Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery technique for dislodging and removing excess fat from isolated sections of the body. The main reasons patients usually choose to have liposuction are to improve the proportions, contours, and overall shape of their body. This is achieved by suctioning stubborn fat that is resistant to other, conventional weight-loss methods like exercise and dieting. Body contouring can be performed on most grabbable deposits of fat all over the body, such as the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, arms, neck, back, cheeks, and chin. When it comes to liposuction, Michigan plastic surgeons Dr. Brad Bengtson and Dr. David Alfonso emphasize the importance of choosing a board-certified practitioner. 

Not every plastic surgeon has experience or expertise in liposuction. Fat-reduction results often depend on the skills and training of the surgeon, which is why every patient should seek out a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon who is specifically trained in this type of procedure. Being board-certified means the doctor will adhere to rigorous safety requirements, has had 16 years of post-high school education, and has met all of the other strict standards laid out by a dedicated professional organization, such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Furthermore, board-certified doctors are required to continually upgrade their skills and be tested after every 10 years. 

Getting liposuction right means doing your homework to be informed and educated on all of the details of the procedure. A good way to start is by interviewing several plastic surgeons in the local area before you choose to sign any paperwork. Get referrals, recommendations, and second opinions from your family doctor and your friends who have had plastic surgery, even after you’ve decided on a procedure.
It’s helpful to take your time, gather information, and put together a checklist of important questions to ask during your consultation. Verify your surgeon’s credentials by contacting your state’s medical board directly. Choosing an unlicensed, unethical, or inexperienced practitioner can have disastrous outcomes, both cosmetically and in terms of ongoing health. Botched procedures can lead to permanent scars and lifelong complications. Given the high stakes involved in major surgery that will permanently alter your appearance, this isn’t the time to skimp with discount coupons or bargains. Patients should make safety their number one priority. 

Go with your gut: If something seems gimmicky or “too good to be true,” it probably is. Patients should also be mindful that the plastic surgery industries in other countries do not always adhere to the same safety standards as the United States. In light of the rising prevalence of medical tourism in recent years, health authorities have urged patients to be aware of the potential risks involved. Avoid surgeons who have been sued multiple times or have had disciplinary action taken against them. 

Be wary of unaccredited facilities with non-sterile equipment and/or physicians who do not have hospital privileges. Another red flag to watch for is heavily edited or doctored “before and after” photos and surgeons who promise more than is realistically possible to achieve. Of course, it’s also important to pay attention to the types of reviews a surgeon has been getting. If the surgeon who will be performing your procedure won’t meet with you in person before the big day, you shouldn’t go through with it. 

It’s always best to choose a doctor you feel comfortable with, as opposed to one who is disrespectful or unfriendly, who pressures you into undergoing additional surgery, or who rushes consultations without giving you enough time to have your questions fully answered. Your surgeon should be someone who maintains a strong sense of professionalism. Ideally, surgery should be performed either in a doctor’s office or an accredited clinic with proper emergency equipment and board-certified anesthesiologists on hand. 

Considering liposuction? The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery team in Michigan can help you set up a customized treatment plan. Schedule your appointment by calling 616.588.8880 or visiting their website to message them directly.