Patient education is a very important aspect of plastic surgery in my opinion. Before any procedure, it’s vital for the patient to achieve a thorough understanding of what their prospective options can help them achieve in order to find the most beneficial surgical path for their needs. This research can take some time. Even for procedures as common as liposuction, there is much to know before any final decisions can be made. So, to help guide my patients, I have decided to answer a few common questions that I have received about liposuction and how it can help patients rejuvenate their look.
Question #1: How much scarring should I expect after liposuction?
Not much. Visible scarring after liposuction is typically very minimal. The amount of scarring you experience after your procedure partially depends on the size of the incision made, as well as where on the body it was made. Since liposuction incisions are quite small, the scars left behind will also be small (normally just a few millimeters long). When performing liposuction, I work hard to make the incisions in less visible areas or within the natural creases of the body to help reduce visible scarring.
Question #2: What areas are safe to be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction can safely and effectively help reduce fat in areas all over the body including the abdomen, hips, back, flanks (love handles), neck, thighs, arms, and even under the chin. However, it’s important to consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon first to confirm that you are a good candidate for liposuction and which areas of your body can be safely treated.
Question #3: Is there a way to help reduce anxiety before liposuction?
Here at Southern Plastic Surgery, we use the Pro-Nox™ N2O system for pain management. Pro-Nox™ uses a safe mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen to help patients reduce pain, discomfort, and anxiety during certain cosmetic procedures including liposuction. Unlike traditional anesthesia, Pro-Nox™ offers an additional level of control by allowing the patient to choose the amount of pain relief they need with a simple mouthpiece and hose. This method is highly effective for more minor liposuction procedures that we perform in-office. Pro-Nox™ wears off in minutes following the procedure, meaning patients can safely drive themselves home.
I hope you found these questions and answers helpful. Due to its ability to successfully remove fat from areas all over the body, it’s no surprise to me that liposuction has remained so popular for so long. Hopefully by answering these questions, I can give prospective patients a better idea of whether or not liposuction is the right procedure to help them achieve their unique aesthetic goals. If you would like to schedule your complimentary plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today. And follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ for more plastic surgery tips, videos, news, and more.