How to Choose a Liposuction Surgeon

It is very important that you choose a qualified and highly experienced liposuction surgeon. If there are any complications during surgery, an experienced liposuction surgeon will be more adept at handling the situation. In addition, a surgeon who has performed many liposuction surgeries will have had more opportunities to perfect his or her technique and results. There are several guidelines to follow in order to ensure that you choose the best possible liposuction surgeon.

Board Certification

It is a good idea to confirm that your liposuction surgeon has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification is an indication that the surgeon has had extra training in the field of plastic surgery. This also means that the physician has earned his or her degree from a reputable medical school and has completed five years of additional residency. Not all cosmetic surgeons fit these qualifications. Liposuction is often performed by dermatologists. Plastic surgeons are preferable because of their experience and extra training in liposuction surgery.

Training in Liposuction Surgery

Your surgeon should have had special training in body contouring. In addition, he or she should have the surgical skill necessary to perform liposuction involving the removal of more than 5 liters (5,000 cc) of fat. When you are interviewing prospective surgeons, be sure to ask how many times they have performed the type of liposuction surgery you wish to undergo and whether they have received specialized training in this kind of liposuction. Often, plastic surgeons specialize in individual procedures. For the best results, choose a physician who considers liposuction an area of his or her expertise.

Hospital Privileges

The liposuction surgeon should have privileges at an accredited hospital. Having your plastic surgery performed at a licensed hospital ensures that the best care will be provided in case of complications. Some surgeons also offer liposuction and other, more minor cosmetic surgery procedures in private, in-office surgical suites. The confidentiality and cost-effectiveness of this option make it popular with liposuction patients. However, your liposuction surgeon should have a good reputation at a local hospital and have full privileges to perform surgery there, even if you ultimately decide to have the operation elsewhere.

Previous Results

Ask your surgeon to show you before and after photos of patients who have undergone liposuction. Inexperienced liposuction surgeons may be more likely to produce uneven or lumpy results. Bruising and swelling are unavoidable side effects of liposuction, but if the damage seems extreme, the surgeon may have been too rough with the patient. After viewing many before and after photos of liposuction patients, you will be able to distinguish good from bad results and be able to choose your liposuction surgeon accordingly.

Find a Liposuction Specialist near You

A qualified liposuction surgeon not only has years of experience, but also is willing to discuss liposuction procedures in detail with patients. The doctor should be committed to patient safety and providing follow-up care. In addition, it is important that you feel comfortable with your doctor. Find a liposuction surgeon in your area with the experience necessary to ensure that your liposuction is as healthy and safe as possible.