If you have several areas on your body with more fat than you would like, then perhaps liposuction is a viable option for you.  But before you can make the decision about pursuing liposuction,  naturally  you should know a little something about it.  For example, how does liposuction get the fat out?

Before the procedure, the areas of your body that are  going to be treated are first marked by your surgeon and then  fluid is  injected into in to these areas in order to make it easier for your plastic surgeon to  remove the fat and sculpt the tissues. Anesthetic is injected into the same area as well  to help reduce pain along with a medication that helps reduce bleeding.

Once the body area has been prepared, your plastic surgeon will then make  several small incisions to access the fatty tissues beneath the skin. The incisions are strategically located in natural skin folds to reduce the visibility of the scars. Through these incisions, small tubes called cannulas are inserted to pull out the fat. Unlike a tummy tuck, there are virtually no scars with liposuction.

There are also several ways to perform liposuction as well. For example, the “traditional” method described above is called “tumescent” liposuction. There are also power assisted, ultra sonic and the new “smart” liposuction techniques as well. Each has its own risks and benefits and should be discussed in detail with your surgeon before proceeding.

In general,  liposuction is an outpatient procedure.  Following your surgery most surgeons ask their patients to wear a compression garment for several weeks. Applied properly, this garment will help speed healing and prevent fluid collections under the skin which can be a possible complication of the procedure.

It is important that all patients understand that liposuction is not a weight reduction procedure.  In fact, liposuction is best applied to people of normal or near-normal weight who only want to address specific fatty areas and smooth away bulges on their bodies. Overall it should be looked upon as a refining technique and is not at all recommended for the grossly overweight or obese patient. Are you a candidate for liposuction? The best way to find out is a consultation with your board certified plastic surgeon.

Still, the best way to decide which implant is right for you is to a private consultation with your plastic surgeon.

Particularly interesting  was Shaun White, who had already won the gold before his second and final run in the half pipe , who let it all hang out as he made an unprecedented twist move to cap his performance.

Lindsey Vonn was able to win gold despite a painful shin which has hampered her for the last 10 days.

All in all, the greatest day for US Olympic athletes.

First of all, you as the patient should see the physician in his/her “natural environment.” That is, his office. What happens if it’s a mess or you don’t like the decor? It may seem crazy but it’s part of forming an opinion about who he is, almost like going to a restaurant. Also, you’ll want to meet the staff and see what the doctor is like in person, not just on a computer screen.

As for the surgeon, there is no substitute for seeing and putting your hands on a patient in order to get a good idea of what you are and are not capable of doing. A computer screen cannot take the place of a good physical exam.

So overall, I’d pass on this idea. Clever marketing but poor medicine.

It should be noted that most insurances will pay for the repair.

12. How long should I take time off of school, work etc. to heal properly?

13. Is there much pain?

Personally I’ve always found pain to be a personal experience. Overall though, I find that most cosmetic procedures are not inordinately painful for patients.

14. Which medications will you prescribe for me?

Your surgeon should definitely tell you this.

15. Which type of anesthesia will I be getting?

Some procedures can be done under many different types. The choice should be a combination of what the patient likes and what the doctors feels comfortable giving.

This article on CNN.com
highlights some of the dangers involved with cosmetic surgery. No surgery, no matter who performs it, is totally risk free. Your surgeon should inform of all risks before the procedure. Fortunately accidents like what happened to Ms. Magnano are very rare and plastic surgery overall is safe. Just make sure you have a properly certified surgeon by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the surgery is done in an accredited operating room. If you do that , you’re off to a good start.

6. How many (insert Procedure here) have you performed?

7. How many revisions of your own work do you perform?

All surgeons perform revisions of their work. It just goes with the territory. Also ask if you will be charged for such work and how much.

8. Would you be willing to perform cosmetic surgery on a loved one?

In all honesty, some people would and some would never. I don’t think there is a correct answer for this question, but the reasons for or against may give you some insight in to your surgeon’s personality.

9. Why are you or are you not a good candidate for this procedure?

10. What are the complications of this procedure?

Very important question. There are complications for hang nail surgery. Your surgeon must absolutely must inform you of this as a matter of protocol. If he/she does not, find another surgeon.

1. How long have you been practicing plastic surgery?

Not always a good indicator of competence, bu, in general,t it the more experience, usually the better results.

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

This the official Board for plastic surgeons. The  American Board Cosmetic Surgery is not. To be Board certified requires approved training and then an extremely rigorous written and then even more rigorous oral exam. It is a very difficult exam i can assure you. The pass rate is extremely low compared to other medical sub specialties. It does not guarantee that your surgeon will give you great results, only that he/she is competent and ethical.

3.When will you re certify?

Surgeons certified after the mid 1990’s, will need to recertify every ten years. Older surgeons are exempt from the exam.

4. Gave you ever been disciplined by the board, the state or any hospital?

With more surgeons practicing in all fields, professional misconduct is on the rise. Hopefully you will get an honest response.

5. What is your favorite procedure to perform and why?

Every surgeon has one. The answer might give you some insight into his/her personality and competence.

The Truth:

Tumescent Liposuction is still the “gold standard” for this procedure. It has a low complication rate and an overall high level of satisfaction. It is still the preferred method of liposuction performed bythe vast majority of plastic surgeons the world over.

The Verdict:

Still the best method (not just because I prefer it), all others are marketing gimmickry and experimentation. This is the one you want.