Liposuction Risks

Denver Liposuction Surgeon

Liposuction is a very valuable surgical technique. However, since it appears on the surface to be the fulfillment of wishes for a slender, fat-free body, it is open to abuses

Currently, and for a number of years, liposuction, one of the most commonly performed aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery procedures, has produced almost instant gratification and fulfillment of dreamlike wishes. Although intended as a method of sculpting and shaping areas of the body, its use as a weight loss alternative has opened it to potential abuse.

These abuses may take the form of massive liposuctions in unsuitable candidates:

• Expectations that aren’t realistic
• Doctors who aren’t board-certified plastic surgeons performing cosmetic surgery
• Using the procedure for "quick-fix" weight loss

Some of these abuses have resulted in spectacular complications and have generated lurid exposés in the media. This adverse publicity, unfortunately, places blame on the operation as opposed to the person performing it. This is regrettable, since liposuction is such a valuable cosmetic tool. Anyone considering liposuction surgery needs to give serious thought to his or her motives and expectations. What do you really hope to gain through liposuction surgery? Can it actually be accomplished by a combination of moderate weight loss and toning through exercise? Should you invest in a meeting with a nutritionist and a trainer instead of a plastic surgeon? Are your expectations for what surgery can do realistic? If your answers to these questions still lead you to want liposuction, you should prepare for your consultation carefully, armed with further questions.

• Are you a board-certified plastic surgeon?
  You shouldn’t accept anything less!
  (you can confirm this at https://www.abplsurg.org)
  
  
• Are you a member of the recognized plastic surgery organizations? (confirm this at www.plasticsurgery.org )
  Membership in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and/or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is an important indication of the training and practice of the physician.
  

• Do you have privileges to perform this liposuction surgery in a hospital? What hospital? (You should confirm this if you have any question about the doctor’s credentials.)
  Hospital credentials committees check the qualifications of a doctor to perform various procedures before privileges to do so are granted. Not having such privileges would indicate lack of qualification.
  
  
• How often do you perform this surgery and approximately how many have you done?
  You want your surgeon to perform this surgery frequently and have done it many times.
  
  
• May I speak with one or more of your liposuction patients?
  Your doctor should be willing to assist you in speaking with one or more satisfied patients. Such patients should not exclusively be the doctor’s employees. You want to speak with someone who can relate their own personal experience.
  
  
• Where is it performed? Hospital? Licensed, certified ambulatory surgery facility? Doctor’s office?
  You should accept nothing less than a licensed or accredited ambulatory surgery facility. See the following websites to understand the accreditation or licensing criteria. http://www.aaaasf.org/consumers.php  and
  http://www.castleconnolly.com/choiceguides/index.cfm?choice=16
  
  
• What type of anesthesia is used and who administers it?
   Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro prefer general anesthesia –complete sleep. Other plastic  surgeons may use a combination of local anesthesia and sedation. In any case, it should be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
  
  
• What liposuction technique is used?
  Drs. Grossman and Capraro use “tumescent” and “super-wet” techniques (as well as general anesthesia) where anesthetic and bleeding-limiting fluid is injected into the fat prior to liposuction. This technique reduces the blood loss and makes the surgery easier for the surgeon. In addition,they use a form of low-power ultrasonic liposuction (VASER® LipoSelection) and standard liposuction.
  
  
• What can I expect the post-operative period to be like? What are my limitations? When can I bathe, shower, exercise, return to work, and have sex?
  
  
• What are my restrictions or limitations before surgery? Will I receive printed instructions?
  
  
• What do my fees include? Surgery and pre-and post-operative care? Treatment of complications? Touch-ups after full healing? Medical history, examination, laboratory tests?
  
  
• What are the risks and potential complications? How often do they occur in your practice?

Risks & Complications All surgeries are associated with some risks. These relate to the potential for complications and untoward events during or after a surgical procedure. Our doctors will discuss these with you at your consultation. We can think of these in two groups: General Risks - Risks that are common to all operations Specific Risks - Those that are unique to a particular surgery General Risks include: Bleeding Infection Scarring Swelling Bruising Anesthetic risks Specific Risks include: Unfavorable scarring Skin loss/slough Asymmetry Alterations in skin sensitivity Lumpiness Waviness Irregularities Loose skin Areas of hard scar tissue Discoloration (permanent or temporary) Injury to deeper structures (very rare)