Dear Dr. Tim,

Happy 2010! My primary New Year resolution is weight loss. I am 22 years old, 5′4″ and 155 pounds. Friends describe me as ‘curvy,’ but I quite honestly just feel overweight, especially in Los Angeles. I’m starting an intense weight loss program using dieting and vigorous exercise. What role if any does liposuction have in weight loss? And when would be a good time to consider liposuction now that I’m in a weight loss program? And are the results of liposuction permanent?

-Tammy

Dear Tammy,