How to Choose a Liposuction Specialist?
Choosing a liposuction specialist is an important decision that can significantly affect the safety and quality of results in surgery.
That's why we've come to give you some guidelines to help you choose a qualified and experienced surgeon in this procedure that enhances body contours.
How to choose a liposuction specialist surgeon?
Follow these 10 steps to choose your surgeon:
Verify Credentials: Confirm that the surgeon is certified by a recognized entity in the field of plastic surgery. In Brazil, for example, you should look for a doctor who is a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP).
Experience and Specialization: Look for a surgeon who has extensive experience in liposuction. Ask about the number of procedures they have performed and if they have specific training in this area.
Initial Consultations: During the consultation, evaluate if the surgeon is willing to answer all your questions clearly, discusses risks and expectations realistically, and listens to your goals and concerns.
Before and After: Ask to see before and after photos of previous patients to evaluate the results the surgeon is capable of providing.
Reputation: Research reviews and recommendations from other patients. Opinions from people who have already undergone the procedure with the surgeon can offer valuable information.
Safety and Facilities: Make sure the surgery will be performed in an accredited location with modern equipment and well-established safety protocols.
Personal Approach: It's important to feel comfortable and confident with the surgeon you choose. Communication should be clear and the doctor should demonstrate empathy and attention to your needs.
Post-Operative Follow-up: Understand what post-operative follow-up is offered by the surgeon. A good professional should monitor recovery and be available for any questions or complications.
Consult More Than One Professional: Don't hesitate to consult with more than one surgeon before making your decision. Comparing different professionals can help you choose the one with whom you feel safest and most comfortable.
Be Wary of Prices That Are Too Low: Prices much below market value can be a sign of lack of qualification or inadequate conditions for performing the procedure.
Making an informed and careful decision about who will perform your liposuction is fundamental to ensuring safety, minimizing risks, and achieving desired results.
What is liposuction and what does the procedure provide?
Liposuction is an aesthetic surgical procedure that aims to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body to improve its contour and proportion. Through the use of a technique that involves fat suction, liposuction can be applied to various parts of the body, including abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, back, and even the face and neck.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the skin and inserts a thin, hollow tube called a cannula. The cannula is then moved back and forth to dislodge the fat, which is sucked out of the body by an aspirator or syringe connected to the cannula.
Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss or a method for treating obesity, but rather a way to remove localized fat deposits that don't respond well to diet and exercise. It's also not effective for eliminating cellulite or skin sagging.
Ideal candidates for liposuction are people with relatively normal weight, but with areas of excessive fat in certain parts of the body. It's also important that they have firm and elastic skin and are in good general health.
Like any surgical procedure, liposuction presents risks and requires careful consideration and discussion with a qualified plastic surgeon.
How is liposuction performed?
With your planning defined with your plastic surgeon containing your objectives, liposuction options and associations for your case, risks, benefits, and what to expect during recovery, your surgery date will be scheduled. See the steps of liposuction surgery:
Anesthesia: Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or local anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure and the preferences of the surgeon and patient.
Incisions: The surgeon makes small incisions (usually less than one centimeter) in the areas to be treated. These incisions are made in discreet locations to minimize scar visibility.
Fluid Infiltration: A saline solution containing medications to minimize bleeding and pain (known as the tumescent technique) is injected into the fat areas to be removed. This facilitates fat removal and reduces bleeding and tissue trauma.
Fat Removal: The surgeon inserts a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) through the incisions and moves it carefully back and forth to dislodge the fat. The dislodged fat is then aspirated out of the body using a surgical aspirator or syringe connected to the cannula.
Contouring: The surgeon works to remove the appropriate amount of fat and sculpt the area to achieve the desired contour. The surgeon's skill and experience are crucial for an aesthetic result.
Incision Closure: Incisions may be closed with sutures or left open to drain.
Recovery: After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room, where your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing will be monitored. You may need to wear compression garments and temporary drains in the incisions to help reduce swelling and collect excess fluid.
Post-Operative Care: You will receive specific instructions on how to care for incisions, medications to take, and signs of complications to watch for. Follow-up appointments will also be scheduled to monitor your progress.
Liposuction can vary in complexity and duration, depending on how many areas are being treated and the amount of fat to be removed. Final results may take several weeks or months to become completely apparent, as swelling decreases and the body adapts to its new contour.
What are the types of liposuction?
There are several types of liposuction, each using different technologies or techniques to remove excess fat and improve body contour. Here are some of the most common types:
Traditional Liposuction: Uses a cannula and an aspiration device to remove fat. It's the most basic method and has been used for decades.
HD Lipo: Or High Definition Liposuction, is an advanced body contouring technique that goes beyond traditional liposuction. The goal of HD Lipo is not only to remove excess fat but also to sculpt the body in a way that highlights the underlying musculature and anatomical structures, providing a more defined and athletic result.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): Ultrasonic lipo uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat before its removal. This can be particularly useful for areas with fibrous tissue or for more precise removal.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): Employs a device that makes the cannula vibrate rapidly, helping to break up fat to facilitate aspiration. This can allow for smoother and faster fat removal with less physical force from the surgeon.
Laser Liposuction (LAL): Known as SmartLipo among other names, this technique uses laser energy to liquefy fat, which is then removed through aspiration. The laser heat can also stimulate collagen production, potentially improving skin elasticity after the procedure.
VASER® Liposuction (LipoVaser): Similar to UAL, but uses more advanced ultrasonic technology to selectively break down fat cells and preserve other tissues. This can lead to faster recovery and smoother results.
Radiofrequency Energy (RFAL - Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction): Technologies like BodyTite™ use radiofrequency energy to break down fat cells and stimulate collagen production, which can result in firmer skin and smoother contours.
Liposculpture: Is an advanced form of liposuction that not only removes excess fat but also uses it to sculpt and enhance other areas of the body. The procedure involves precise fat removal from specific areas and the transfer of this fat to other regions, such as buttocks, pectoral, breasts, hands, or face, to improve overall contour and appearance.
Each type of liposuction has its advantages, disadvantages, and specific indications. The choice of the most suitable method depends on the patient's individual characteristics, the amount of fat to be removed, the body area to be treated, and the surgeon's preferences and experience. It's crucial to discuss options with a qualified plastic surgeon to determine the best type of liposuction for your specific needs and objectives.
Liposuction Specialist in São Paulo
Dr. Leandro Oshiro is a renowned plastic surgeon in São Paulo, dedicated to transforming lives through facial and body aesthetic procedures. Graduated from the University of São Paulo, he completed residencies in general and plastic surgery at the Hospital de Clínicas da FMUSP. With a refined artistic and technical eye, Dr. Oshiro values careful monitoring of his patients, from initial consultation to recovery, ensuring a safe experience and aesthetically pleasing results.
As a specialist in liposuction and body definition, he employs a combination of advanced techniques and in-depth knowledge to sculpt and enhance the body's natural form. With a focus on aesthetic results and health, he works to understand individual needs and achieve a harmonious and defined silhouette, ensuring that each patient feels confident and fulfilled in their own skin.
What is the price of liposuction?
The price of liposuction varies significantly based on several factors, making it difficult to provide a specific value without a detailed evaluation. To obtain an accurate estimate of liposuction cost, it's recommended to schedule a consultation with your chosen plastic surgeon. During the consultation, you can discuss your expectations, receive a detailed evaluation, and a budget based on your specific needs.
