The big question in determining if liposuction is the right treatment for an area of excess fat is how good the skin tone is in that area. Normal, healthy skin has a lot of elasticity and is able to shrink up and match the new contour after fat is removed with liposuction. If that elasticity has been damaged the skin cannot shrink and will simply sag or wrinkle. One thing that damages the elasticity is over stretching that occurs with excessive or rapid weight gain, or on the abdomen with pregnancy. Hormonal changes and some metabolic disorders also make the skin thinner and less elastic.
If there is not enough tone or elasticity to the skin to allow it to shrink, then liposuction can actually lead to a worse contour overall. In those situations it is necessary to remove both skin and fat to improve the contour successfully. Surgeries like tummy tucks, thigh lifts, brachioplasty for the arms, or facelifts may be the best answer. In order to decide which procedure is best for your unique situation it is important to be properly evaluated by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. That way you will be most likely to achieve your body contouring goals.