According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (www.surgery.org)
Not everyone is a good candidate for liposuction. Dr. Antoine Hallak of San Diego, who specializes in body contouring techniques, points out that the best liposuction candidates are those with normal weight and firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. They should be physically and psychologically healthy, with realistic expectations, he says, adding that, while age is not a major consideration, the diminished skin elasticity of older patients means that their results may not match those of younger patients. People with poor circulation, lung disease, or other medical problems face higher risk than patients without such problems.
There are several methods of liposuction surgery, and each has advantages and disadvantages. Those seeking the procedure should expect a thorough consultation with their doctor to evaluate their health and determine which methods will work best for that particular patient. Although it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed by the myriad choices being promoted today, this consultation is no time for shyness. Each case is different, and much depends on individual circumstance. Frank, open discussion with a qualified doctor about the individual's situation and any questions or concerns they have is key.
Equally important is following the pre-surgery guidelines provided by the surgeon, including recommendations regarding intake of food or drink as well as vitamins, supplements, and so forth. Some procedures even necessitate having blood drawn ahead of time, to be used during the surgery if needed. Since procedures can be performed in an out-patient facility or a hospital with either general or local anesthesia (depending on factors such as how extensive the surgery is to be), knowing the details beforehand and planning ahead for a ride home, an overnight stay, or a few days' assistance at home goes a long way towards peace of mind.
Even though lipoplasty is among the safest of cosmetic surgeries, it nevertheless presents a measure of trauma to the body, a fact which, not surprisingly, is rendered more true as the procedure becomes the more aggressive. Newer techniques such as UAL, which uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat cells and ease the process of removal, can nevertheless result in burns of the skin. Other methods, in which high doses of anesthetic are injected into the area being treated, can cause toxicity if levels and absorption are not managed properly. As such, Dr. Hallak reminds his clients to be sure that their doctor has been granted privileges at an accredited hospital whether the procedure will be performed there or not. He further suggests not to expect to either look or feel "great" right after surgery. Post-operative discomforts such as swelling, burning, and bleeding are normal, and generally controlled with surgeon-prescribed medicines. The actual, long-term results of these procedures usually take four to six weeks to really become apparent.
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