Information About Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries performed by doctors throughout the nation. The term liposuction describes the surgical procedure that improves the contour of the body by removing excess fat. The surgeon uses a small stainless steel tube called a “cannula”. This is connected to a suction pump and then inserted into the fat deposits made through small incisions in the person’s skin.
The fat is then removed through the cannula by creating small tunnels in the fat deposits. Once the surgery is complete, the small tunnels collapse and the result is an improved contoured body.
Choosing a Liposuction Surgeon
Even though liposuction is a rather simple procedure, it is important to choose a surgeon who is highly skilled and qualified to perform the surgery. When patients are choosing a liposuction surgeon, there are several important things they need to consider that include the following:
• Cost Factor—Choosing a surgeon based upon the lowest price may prove more expensive in the long run. One of the most common undesirable results of liposuction leaves patients with a disfigured or unnatural appearance. Sometimes surgeons leave large scars that must be repaired requiring the patient to hire another provider.
• Check Credentials—Cosmetic surgeons who are board certified have gone through specialized training and have demonstrated competence judged by his or her peers. Check with the American Board of Plastic Surgery to find out if the surgeon is actually trained in a certified plastic surgery program.
• Obtain References—Most professional practices have a website where testimonials from clients are posted. It is not uncommon for potential clients to ask the surgeon for references. Friends and relatives may be another good source of information. People who have had a good experience with a doctor are often eager to talk about it.
• Professional Reputation—Check with members in the local community to find out about the surgeon’s professional reputation. Talk to other physicians and healthcare professionals for information.
• Skill & Experience—Ask the doctor how many liposuction procedures he or she has performed. A surgeon who regularly performs three of four procedures each week has more experience than one performs only a few each year.
Be way of doctors who claim that the patient will have a perfect appearance after the procedure. These types of advertisements are meant to sell a service or product to potential patients.
Liposuction Procedures
There are a variety of techniques used by surgeons when performing liposuction. Some of these include:
• Tumescent—According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Tumescent Liposculpting is one of the safest and most effective methods used today. This technique only requires using local anesthesia and is minimally invasive to the patient because only a few small incisions are necessary. These factors reduce the patient’s recovery time substantially.
• Cellulaze—This is the newest method used to combat cellulite and involves using controlled laser energy to treat lumpy pockets of fat. It works by releasing certain areas of skin depression and increases the elasticity and thickness of the person’s skin. Most patients have great results after only one treatment.
• Ultrasonic—The Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL) procedure involves the surgeon using tumescent fluid and a cannula to deliver ultrasonic heat and energy into the subcutaneous layer of fat. When the cannula comes into contact with the fatty cells, the cells become liquefied and are then vacuumed out.
• Water Jet—The water jet assisted liposuction method uses a pressurized stream of saline to dislodge the fat and remove the cells. This technique loosens the fatty cells and facilitates a more gentle removal.
There are many other procedures a surgeon may use depending upon what the patient requires. It is important that the medical professionals fully explain all of the possible risks associated with each different procedure.
Typical Costs of Liposuction Procedures
The cost of liposuction treatment varies widely and often depends upon the skill and experience of the surgeon. A cosmetic surgeon who practices in a large city will generally charge more than in other parts of the country. The average costs for the most common procedures are:
- Upper & Lower Abdomen—$3,000 to $7,500
- Neck, Cheek & Jowls—$2,000 to $5,000
- Buttocks—$1,500 to $4,500
- Hips & Waist—$1,600 to $5,000
- Female Breasts—$3,000 to $7,500
- Inner or Outer Thighs—$1,600 to $5,000
The cost is typically broken down into the fees charged by the surgeon, the anesthesiologist and the cost of medications and medical tests required. Keep in mind that once the procedure is complete, the patient should contact the surgeon if they have questions or concerns during the recovery period.