The American Association of Plastic Surgeons recommends that patients undergo a series of physical examinations before the liposuction surgery. The purpose of these exams is to determine whether or not the patient is in good enough health to have the procedure performed, and to rule out any underlying medical issues that may complicate the surgery. It is extremely important for a patient to thoroughly discuss any health issues, including the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs, and/or herbal remedies currently used. Supplying the physician with a detailed medical history will give both patient and surgeon a better understanding of what the specific risk factors may be.
Once a patient has decided to follow through with liposuction surgery, he or she should be presented with all of the available options. These include traditional liposuction, tumescent liposuction (a procedure resulting in less blood loss and other complications), as well as various choices for anesthesia. A reputable physician will inform the patient long the surgery will last, how many incisions will be made, probable amount and severity of scarring, and how long the expected recovery time...