Are you getting ready for an upcoming consultation for liposuction? If so, you likely have a lot of questions.
Liposuction surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures that both men and women undergo. While most people view liposuction as a fat removal surgery, the liposuction procedure actually aims to remove excess fat cells known as adipocytes — the fat cells that store fat beneath the skin.
Liposuction surgery makes it easier for individuals to rid their bodies of excess fat when conventional diet and exercise aren’t working. What’s more, the procedure also allows them to keep the excess fat from returning. This is one of the many things plastic surgeons who perform liposuction surgery explain during the initial consultation.
What Happens During the Initial Consultation?
The goal of the initial liposuction consultation is to meet with the plastic surgeon to make sure you’re comfortable with them. It’s also to ensure that you’re a good candidate for this liposuction surgical procedure.
Here’s what you can expect when meeting with cosmetic surgeons to discuss the liposuction :
Explanation of the Liposuction Procedure
The first thing your cosmetic surgeon will likely do is explain how the liposuction procedure works and what to expect from the physical plastic surgery to the local or general anesthesia to weight loss.
There are several different types of liposuction, including:
- Suction assisted liposuction (SAL)
- Tumescent liposuction
- Laser assisted liposuction (also referred to as SmartLipo)
- Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (also referred to as Vaser)
- Power assisted liposuction (PAL)
- High Definition Liposuction (HDL)
There are also ten common areas where people request the cosmetic surgery for:
- Double chin
- Back of the neck
- Back of the upper arms (also called an arm lift)
- The breasts
- Outer thighs (thigh lift)
- Lower and upper belly
- The bra strap area
- The waist
The liposuction technique your plastic surgeon recommends for removing excess fat will depend entirely on what you’re trying to achieve. It will also depend on the state of your current health. For example, if you’re already in great shape and looking to contour your body to get closer to the physique you want, they’ll likely recommend tumescent liposuction. If you have a considerable amount of excess fat to remove, SAL is usually the first option.
The surgeon will also discuss the number of procedures that can be done for fat removal in one sitting. Most cosmetic surgeons performing liposuction procedures will perform the surgery on up to four areas in one visit. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to schedule multiple visits.
Lastly, your cosmetic surgeon will discuss any additional procedures you may need. For example, a tummy tuck can reduce the amount of extra skin in the abdominal area once the weight loss has kicked in.
Conversation About Your Medical History
Your surgeon will also want to review your medical history to get an idea of any possible risk factors you may be associated with. The primary reason for discussing your health history is to ensure you’re fit to undergo general or local anesthesia for the procedure.
The type of anesthesia you’ll require will depend on which type of liposuction procedure or procedures you want to have done. It will also depend on your tolerance for pain and discomfort.
Your plastic surgeon will likely come up with a personalized strategy for anesthesia based on your medical history, pain tolerance, and any risk factors you may exemplify.
Review of Your General Health
Your general health is also important as it will give the surgeon an idea of whether you’re a solid candidate for the type of liposuction procedure you’re interested in. This is when you’ll want to discuss any medications you’re on and any chronic illnesses or conditions you may have, with particular concerns being:
- Diabetes
- Elevated blood pressure levels
- Heart problems
- Livery and kidney disease
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Wound healing problems
- Bleeding issues
Ultimately, your surgeon will want to make sure you’ll be safe throughout the entire procedure. If you show any of the above risks, most plastic surgeons will refer you back to your regular physician for a general checkup. From there, you’ll likely need a letter declaring that you’re fit for the surgical procedures for the plastic surgeon to schedule your liposuction.
Your Questions
As previously mentioned, one of the main points of the initial consultation is to ensure you feel comfortable with the cosmetic surgeon you’ve chosen. If you’re unsure of what to ask your surgeon, here are a few ideas:
- Which liposuction techniques or procedures am I a great candidate for?
- How should I prepare during the days leading up to the procedure?
- Will I require any other additional procedures to take care of things like excess skin, loose skin, stretch marks, etc?
- How likely am I to gain weight back after the fat is removed?
- When can I return to normal activities?
- What surgical technique have you used on most other patients?
- How much does liposuction cost, and are there payment options?
- How many years of experience do you have with liposuction, and can you show me before and after photos of previous patients?
- What can I do to ensure my trouble spots remain in good shape after the procedure?
Do a little research before the consultation and write down your questions so you don’t forget. Aside from understanding the procedure and surgical technique involved, you also want to vet your surgeon to ensure the best possible results properly.
Liposuction FAQs
Liposuction FAQsWill liposuction improve cellulite?
While liposuction can remove unwanted fat successfully, it does not remove cellulite. However, there are other cosmetic procedures, like laser surgery, that can reduce the appearance of cellulite.
What makes someone a liposuction candidate?
A great candidate for liposuction is an individual who is in good health living a healthy lifestyle with no chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. They should also be close to their ideal weight with decent muscle tone and skin elasticity.
Will there be scarring, bruising, or swelling after liposuction?
The most common liposuction procedures involve a small incision to get a thin tube into the fatty area. Therefore, you can expect some light bruising and swelling at the site of the small incision after the procedure. There may also be some light scarring from the incision site, which will fade within six to twelve months.
Will the procedure require an overnight hospital stay?
Typically performed in outpatient settings like clinics or surgery centers, liposuction doesn’t usually entail an overnight hospital stay, unless extensive fat removal is necessary.
When can I resume my daily activities after liposuction?
The liposuction recovery period can take six to eight weeks, depending on the type and extent of the liposuction you get. Your surgeon will discuss the recovery period and aftercare with you and schedule a follow-up visit to determine whether you’re fit to return to your regular activities at that time.
Book Your Liposuction Surgery Consultation
If you’re considering liposuction and are looking for the right plastic surgery center or medical team, consider DMR Aesthetics Chicago. Dr. Dahlia Rice is highly accomplished and dedicated to cosmetic surgery, and she’ll ensure you achieve your body goals in the safest way possible.
Contact our team of experienced cosmetic medical professionals today to book your consultation!