Liposuction - Related FAQ's

Q: How long have dermatologists been performing liposuction?

A: A few of the American liposuction pioneers to have learned liposuction from Pierre Fournier in France were dermatologists. Dr. Jeffrey Klein improved the safety of the procedure in the 1980s with the invention of Tumescent Liposuction. Board certified dermatologists have liposuction training in their residency curriculum and obtain continuing medical training in their practice.

Q: I want to have liposuction but I am nervous about the side effects and risks. Should I be?

A: Any procedure has risks. Liposuction has an incredibly high safety record when regarding the number of procedures performed per year. The safety of tumescent liposuction is credited to Dr. Jeffrey Klein who turned around the complications from the earlier work when larger cannula were used and less local anesthetic but a higher concentration of anesthetic was used. Dr. Klein proved that there was much less blood loss and using a larger volume of dilute anesthetic created a safer treatment and the anesthetic effect lasted longer! There are risks though, whichever type of liposuction you chose, such as conventional, powered liposuction, laser-assisted (SmartLipo) liposuction, water jet liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction and others. There can be rare cases of infection, blood clots, fat emboli, hematoma, seromas, nerve damage, asymmetry, contour irregularity (over and undercorrection leaving dents and bumps), heart rhythm irregularities, etc. Speak to your surgeon at length about the side effects and complications during your consultation.

Q: I had liposuction and it looked great the next day but I then developed a bump on my abdomen which hurts when I touch it. Is this normal?

A: Tenderness is normal, but if there is a new lump that is tender, then you should be checked by your surgeon to make sure it is not an infection or hematoma or seroma. These may need drainage and antibiotics, and although they’re rare to occur, you should go for an evaluation.

Q: I have very wrinkled sagging inner thighs. I am 65 years old and am in good physical shape but I hate my inner thighs. Can I have liposuction?

A: Liposuction alone, on inner thigh skin, on a patient who has good skin integrity, can induce indents and irregularities. Liposuction on inner thigh skin of an individual that has very irregular sagging skin, can matter much worse. You might need a thigh lift, but discuss the possible scar with your surgeon in detail so you are aware of its extent and if it can move downward over years from skin stretching.

Related FAQ's

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