FAQ Liposuction FAQ A - B - C - D - F - G - H - I - K - L - M - N - O - P - R - S - T - U - V FAQ by Plastic Surgeons | Risks

Additional Surgery -- May be required if you incur complications, which will cost more in most cases. Ask your PS what his/her policy is.

Age -- Older patients may have decreased elasticity in their skin, thus, may not obtain the same outcome as their younger counterpart whom will most likely have tighter skin.

Anesthesia -- The are two kinds, local with twilight sleep so you won't remember and general, which puts you completely under, in which case some doctors place a tube down your throat.

Antibiotics -- May be used to deter infection after surgery.

Anti-Nausea Medicine -- Is available, including Zofran and Scopolamine, a patch you wear the night before. Ask your doctor. Here is a tip on the meds if you are getting sick: take the pain pill
and cut it in half so if you are taking one pill every 4 to 6 hours take 1/2 pill every 2 to 3 hours.

Arnica Montana -- We find that most doctors advise against using this.

Aspirin -- Do not take two weeks before or two weeks after as it can cause bleeding.

Breathing Tube -- Used with general anesthesia. May make your throat sore for a few days.

Bruising -- Can be expected.!

Doctors -- Finding the right PS is the key to a good result. Make sure your surgeon is Board Certified by the Board of Plastic Surgery. Choose a doctor you feel comfortable with. Check Our Surgeon Directory and read How to Check up on Your Doctor.

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Garlic Pills -- Do not take two weeks before or two weeks after as it may cause bleeding.

General Anesthesia -- Puts you completely out. Some docs prefer this so you won't move during surgery. However, make sure your surgery is in a hospital or accredited surgery facility. Dr. Tebbetts explains this in his book, "The Best Breast." The JCAH usually accredits hospital facilities and hospital-based outpatient surgery facilities. The AAAASF specializes in accrediting outpatient or ambulatory surgery facilities. Ask to see the accreditation certificate. A nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist should administer the anesthesia, not the surgeon performing your lipo.

Hematoma -- Is a blood clot that must be addressed by your doctor. To avoid, don't push yourself into doing things you shouldn't be. That's why you are not supposed to play tennis, golf, lift, etc. for 3-6 weeks after. Using common sense, you will be able to determine what you can and can't do.

Ibuprofen --  Not recommended two weeks before or two weeks after as it can cause bleeding, however, some doctors says it's ok.

Incisions -- Are very tiny.

Keloids -- Are a very specific type of pathological scar that occurs mainly on individuals with genetic origins in Africa, the Mediterranean, and Southern Asia, but even then, they are not common.

Local Anesthesia -- numbs only the area to be suctioned. Rarely nausea post op. Generally used for short procedures and is very safe. May be used with intravenous sedation (aka, twilight sleep) which will help you relax further. Also, you come out of it very quickly. Less "looped" afterward. Also limits hospital stay if necessary, less bowel problems afterward. You need an IV in your arm to administer to drug, and you are sleeping within seconds of administration." 

Nausea -- Is a common side effect of the pain killers. Try taking on a full stomach. See "Anti-Nausea Medicine" above.

Other Surgeries -- May be planned for the same day. Recovery may be longer, but you will only have to go under anesthesia once.

Pain -- You should not feel any pain during surgery. It is the first 24-72 hours that will get you.

Pain Meds -- Pain meds page coming soon. 

Physical Activity -- You should be able to return to sports such as tennis and golf in 4 to 6 weeks.

Recovery Time -- You must have someone with you for the first 24 hours, if not longer. If possible, allow yourself a week or two off from work, more if your work requires physical activity. If you have young children, have someone help you for a week or more. Please consult your physician as to when you may resume lifting your children! Please see the tips page.

Risks -- Risks page coming soon.

Scars --

Sex --

Sleeping --

Smoking -- Nicotine and carbon monoxide is known to inhibit recover time, increases the risk of pulmonary complications and can impede wound healing, which may decrease the quality of surgical results. 40% of surgeons require patients to quit for two weeks. Some plastic surgeons offer smoking cessation aids, such as oral medication or nicotine patches. Consult your PS.
 

Stairs --

Surgery Time -- varies, depending on the range of the area, the volume of fat being suctioned, local or general anesthesia and the method used to perform the lipo.

Swelling -- You will experience swelling after surgery.

Telling Others -- Don't bother, unless you want to.

Viagra -- Do not take 24 hrs before surgery!

Vitamin E -- Is rumored to help in healing scars. However, it may cause bleeding so don't take 2 weeks before & after.

Additional Liposuction
by Plastic Surgeonsby Location

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Pilcher, Accent Plastic Surgery, San Antonio, TX

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Pinsky, West Palm Beach, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Otto J. Placik - Northwest Medical Arts Building, Arlington Heights, IL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Win Pound, Atlanta, GA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Tom Pousti - Pousti Plastic Surgery, San Diego, CA

Liposuction FAQ -By Dr. Mary A. Powers, Long Beach, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Ralston, Ogden, UT

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Reath, Knoxville, TN

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Revis, South Florida Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Rodriguez, Baltimore, MD

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Rothfield, Weston Plastic Surgery, Weston, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Shah, Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery, Columbus, OH

Tumescent Liposuction Liposuction FAQ - By The Gillian Institute for Plastic Aesthetic and Laser SurgeryIndianapolis, IN

Abdomen Liposuction FAQ - Dr. Short, Gillian Institute for Plastic Aesthetic and Laser Surgery, Indianapolis, IN

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Short, The Gillian Institute for Plastic Aesthetic and Laser Surgery, Indianapolis, IN

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Silberman, Plastic Surgery Associates, Doylestown, PA

Female Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Male Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Power Assisted Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Ultrasonic Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Tumescent Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Stridde, Puget Sound Plastic Surgery, Federal Way, WA

Liposuction FAQ - By Taylor Plastic Surgery Center, Pasadena, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Teitelbaum, Santa Monica, CA

Ultrasonic Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Teitelbaum, Santa Monica, CA

Power Assisted Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Teitelbaum, Santa Monica, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By The Plastic Surgery Group, Albany, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani, The Aesthetic Surgery Centre, Maitland, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Walden, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Wallach, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Weider, Weider Plastic Surgery, Dallas, TX

Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Wilcox, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center of Texas, Plano, TX

Male Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Wilcox, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center of Texas, Plano, TX

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Younai, Encino & Beverly Hills, CA

Large Volume Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Younai, Encino & Beverly Hills, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Zevon, Central Park Plastic Surgery, New York, NY

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Zevon, Central Park Plastic Surgery, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Abramson, New York, NY & Englewood, NJ

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Andreasen, Ontario, CA

Liposuction FAQ - by The Plastic Surgery Center of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Baxt - Cosmedical, Paramus, NJ

Liposuction FAQ - By Berger, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Bella Cosmetic Surgery, Clinton, MD

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Colgrove, Vinings Surgery Center, Jr., Atlanta, GA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Davis, Davis Plastic Surgery, Raleigh, NC

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. DeWire - Advanced Art of Cosmetic Surgery and Spa, Richmond, VA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Dolsky, Cosmetic Surgery of Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Dowden, Cleveland, OH

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Engler, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Fedele, Willoughby Hills, OH

Liposuction FAQ - By Plastic Surgery Specialists of New Jersey, Ridgewood, NJ

Liposuction FAQ - By Geldner, Chicago, IL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Gerson, Lake Geneva, WI

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Glasberg, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - Dr. Gray, Bay Area Plastic Surgery, San Francisco, CA

Vaser© Liposelection - Dr. Gray, Bay Area Plastic Surgery, San Francisco, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Phillip C. Haeck, The Art of Plastic Surgery, Seattle,WA

Facial Liposuction Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Hartog - The Bougainvillea Clinique - Winter Park, FL

Leg Liposuction - by Dr. Hartog, The Bougainvillea Clinique, Winter Park, FL

Liposuction FAQ - Dr. Hartog - The Bougainvillea Clinique - Winter Park, FL

Lipostructure FAQ - by Hartog, Winter Park, FL

Liposuction FAQ - Dr. Hasen, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Naples, Naples, FL

Facial Liposuction FAQ - Dr. Hasen, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Naples, Naples, FL

Abdominal Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Hunstad, The Hunstad Center, Charlotte, NC

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Hunstad, The Hunstad Center, Charlotte, NC

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. David Kim, Beverly Hills Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Beverly Hills, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Korman, The Korman Group, Mountain View, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Kunkel, Fort Worth, TX

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Leikensohn & Dr. Scott, The Plastic Surgery Center, Bradenton & Sarasota, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Lettieri, Carolina Plastic Surgery, Spartanburg, SC

Liposuction FAQ - Dr. Linderman, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Lo, Philadelphia, PA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Paul LoVerme, The LoVerme Center for Plastic Surgery, Verona, NJ

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. William LoVerme, Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, Wellesley, MA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Minniti, Beverly Hills, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Nolan, Portland, OR

Liposuction FAQ - Dr. Pensler, Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chicago, IL

Arizona - California - Colorado - Florida - Georgia -Illinois - Indiana - Iowa - Kansas - Maryland - Michigan - Missouri - Nebraska - New Jersey - New Mexico - Nevada - New York - North Carolina - Ohio - Oregon - Pennsylvania - South Carolina - Tennessee - Texas - Utah - Virginia - Washington - Wisconsin

 

California Plastic Surgeons

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Troy Andreasen, Ontario, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Leonard Gray, Bay Area Plastic Surgery, San Francisco, CA

Vaser© Liposelection - By Dr. Leonard Gray, Bay Area Plastic Surgery, San Francisco, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. David Kim, Beverly Hills Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Beverly Hills, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Joshua Korman, The Korman Group, Mountain View, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Gerald Minniti, Beverly Hills, CA

Liposuction FAQ - by Dr. Tom Pousti - Pousti Plastic Surgery, San Diego, CA

Liposuction FAQ - by Dr. Mary A. Powers, Long Beach, CA

Female Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Grant Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Male Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Grant Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Power Assisted Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Grant Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Ultrasonic Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Grant Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Tumescent Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Grant Stevens, Marina del Rey, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Thomas Taylor, Taylor Plastic Surgery Center, Pasadena, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, Santa Monica, CA

Ultrasonic Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, Santa Monica, CA

Power Assisted Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Steven Teitelbaum, Santa Monica, CA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Sean Younai, Encino & Beverly Hills, CA

Large Volume Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Sean Younai, Encino & Beverly Hills, CA

Midwest Plastic Surgeons

Liposuction FAQ - By Peter Geldner, Chicago, IL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Jay M. Pensler, Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chicago, IL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Otto J. Placik - Northwest Medical Arts Building, Arlington Heights, IL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Linderman, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN

Tumescent Liposuction Liposuction FAQ - By The Gillian Institute for Plastic Aesthetic and Laser SurgeryIndianapolis, IN

Abdomen Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Kimberly Short, The Gillian Institute for Plastic Aesthetic and Laser Surgery, Indianapolis, IN

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Kimberly Short, The Gillian Institute for Plastic Aesthetic and Laser Surgery, Indianapolis, IN

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Richard V. Dowden, Cleveland, OH

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Gregory Fedele, Willoughby Hills, OH

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Shah, Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery, Columbus, OH

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Gerson, Lake Geneva, WI

Northeast Plastic Surgeons

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. William LoVerme, Accurate Aesthetics Plastic Surgery, Wellesley, MA

Liposuction FAQ - by The Plastic Surgery Center of Maryland, Baltimore, MD

Liposuction FAQ - By Bella Cosmetic Surgery, Clinton, MD

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Rodriguez, Baltimore, MD

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Baxt - Cosmedical, Paramus, NJ

Liposuction FAQ - By Plastic Surgery Specialists of New Jersey, Ridgewood, NJ

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Abramson, New York, NY & Englewood, NJ

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Paul LoVerme, The LoVerme Center for Plastic Surgery, Verona, NJ

Liposuction FAQ - By Gary S. Berger, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Engler, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Fiorillo, Pearl River, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Glasberg, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By The Plastic Surgery Group, Albany, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Walden, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Wallach, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Zevon, Central Park Plastic Surgery, New York, NY

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Zevon, Central Park Plastic Surgery, New York, NY

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Dolsky, Cosmetic Surgery of Philadelphia, Bala Cynwyd, PA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Silberman, Plastic Surgery Associates, Doylestown, PA

Northwest Plastic Surgeons

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Nolan, Portland, OR

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Haeck, Seattle, WA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Stridde, Puget Sound Plastic Surgery, Federal Way, WA

Southeast Plastic Surgeons

Facial Liposuction Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Hartog - The Bougainvillea Clinique - Winter Park, FL

Leg Liposuction - by Dr. Hartog, The Bougainvillea Clinique, Winter Park, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Hartog - The Bougainvillea Clinique - Winter Park, FL

Lipostructure FAQ - by Hartog, Winter Park, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Hasen, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Naples, Naples, FL

Facial Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Hasen, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery of Naples, Naples, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Reath, Knoxville, TN

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. DeWire - Advanced Art of Cosmetic Surgery and Spa, Richmond, VA

Liposuction FAQ - by Dr. Leikensohn & Dr. Scott, The Plastic Surgery Center, Bradenton & Sarasota, FL

Liposuction FAQ - by Dr. Pinsky, West Palm Beach, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Revis, South Florida Plastic Surgery Associates, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Jon Paul Trevisani, The Aesthetic Surgery Centre, Maitland, FL

Liposuction FAQ - by Dr. Colgrove, Vinings Surgery Center, Jr., Atlanta, GA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Win Pound, Atlanta, GA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Davis, Davis Plastic Surgery, Raleigh, NC

Abdominal Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Hunstad, The Hunstad Center, Charlotte, NC

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Hunstad, The Hunstad Center, Charlotte, NC

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. John T. Lettieri, Carolina Plastic Surgery, Spartanburg, SC

Southwest Plastic Surgeons

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Kunkel, Fort Worth, TX

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Adrian Lo, Philadelphia, PA

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Pilcher, Accent Plastic Surgery, San Antonio, TX

Liposuction FAQ - by Dr. Weider, Weider Plastic Surgery, Dallas, TX

Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Wilcox, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center of Texas, Plano, TX

Male Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Wilcox, Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Center of Texas, Plano, TX

 

Western Plastic Surgeons

Liposuction FAQ - By Dr. Ralston, Ogden, UT

General Risks of Any Surgery

1. Bleeding. Blood loss is minimal during the facial procedure but over-activity during the postoperative period may cause some bleeding. You must not lift, strain, stoop or bend over for 5-6 weeks after your surgery as this can cause you to have unexpected bleeding which may necessitate having to return to the operating room for additional surgery. You should also not lift anything heavier than a regular plate of food.

2. Infection. You will have antibiotics to take after your surgery to minimize the risk of infection. Infection is rare after facial surgery, however, if you should experience unusual pain or redness you should call your surgeon.

3. Blood pressure problems. If you currently take medication for your blood pressure you must continue taking it throughout your recovery period. Your anesthetist will be monitoring your blood pressure throughout your surgery.

4. Allergic reactions.

5. Anesthesia problems. You will be given medication during your surgery to prevent nausea during your recovery period. In addition, you will be given specific prescriptions to take should you experience nausea during your postoperative period.

6. Blood clots in the legs and lungs. During your surgery your surgeon will be using special "foot pumps" to gently massage your feet during your procedure to minimize the risk of blood clots. After your surgery you will have anti-embolus (elastic) stockings applied. It is important that you keep these stockings on for the first week after your surgery. You may remove them daily in order to bathe your legs, but they must be worn until you are actively moving around in your home or hotel room. You should also get up and walk around frequently. When lying or sitting, you should pump your feet up and down as this helps to minimize the risk of blood clots. If you experience pain or swelling in one leg during your postoperative period, or if one leg feels tender to touch, you should contact your surgeon immediately.

7. Constipation. This is especially common because of your pain medication and decreased activity. It is wise to start and "over-the-counter" stool softener or laxative before and after surgery, especially if it tends to be a problem for you.

8. Additional or "touchup" surgery. Healing after surgery is not an exact science nor 100% predictable. This may result in a delay in your return to work or normal activities, or it may result in the need for additional surgery and/or hospitalization along with their additional costs.

9. There may be other uncommon or unknown problems that we have not anticipated.

 

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