Liposuction is a procedure involves suctioning fat out of the body through small, inconspicuous incisions. When it is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, liposuction is a great way to change the shape of your body and get rid of fat in stubborn areas that don’t seem to be touched by exercise.
Liposuction is also happens to be the most common cosmetic procedure offered by non-plastic surgeons. Unfortunately, few regulations exist to prevent doctors who are not properly trained in plastic surgery from venturing into the field. Here are some things to consider when you are choosing a doctor.
The best liposuction surgeons in Dallas should be telling you this…
Credentials matter.
The number one, most important thing to consider is your doctor’s credentials. Is he or she certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)? ABPS certified physicians are required to have at least 6 years of residency training. This should not be confused with the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery(ABCS) certification, which requires only one year of residency training. To further complicate things, many MDs who were not even trained in cosmetic or plastic surgery are performing liposuction. Even if their website says “Board Certified,” find out exactly which board they are certified with, and don’t be afraid to ask how much training they have had.
Beware of “Awake” liposuction.
“Awake” liposuction refers to liposuction that is performed under local anesthesia, where patients are alert. The idea may appeal to some patients, but it is usually a red flag. Doctors who offer these “Awake” procedures generally come from a non-plastic surgery background. Many have paid to attend minimal training and will perform the procedure in their office. They do this because they do not have the credentials to perform liposuction in hospitals with anesthesiologists. Having liposuction in a facility that does not meet the high safety standards of a hospital or surgical center can pose dangerous risks to patients.
Training before technology.
Don’t get too wrapped up in fancy technology, such as laser lipo, Vaser lipo, water jet, etc. Although these techniques and technologies often claim to be superior to traditional liposuction, but there is zero published scientific evidence to back up these claims. If you feel like a doctor is really pushing technology on you, this is another red flag. The bottom line is that a fancy machine is not a replacement for extensive training and experience.
Liposuction can be a great option for patients who want to reshape their body and target fat in problem areas. However, it is a surgical procedure that is not without risk. The safest way to have liposuction is with a qualified plastic surgeon in a highly regulated facility. Some research on your part will minimize the risk of complications and get you the results that you are looking for.
For more resources and information on liposuction procedures, we recommend these links:
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/procedure
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/questions
http://www.nbcnews.com/id/40950317/ns/health-womens_health/t/nipped-tucked-wide-awake/#.XUzWrMpOmf0
