8 Questions to Ask a Liposuction Surgeon

Sometimes fat in one area does not respond to diet and exercise. In these cases, liposuction may be an option to discuss with a surgeon.

Already schedule a consultation or want to learn more? Here are some questions to ask at your first meeting, below.

1. Am I a good liposuction candidate?

Liposuction isn’t a procedure you do when you’re very unhappy with your weight or body. It’s a procedure you do after you’ve lost weight or when you can’t get rid of that last pocket of fat.

The best candidates are within a few stones of their goal weight, but your body composition isn’t the only factor.

Your doctor will also look to see if you have a good amount of skin elasticity before agreeing to do the surgery. If you have loose skin or are prone to (a lot of) cellulite, this may not be the procedure for you.

Why? When the fat is removed from under your skin it creates extra room. People with good skin elasticity are more likely to see their skin retract.

However, if you already have loose skin, liposuction can cause dimples or what look like dents under the skin. For this reason, doctors may advise against liposuction in this situation.

The skin elasticity test

Dr Rizk will assess your skin elasticity at your consultation.

To help protect your skin, stay out of the sun when you can and wear sunscreen. Also – quit smoking!

2. How much fat can you remove?

Not every person, even if they’re near their goal weight and have very elastic skin, are a good fit for liposuction.

And even if you are a good fit, your results won’t be the same as someone else. That’s because our bodies store fat differently, at least, when it comes to location and distribution.

Liposuction is best suited to people who have concentrated areas of fat. Your definition of concentrated and your doctors may be different.

There’s no harm in getting a consultation – which is where your doctor will tell you how much fat they think they can remove.

3. How long will this take?

This is a multiple part question. If you want to know about the length of the procedure, it’s usually an hour or two. But you’re not going to walk in, have a consultation, then have surgery.

There’s a scheduling and screening process before you can go under the knife. Prepare to wait at least one month, if not two or three before you actually go through the procedure. You will need at least two consultations with the surgeon (at least one in person) and a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery can be booked.

Scheduling depends on that doctor’s schedule and how many other procedures they’ve already agreed to in the near future.

4. How often do you do liposuction?

Most plastic surgeons are well trained and well practised in this procedure. Ask your surgeon how often they perform it.

5. Do I need to consult my primary doctor?

You need a referral from your GP (or another non-cosmetic specialist) before a consultation for cosmetic surgery.

It’s also a good idea to let your doctor know when you plan to do any type of elective surgery. They may have qualms about you going under the knife or want to talk to the surgeon about a certain condition.

They’re not there to keep you from getting liposuction – they’re there to keep you safe!

6. What are the complications?

Liposuction is surgery and it has risks. Swelling, bruising and soreness are expected during recovery. Possible complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, firmness or “hardening” under the skin, contour irregularities, changes in sensation, scarring and anaesthetic risks. Dr Rizk will discuss the risks that apply to you at your consultation. That’s why it’s so important to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon.

7. Is it painful?

People have different pain tolerances. The treated area usually feels tender and sore for the first couple of days to a week.

You’ll need to take it easy during this time, and you may not be 100% healed for six to eight weeks. Your doctor will go over all the post-operative information with you before the procedure.

Considering liposuction?

Liposuction is a common procedure, risks and all. It’s not common for doctors to turn patients away, but we had to warn you that it can happen.

Remember to take this list of questions with you to your consultation.

Take a look at some before and after photos here. Results vary between individuals.