People researching liposuction online quickly discover that the procedure goes by multiple names. That can get confusing. When it comes time to choose a plastic surgeon to perform liposuction in the Naples-Fort Myers area, it’s always good to know what you’ll need to ask.
Liposuction is a versatile treatment that can tone several different areas of the body. It’s also consistently among the most popular procedures in the nation. Several different types of the procedure are available.
In addition to asking about the type (or types) of liposuction a plastic surgery practice may offer, you’ll also want to know about the surgeon’s approach to the procedure, the surgeon’s experience and results, and the cost of liposuction.
Below I’ve listed some of these important questions and what I consider to be the appropriate answers in most cases:
“What do you mean by ____?”
The blank in this question is the specific type of liposuction a practice may offer. Some of the possibilities include power-assisted, laser liposuction, VASERlipo®, and Smartlipo®. The surgeon should explain how the procedure works and why it would be a smart option in your case.
I often use Smartlipo, which is a form of laser liposuction that uses laser energy to break apart fat cells, making them easier to extract. It is best for larger areas, such as the abdomen, and has the added benefit of tightening loose skin, thanks to the heat generated by the laser energy.
“May I see before-and-after photos?”
Most plastic surgeons have before-and-after photos available on their websites, but you should ask to see additional photos. Look for patients whose bodies are similar to yours and who had liposuction in the same area or areas. The lighting and angles should be the same, or very similar, in both the “before” and “after” photos. If a doctor doesn’t have photos of past patients, consider that a red flag.
“What are your financing options?”
Few patients can pay the full cost of cosmetic surgery at once. Financing enables more people to pursue their aesthetic goals. There are credit companies that specialize in health care financing, such as CareCredit® and ALPHAEON™ Credit, which my practice offers.
“Is surgery performed onsite? If not, how far will I have to travel?”
Not all plastic surgery practices have a fully accredited surgical center, such as we have at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Med Spa of Naples. If surgery isn’t going to be performed at an onsite surgical center, you may need to travel to a hospital where the surgeon has surgical privileges, or to another surgery center.
Once you’re armed with this kind of detailed information, the choice of a specialist usually becomes easier to make. Of course, above all it’s most important that the surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
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