Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon Before Liposuction

Expert Author
Raja Mohan Plastic Surgeon | Facial Plastic Surgery Irving, TX

Dr. Mohan is a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he majored in mathematics. MIT is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the United States. He became interested in plastic surgery in his final year of undergraduate studies and performed a prestigious research fellowship at... more

Liposuction is more popular than ever. In 2017, there were approximately 17 million liposuction procedures, which is a 2% increase over the year before. If you’re concerned about areas of fat on your body that you cannot eliminate with diet and exercise, you may wonder if liposuction is a good choice for you. 

Before you decide to have this procedure, you’ll need to consult with your plastic surgeon. Below are the most important questions to ask before you have liposuction. 

#1: Are You Board Certified? 

You should ask for details about your surgeon’s training, experience, and board certification. For safety, it’s best to select a plastic surgeon who has many years of liposuction experience. 

Inquire about specific liposuction training they’ve had, as well as their continuing education in this specialty. Most critically, ask if they have been board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This immediately tells you that the doctor has had years of training and regularly passes difficult board certification examinations. 

#2: Where Will You Do My Liposuction? 

This procedure is usually outpatient, with no hospital stay needed. You’ll need to have a ride home because you will still be affected by general anesthesia. Or consider getting a hotel room for the night. 

Before you set up your treatment, learn about where the doctor does the liposuction. Do they use a treatment room in a doctor’s office, a day surgery center, or a hospital? Any of these are fine, but make sure the facility is accredited. 

#3: Who Is An Ideal Candidate For Liposuction? 

It’s essential to be sure that you are a good candidate for liposuction. After all, liposuction is a serious medical procedure, and you’ll need to be put under general anesthesia. Generally, the best candidate for this procedure is good overall health and is close to their goal weight. You should not smoke, as this makes the recovery process more difficult. 

Also, a good candidate has stubborn fat between the skin and muscle that cannot be eliminated with diet and exercise. Your surgeon will also check your skin quality before recommending the procedure. It’s critical to have good skin elasticity so that your skin will adapt to your new contours. Patients with loose skin generally are not ideal candidates for liposuction. 

#4 What Types Of Liposuction Do You Use? 

There are many types of this procedure in use today. The ideal technique for you depends on a few factors: treatment location, how much correction you want, and your doctor’s preference. Ask which types of liposuction your plastic surgeon does the most. Then talk to them about the type recommended for your case. Also, ask about the kind of anesthesia they use and what the recovery will be. 

The most common type used today is tumescent liposuction. Your surgeon will inject a lidocaine and epinephrine solution into your treatment area. This solution reduces pain, bleeding, and swelling. It also hardens and stiffens the fat. Then, the surgeon sucks the fat out with a cannula. Another popular technique is ultrasound-assisted liposuction that uses ultrasound to break up the fat. This method is handy for the back and neck. 

Last, laser-assisted liposuction is a new technique that is gaining popularity. This method uses highly focused laser waves to break down fat before it is sucked out with a small cannula. 

#5: Will My Results Be Permanent? 

One of the best features of liposuction is, once the fat is gone, it’s gone. But don’t think that getting liposuction means you don’t have to worry about gaining weight again; surrounding fatty tissue can still expand if you gain weight. 

Also, your body will change as you age, change weight, or get pregnant. Ask your doctor how to keep up your results for the years ahead. They should have plenty of information about how to keep your desired contours. 

#6: Will Liposuction Help With Loose Skin and Cellulite? 

Liposuction deals with extra fat in stubborn parts of the body. If you have cellulite, liposuction may smooth the appearance of the skin somewhat. But it won’t address severe cellulite. The same is true for patients who have loose skin after pregnancy or extreme weight loss. Liposuction won’t tighten your loose skin. 

Other cosmetic procedures can deal with skin laxity that you should discuss with your surgeon. 

#7: Can I Have Other Procedures At The Same Time? 

It’s not unusual to have other procedures done along with liposuction. Some patients also have a tummy tuck and breast augmentation. However, your surgeon will advise you if they think having other procedures at the same time is appropriate for you. 

#8: What Will My Recovery Be Like? 

Your recovery period is affected by your general health, the number of treatment areas, and how much fat was taken out. You can expect some bruising and swelling for about two weeks after liposuction. Also, there will be some mild pain, but it doesn’t last more than a week or two. 

Talk to your doctor about how long you should be off work when you can resume normal activities, and any limitations recommended after liposuction. Most importantly, remember that you need to give your body time to heal and rest. 

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