Liposuction- Is it right for you?

LipoHave you recently inquired about the procedure, Liposuction? With it being named the second most popular cosmetic surgery last year many people are turning to the semi-invasive technique for great reasons. In 2015 more than 222,000 procedures were performed with the choice of personalized body sculpting of problem areas that you and your surgeon address together. Liposuction or Liposculpture has results that will last for many years without the drag of the long recovery time. With it being such a minimally invasive technique it only requires a few days of recovery and downtime. Occasionally for cases where there can be total or full body Liposculpture recovery can take up to five days.

Be aware that not every Liposuction case has the same result. Every patient is different, the key is to satisfying results is an informed and well educated patient. Both the surgeon and the patient are aware of realistic outcomes. The patient should thoroughly explain his or her expectations and the surgeon should address if your expectations are realistic for your body style. Knowing what to ask during your initial Liposculpture consultation can help determine if this is the right surgery for you! The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) has four questions that can help you in making the right choice for you.

  1. Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?

By asking this question you are inquiring their experience, training, and board certification. A plastic surgeon who is board certified has had unique and extensive training in their specialty and is required to pass rigorous board certification exams. They are required to complete continuing education credits. To be safest you should always choose a surgeon who has years of liposuction, and if they have any unique training specified to your procedure.

  1. Where will you be performing my Liposculpture procedure?

Inquire the type of facility your surgeon performs his or her procedures. Does your surgeon use an office facility, day surgery facility, or an area hospital? All are fine choices as long as they are accredited facilities. Liposuction is performed under anesthesia and is normally an outpatient procedure. An outpatient procedure is a procedure in which you would be discharged to a responsible adult to drive you home after your surgery. You will recover in the privacy and comfort of your home.

  1. What type of Liposculpture do you perform?

There are many different types of Liposuction, your surgeon will decide the best technique for you and your expected outcome. Many factors play a role in deciding the type of Liposuction- desired areas of treatment, the extent of the intended areas, and if any reinjection of fat is desired. Ask your surgeon the type of Liposuction he/she performs on a routine basis. Most skilled surgeons prefer some methods to others, but a skilled surgeon will be experiences in a variety of techniques. Always address your recovery time and what to expect following anesthesia and post-operative.

The most widely used form of Liposuction is Tumescent Liposuction. Tumescent Liposuction is a solution of epinephrine and lidocaine injected in the area, and with a tiny cannula the fatty tissue is suctioned away. Another popular method is, ultrasound-assisted Liposuction which uses ultrasound waves to liquefy the fatty tissue. This is to be used in hard to address areas, such as the neck and back. Laser-assisted Liposuction is newest but very popular. Laser Liposuction uses waves that are concentrated of laser energy to break down and target fat, then removed through a tiny cannula.

  1. Will the results of my Liposuction be permanent?

The biggest advantage to Liposuction is that the fat cells that are removed do not “return”, however, the surrounding fatty tissue can expand with future weight gain. It is recommended to stay active and have a permanent change in eating habits for longer lasting results. Of course, life happens and over time fat can accumulate by normal ageing, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, and more. Ask your surgeon how he/she recommends how you can best maintain your Liposuction results to avoid needing repeat treatments in the future.

By talking with your desired Plastic Surgeon and asking these four questions and more you can have better insight towards if Liposuction is the right procedure for you.

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