Liposuction

Finally we arrive at the granddaddy of all procedures – liposuction.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure intended to remove fat deposits and shape the body. Fat is removed from under the skin with the use of a vacuum-suction canula (a hollow pen-like instrument) or using an ultrasonic probe that emulfsies (breaks up into small pieces) the fat and then removes it with suction.

Persons with localized fat may decide to have liposuction to remove fat from just one specific area. Liposuction is a procedure for shaping the body and is not recommended for weight loss.

Liposuction may be performed on the abdomen, hips, thighs, calves, arms, buttocks, back, neck, or face. A liposuction procedure may include more than one site, for instance, the abdomen, back, and thighs all on the same day.

Who performs liposuction and where is it performed?

Most liposuction procedures are performed by plastic surgeons or dermatologists. However, all that is required to perform liposuction is a medical degree, so any licensed physician may perform liposuction.

This can be a bit discomforting because it means that even a “podiatrist” can legally perform liposuction procedures without any specialty training.

It’s a good idea to find out all you can about a particular physician before considering him or her to perform your procedure. Check with your local licensing board, ask your physician how many procedures like yours has he/she done and can you see before and after photographs.

Don’t be afraid to ask your physician probing questions. Remember, you are paying for a service and you deserve to know the answers to any questions. Ask him for in depth explanations of what your procedure consists of and what your prognosis is for healing.

Don’t have unrealistic expectations. The recent “make over” craze on television gives the impression that anyone and everyone is a candidate for a make over. Don’t enter into a decision based on what you see on television.

The patients you see on television are the very best candidates in terms of health and other factors. They are selected based on the fact that their “before” and “after” will show drastic results. That just isn’t true for the average person.

If you expect to come out of liposuction looking like Britney Spears, you will be very disappointed. That is not to say that you can’t expect results. More than likely you will and the end result will give you a younger look. Just don’t expect unrealistic results.

Some professional medical organizations recommend special training for physicians, it isn’t required by law. So the more information you can determine, the safer you can feel about your procedure.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so remember even the best screened patients under the care of the best trained and experienced physicians may experience complications as a result of liposuction.

Liposuction may be performed in a

• Doctors office
• Surgical center
• Hospital

Because liposuction is a surgical procedure, it is important that it be performed in a clean environment. Emergencies may arise during any surgery and access to emergency medical equipment and/or a nearby hospital emergency room is important. These are things that you should ask your physician before the liposuction procedure.

Be wary of advertisements that say or imply that you will have a perfect appearance after liposuction. Yes, back to those realistic expectations. Remember that advertisements are meant to sell you a product or service, not to inform you of all the potential problems with that service.

Don't base your decision simply on cost and remember that you don't have to settle for the first doctor or procedure you investigate. The decision you make about liposuction surgery is an important one but not one that you must make right away.

You should learn as much as you can about liposuction. It is important for you to read the patient information that your doctor provides.

Do not feel that because you speak to a physician about this procedure that you must go through with it. Take your time to decide whether liposuction is right for you and whether you are willing to take the risks of undergoing liposuction for its benefits.

Visit several physicians if it will help you make the right decision. Initial consultations are generally free and it can be helpful and enlightening to have several different opinions. It can also help you to make an intelligent decision based on all the facts. Selecting a physician that you feel comfortable with should be a main concern.

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