Choosing the Best Liposuction Surgeon?

Liposuction is a very common procedure in my practice. I think you should do your due diligence and make sure you are consulting with Board certified plastic surgeons and check out their qualifications with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Pricing does vary among surgeons so the main concern is qualifications and if your surgeon is using an out patient facility and a board certified anesthesiologist. Another consideration is the amount of liposuction your requiring and the... more

Hi there- This really is a universal question. Let's first understand that what you are really asking is, "how do I maximize my chances of getting the outcome I want, with safety, in a comfortable and pleasant experience?". It is important to understand that while your chosen surgeon is probably the most important factor in achieving the above, there are other important considerations as well. Here are my thoughts about how best to go about this... Find a surgeon you really like more

The best way to get a good reference is if you are fortunate enough to speak with many patients who have had the procedure and find out about the doctors they've used. A great resource is your primary care physician who may know of the repuation of excellent surgeons in your area. Board-certified dermatologists (the inventor of tumescent liposuction is a dermatologist) and plastic surgeons perform liposuction. Whether they decide to join a specialty's society such as the ASPS or the ASDS... more

Hi Liv39 - I would recommend going with the surgeon with whom you feel the most comfortable with. This involves good before and after photos, a great staff who is willing to be there and answer the phone after the procedure in case you have any problems, and talking with other patients of the particular plastic surgeon who have had the same procedure. Taking all of these things into account will hopefully help. Good luck!

Hi! 1) Is the surgeon a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery? Members usually do a lot of cosmetic surgery. 2) Did you sense a commitment to excellence in the office. Did the surgeon spend a lot of time with you? Someone who rushes through the consultation may rush through the surgery. 3) Were you treated as an individual? Did the surgeon present you with a surgical plan tailor made for you? 4) Did the surgeon show you A LOT of before and after pictures,... more

This is a very good question that goes beyond liposuctioning. What does it mean to be the best? The surgeon should have the skill and experience to do the procedure and should have the ability to explain the procedure, its risks, complications benefits and alternatives. The surgeon should be able to show you pictures of real results, good and bad. You should also be able to speak with former patients who have had the same procedure that you anticipate having. If the surgeon only does one... more

Surgeon's fees vary for numerous reasons.  Choose the person that you feel will give you the best results.  As for asking for a lower fee from the most expensive doctor, that is difficult to answer.

Costs are often quite variable - I think the most important issue is how comfortable you are with the surgeon - do you feel that you can communicate openly and honestly with him/ her? Is the surgeon and their staff approachable? Is there a relaxed atmosphere in the office? Once you have focused on two or three surgeons, you should make sure that they are board certified by the ABPS. Ask to see photos of consecutive patients or their best and worst patients. Ask to speak to previous... more

I congratulate you on choosing ASPS certified plastic surgeons to evaluate you for liposuction. I would agree that price should not be the only determining factor for you. You should choose the plastic surgeon and their staff who you feel most comfortable. Before and after photos can give you a sense of the surgeons work. Also, some of my patients who are considering a surgery will ask to speak with one of my patients who has had the procedure. This way they can ask them specific questions... more

 What you should be looking at are their results and experience doing the procedure. Don't be taken in by fancy marketing names. You will get what you pay for. You can ask the surgeon why his cost is more.

You are correct to not just look at the cost, but at the surgeon as well. In many cases, you get what you pay for. However, you need to look at the fine details of the price, including the total hospital and anesthesia and facility fees, any extra costs in terms of garments, and understanding of exactly what their definitions of the body areas include. You may also ask for patient references or even just talk to other patients in the waiting room. Good luck with your surgery. more