1. Skill, care and artistry of the surgeon

In order to ensure the best possible result, it’s important that your liposuction surgeon has perfect judgment and precise technique. Just like any other form of surgery, liposuction relies upon the experience and attention to detail of the delivering surgeon. As a surgeon who’s been in this industry for more than 10 years, I have never believed in the team approach to cosmetic surgery. Instead, I take full responsibility for each aspect of my patients to ensure they get the results they deserve. Additionally, I place quality well above quantity, and intentionally limit the number of surgeries I perform on a weekly basis.

2. Complete and accurate evaluation

Liposuction is not a procedure that a patient simply walks in and receives. It requires a comprehensive evaluation beforehand to ensure he or she is a proper candidate. Additionally, the evaluation determines where and how liposuction will be used. In my practice, I am the only person to establish if you are a good candidate for liposuction. My initial examination includes looking at every aspect of your physique, from your neck to your ankles. This allows me to determine disproportionate areas that may benefit from the rejuvenating effects of liposuction. During this time, you and I will reach a complete understanding regarding your cosmetic goals and my professional opinion. The purpose is not only to establish the treatment plan, it is also to ensure you and I are in perfect communication regarding what’s to be expected.

3. Getting it right the first time

With hundreds of thousands of patients undergoing liposuction on an annual basis, liposuction is one of the most common forms of cosmetic surgery. Unfortunately it also has one of the highest revision rates, sometimes even 25%, or one in four patients. While I pride myself on my ability to correct a poorly done liposuction by another surgeon, I also know the importance of getting it right the first time. The first surgery is the best chance to get the best possible results. If you come to me for revision liposuction, I can’t necessarily get the result that your first surgeon should have gotten the first time around. For this reason, I encourage patients to perform due diligence when finding a liposuction surgeon.

4. Machines won’t give you good results—a good surgeon will

In today’s cosmetic world of hyper aggressive marketing, patients are led to believe that the newest cutting edge technology will give them everything they dreamed of. This is not the case. Patients should search first for a reputable, experienced and well-qualified surgeon.

Liposuction is perhaps the furthest thing from a one-size-fits-all procedure. It requires artistry, delicacy and intelligence to ensure that each procedure is custom tailored to the patient.

To be perfectly honest, I don’t particularly trust some of the newer technology that’s used to melt fat, because it takes away from the human level of artistry that’s required in liposuction. In revising previous liposuctions, I’ve seen some of the worst results from laser or ultrasound-assisted liposuction. There are too many doctors relying on this technology to justify their lack of expertise. Rather than constantly seeking new technology, my priority is constantly refining and improving my ability. Even as someone who’s been practicing liposuction for over ten years, I always see ways that I can produce even more perfect results.

5. Local anesthetic only

In my practice, I only use local anesthetic in performing any of my surgeries. There are incredible advantages to this approach, and I want to make sure my patients get the very best treatment. Such advantages include:

Safety: A somewhat worrisome statistic is that 1 in 5,000 liposuctions with general anesthesia have resulted in death. This is far too high. With liposuction under local anesthetic, there have been zero deaths.
Recovery: When patients are given only local anesthetic, it allows for much more pure fat removal and less bleeding. Additionally, I am careful to remain only in the fat layer with my cannula. Both factors lead to rapid recovery time and minimal discomfort.
Results: Under local anesthetic, I am able to position the patient in a way that will help me obtain the best possible results. During liposuction, it is critical to avoid poking the skin from underneath, and this is easily prevented with proper patient positioning.

Additionally, patient positioning allows me to see the whole picture, giving me the ability to get the best contour and texture with liposuction.

6. Fully accredited surgical center

While pure tumescent liposuction is considered a minimally invasive procedure, I don’t believe in taking chances. I perform all my procedures in a fully accredited, state-licensed surgical center. The environment is completely sterile and patients are monitored throughout the procedure.

All in all, the same safety precautions are taken that you would see in any hospital operating room. For this reason, I have never had a serious complication in my entire career.

7. Continued relationship after the procedure

Once the procedure is over, it’s important to me that I see the recovery through to the end. This starts with a phone call the evening after the surgery to ensure the initial recovery is going all right. I also have my patients come see me one week after their procedure to check on how their body is healing. As a general statement, if patients have questions or concerns that arise after surgery, I am at their disposal.

8. Patient education

As someone who’s been practicing liposuction for quite some time, I’ve seen that the best patients are educated and motivated about their procedure. It’s important to take your time when deciding to undergo surgery. I will assist with making sure you have all the information necessary to make an informed decision. Additionally, I understand that the cosmetic world can be a muddled mess of information, and it may be hard to distinguish one practitioner or procedure from another. Take all the time necessary to do research, and I will answer all your questions during your initial consultation.

9. Price

In my experience, I do not believe patients should choose surgeons based on their low price. Surgeon selection should be done solely on the reputation, care, expertise and experience of a surgeon. If a patient chooses me to perform their surgery, I prefer it be on this basis rather than my prices. That being said, I do tend to offer fair pricing to my patients, as I understand the importance of helping them look their best. Fees are based on length of surgery. If you would like to learn about my range of fees based on service and length, please call my office and speak to my patient care coordinator, Cristina Corral.

10. Service

In our somewhat hyper and hurried modern world, the meaning of true service is declining. At my practice, my intention is to slow down and ensure that each step of your experience is done with care and attention to every detail.

It’s a constant honor that patients put their trust in me, and I want to service them to the best of my ability. From my office staff to my nurses and the procedure itself, my only goal is your happiness, well-being and satisfaction with a procedure well done.

10 Guidelines for Liposuction