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Best Way to Ensure I Get the Result I Desire?

asked 6 months ago by jackieliz in El Paso, TX
Latest answer by J. Jason Wendel, MD
Question viewed 206 times
Tags: flanks, expectation, final result

I have liposuction of flanks scheduled for Jan 6th 2012. I have some trepidation...have seen many before and afters on this site with similar body types to mine (boxy, angular thru flanks). Some of the pics are great, results I would be pleased with for myself; then others seem to have very little change at all. My question-what is the best approach to take with my surgeon to ensure I obtain my desired result? I do not want to come across as pushy or difficult, but I do not want to waste $4k.

16 answers to Best Way to Ensure I Get the Result I Desire?

Best way to get the results you desire.

Thank you for your question. It is very normal for patients to experience some trepidation just before surgery. I have found that the best way to treat this is with knowledge. Knowledge of your surgeon and his or her skills as evidenced by photographs; knowledge of what the operation will involve; and knowledge of what will and will not be accomplished. This is best achieved by having discussions with your plastic surgeon. Make sure that you have all your... more

Donald M. Brown, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.drdonaldbrown.com

Flank liposuction and expectation for final result

Thank you for your question. I understand your hesitation and fear. Looking at pictures of other people can be misleading because people come in different heights, weights, and widths. If you get liposuction of the flanks, then you will still look like you with the fatty tissue removed in the flanks. It is important for the plastic surgeon to contour and shape the area so it blends in with the rest of your body but it will not correct any other problems you have in other areas. more

J. Jason Wendel, MD
Nashville Plastic Surgeon

Ensure Good Results with Liposuction

You need to have a frank and honest discussion with your surgeon about what you are expecting from the procedure. A skilled plastic surgeon will be able to give you a good idea of what to expect afterwards. He or she should be able to let you know what the procedure can do and maybe more importantly what it can not do. You as the patient need to be engaged and get all your questions answered BEFORE the procedure. Remember no two patients will have the same results with the same procedure.... more

Mark A. Jabor, MD
El Paso Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction - Best Way to Ensure I Get the Result I Desire?

A fair question - but there's no simple answer. Most of what I would advise you to do has presumably already been done, since you have the surgery scheduled for a few weeks from now. The process starts with doing research, both online and via any reading material you can find. And then you do research on surgeons near you, or to whom you're willing to travel. And then you have a series of consultations, which is when you explain what you want and then you... more

Alan Engler, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction outcomes

Hi there- It's always nice to hear from a fellow El Pasoan (Go Troopers!)! Without examining you, it is very difficult, and may be irresponsible for me to advise you what type of results you should expect... On the other hand, I would say in general that your best bet to put your mind at ease is to return to your surgeon's office for another discussion. Remember, this is an important relationship- treat it as such. Openly, honestly, and respectfully explain what you... more

Armando Soto, MD
Orlando Plastic Surgeon

Realistic expectations

Your concerns are appropriate. Liposuction, as you know, is a very effective and safe technique for removal of unwanted fat deposits, but you must have appropriate expectations of your outcome. Equally as important is picking the proper procedure. If you have excess skin and stretchmarks around your waist line, liposuction may not be the best choice. Revisit with your plastic surgeon if you are unclear whether or not your surgeon understands your endpoint goals. ... more

John Renucci, MD
Grand Rapids Plastic Surgeon

Getting Liposuction Results Desired?

Thank you for the question. I think what you're concerned comes down to is: are your goals achievable? The only way to know this is to communicate your goals with your plastic surgeon ( verbally and with the help of goal pictures). Assuming you have picked an honest surgeon, he/she will be able to let you know if your goals are realistic or not. If so, it will be good for your peace of mind to see many examples of his/her work in photographs or (better yet)... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Anxiety regarding obtaining the liposuction results desired

With any procedure no matter the doctor, training, certification or reputation, there is never any guarantee. However, you can increase your odds for a better result. Two good ways are to make sure that your doctor is reputable and is a board certified plastic surgeon. Another is your communication with him/her as to exactly what you are looking for. Make sure that you both are on the same page. You also want to make sure that they are experienced in liposuction. Seeing photos of some... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Results for liposuction

There is no guarantee with any surgeon regarding the specific results. Although you should go with a surgeon that gets consistently good results.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction best results and realistic expectations

It seems that you have already selected your plastic surgeon and have scheduled your surgery in a month. I hope that you have selected a board certified plastic surgeon with experience. At this time your best approach is to explain to your surgeon your concerns and show him the photos that you liked and ask him or her to show you some of his or her pre and post flank liposuction photos and see if you like the results. Ask your surgeon if the result that you want is achievable with your body... more

A. H. Nezami, MD
Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon

www.jacksonvillecosmeticsurgery.com

Choosing a surgeon and getting the results that you want

I understand your concerns about ensuring that you get the best possible results from your surgery. The keys to achieving this goal are multifactorial. First, I would make sure that your surgeon is a qualified board certified surgeon; then make sure that you have a good relationship with him or her -- you should trust him/her and be able to communicate your goals and expectations. Your surgeon should be able to help you have realistic expectations by explaining what is... more

Anureet K. Bajaj, MD
Oklahoma City Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction concerns

It is important that you explain your concerns and desires. Your surgeon should be honest with you and let you know whether your expectations are correct. Make sure that you are going to someone qualified because there are several non qualified surgeons in your area doing liposuction without training (OB gyn, pulmonologist). Getting 2 or 3 opinions from qualified surgeons can help as well. Good luck.

Richard Dale Reynolds, MD
El Paso Plastic Surgeon

Open conversation for the best results

Thank you for your question. It is one that I'm sure many people have when they think about embarking into the world of plastic surgery. My advice would be to have a open and honest conversation with your surgeon. Discuss your desired outcome at length and point out the pictures that you like the most. Also point out what you don't like so that he/she can explain what you can expect as your outcome. I feel that it is important to have a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon... more

Sarah E. McMillan, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

Getting a result you expect from liposuction

Liposuction candidates vary as do liposuction techniques, and the best way to get what you expect is to show your surgeon examples of what your ideal would be. He should also be honest and let you know if you have a good chance to get there. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd.com

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Best way to get results desired

I believe pictures translate what is desired best. Now, if not achieavable or realistic, your PS will have an opportunity to address now rather than later. Open and clear communication is essential.Personally, I appreciate someone who is clear about what is desired. If that's a problem seek another opinion. Best wishes, Dr. H

Gary M. Horndeski, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Expectations

You have to be very honest with your PS and see more than one PS to see which PS has the personality and hx of obtaining the results you desire. Asking questio should be done and you should not feel pushy about asking them. good luck.