As a patient, the best way you can minimize liposuction risks is to ensure that you have chosen a surgeon with appropriate surgical training, sufficient aesthetic sense, and technical knowledge specific to liposuction. In addition, you should learn as much as possible about all the details of the procedure. Here are some guidelines that will help you select the best surgeon to perform the procedure and minimize liposuction risks:
- Look for a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Get documentation of the surgeon’s privileges to perform liposuction at an accredited acute care hospital with proper support systems.
- Be sure to give an accurate and up-to-date medical history to your surgeon. Report all past surgeries — including all past cosmetic procedures and medications you are taking, including dietary and herbal supplements.
- Discuss all aspects of your liposuction procedure with your surgeon beforehand, including risks and proposed recovery time. Learn who will oversee your recovery.
- Learn who will be administering anesthesia, and what type of anesthesia will be used.
- View before and after photos to familiarize yourself with your surgeon’s work. Do the post-surgery photos reflect a result that is dramatic but complements the patient’s natural body shape? Do they show a smooth, graceful contour with no change in skin pigmentation?
Following these guidelines will help avoid liposuction complications and the need for a corrective, secondary liposuction procedure. Though it is impossible to completely eliminate the element of risk from any surgical procedure, knowing as much as possible about your surgeon and the procedure is one of the keys to a safe and effective liposuction experience.
Go to my website for further information and to view before and after photos: http://www.drpeterfodor.com/liposuction
Peter Fodor, M.D., F.A.C.S.
gingi18k
Me
