Liposuction Procedures - Patient FAQs

Q: When it comes to physicians who administer Botox, very often many of the office staff have tried It. Is the same true of liposuction?

A: No. Botox is a much less invasive procedure, and not as many people have had tumescent liposuction, which is surgery. But if you want to talk to someone who has undergone the procedure, you should ask at the office. There are people in our office who have had it and are willing to answer patient questions. It's a good way to get information, so remember to ask about it when you come in to the doctor's office. You should also be able to view some of the liposuction before and after photos of people in the office who have had the procedure.

Q: How many doctor candidates should a patient talk to before deciding on one?

A: I don't think you need to have a second opinion if you've talked to one physician and you're happy with what you've heard - especially if you are already well informed about liposuction. You can come into the office prepared with good questions for the doctor, know exactly what you are looking for, then decide if you have found it.

There are some people who may like what they hear with the first physician they meet, but somehow, something doesn't feel quite right or they don't feel entirely comfortable. In a case like that, it makes sense to meet with another physician.

Q: What are some of the things that might make someone feel that not everything is quite right?

A: There could be many reasons. Maybe they don't like the price; maybe they think' the postoperative instructions are too restrictive; maybe they like the doctor but they didn't get the right feeling from another staff member. There could be any number of reasons that would make someone think twice. And there's nothing wrong with that. You should feel very satisfied before you make a commitment to have surgery.

So the bottom line is this: If you find someone who comes well recommended and you have very good rapport with that doctor, you don't really need a second opinion. You will know in your heart when you feel comfortable and ready to proceed.

Q: How much experience with liposuction should a doctor have?

A: I think the surgeon should have done at least fifty procedures. In my experience, after the first twenty-five procedures, you are already getting pretty good at it Of course, there are surgeons who have done hundreds of liposuction procedures and some who have done thousands. But there is a learning curve, and most people would not want to be one of a doctor's first ten patients, because you might not get the best results.