A Consumer Guide to Liposuction

A Consumer Guide to Liposuction Orlando

Liposuction is the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the USA. Even though this is a frequently performed procedure and in the majority of cases all goes well, it is important that the patient exercises good judgment in seeking out a liposuction surgeon.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and as with all surgical procedures there are risks and potential complications. The patient is able to minimize these risks by finding a qualified plastic surgeon that frequently performs liposuction.

Who can perform liposuction?

In the state of Florida there is no restriction as to who can perform liposuction as long as the practitioner is an M.D. or D.O.

Liposuction is an art as well as a science. Specific training is required to carry out the procedure, not just to perform the procedure, but also to exercise good judgment in selecting who is a good candidate for liposuction, as well as being able to take care of any possible problems that could arise after surgery from liposuction.

It is important that the consumer seeks out a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon that performs many liposuction procedures.

Where can liposuction be performed?

The state of Florida places very little restrictions on where liposuction, under pure local anesthetic, can be performed. It is important that the prospective liposuction patient ask if the facility is accredited to perform surgical procedures. If the facility is accredited to perform surgical procedures by the state of Florida or by a national accreditation agency then it is mandated that they be well prepared in the event of an emergency. This is a good first step in ensuring patient safety.

What questions should I ask?

The experienced liposuction surgeon will be versed in all techniques of liposuction. Ask specific questions as to what type of liposuction will be performed and what types of medications will be administered, e.g. How would it be handled if I had an allergic reaction?

Facilities that are appropriately accredited are held accountable for a certain level of sterility. It is important that a sterile environment be maintained to limit the risk of infection during liposuction. Ask if patients have had infection from procedures performed at the facility.

Contour irregularity is one of the potential complications from liposuction. This can often be repaired, ask your surgeon how they would deal with this.

Will my procedure be done while I am awake or asleep? If I am asleep who will administer my anesthesia? Will an anesthesiologist be present and what is that persons experience with liposuction patients? Are there precautions taken to prevent potential complications? E.g. If my liposuction is to be performed while I am asleep, what precautions will be taken to limit the risk of clot formation in my legs? Do I have the option of performing my liposuction awake?

Often times the experienced liposuction surgeon is experienced with both but may opt for one or the other depending on the circumstance of your particular case.

What kind of follow up visits will I have after my liposuction? If your surgeon does not see you after surgery, he or she may not be available to answer your questions or deal with potential problems.

Ask about qualifications, specialty of training, licensing, and experience. A well-qualified surgeon has all the above and is not afraid to answer such questions.

Ask to see photos of procedures specifically performed by the surgeon and if necessary, speak to other patients that have had the procedure done.

Finally, ask the surgeon if he or she has hospital privileges to perform liposuction at the hospital. Hospitals often put physicians through rigorous screening with regards to licensing qualifications to perform certain procedures.

Remember though price may be a factor in your decision to have liposuction with a particular surgeon; an undesirable outcome may cost twice as much to fix.

Ask about the qualifications of the personnel assisting the physician; again, there are very few sheet guidelines dictating this. It is important that the patients educate themselves to protect themselves.

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