectations and understand the risks--don't just rely on info from the surgeon consultations, do your own research!

Thanks nbu! That's really helpful.

And don't worry, it's not something that I would be doing in the near future, it'd at least be a year or more, just getting some input/information to consider in the mean time :)