How Are the Markings Done Before Liposuction?

Patients are generally concerned with they way they appear in a mirror. However, surgery is usually accomplished in the supine (laying down) position. Therefore the prominent portions may not be noticeable when laying down. Think of the way breasts may fall to the side when you lay down. We often perform the markings with undergarments on to conceal the incisions within the covered portions.

Patients are typically marked in the standing position with the location and access of marks confirmed with the patient laying down. The surgery is performed either supine (on your back) or prone (on your stomach), so if the marks made in the standing position are no ammenable to the operative position, position changes may have to be made. They are made in concentric circles over areas of elevation like a topographic map. I do make fanning lines so that a smooth transition from one area to another is performed, as well I mark the areas in close proximity that i don't want to touch with liposuction. Markings really are one of the most important parts of liposuction and they should be done effectively and thoughtfully.

Most of the time, liposuction markings are done standing up.  Large circles are drawn over the areas to be suctioned, and the circles get small and smaller while concentrating on the most involved areas.  Good luck!

While every plastic surgeon will have his or her own preferences, most will agree that markings for liposuction almost anywhere on the body should be done standing up. If the arms are being done, then the patient can be sitting, but with thier arms out a shoulder height and elbows bent 90 degrees.
I like to confirm the incision sites with my patients, so those are the first marks I make. Make sure you know where your surgeon will be placing these incisions so they will be kept well hidden underneath whatever style of clothing you tend to wear. A topigraphical map is then made of the areas to be liposuctioned and areas to be particularly focused on are circled.

The markings are done in the standing position and are drawn to outline the areas to be liposuctioned. Once your surgeon does his drawings, make sure you look at them and approve the areas to be liposuctioned and let him know if there are areas you want done that are not in the drawings so he can cover all the areas you want if possible in that surgery. Photos and measurements are taken then also. Some doctors take a set of photos before the markings are put on and a set after the markings are put on so that later if there is a discrepancy about what areas was or was not liposuctioned, the photos can show what was outlined preop.
Patients sometimes forget the areas liposuctioned especially when the liposuctioned areas look great and now the adjacent areas don't since they weren't liposuctioned.
Also ask your doctor to remove the markings with alcohol after the surgery for you since they tend to stay for a week and are hard to get off later at home.

I discuss again the day of surgery where we will be liposuctioning and then draw out the areas with a sharpie pen. I draw circles around the areas to be addresses and then circle within the circles which demonstrate to me where I will be liposuctioning the most, which is the most inner circle. I also go over the incision markings as well with the patient.
Good luck.

Markings for liposuction surgery is normally performed with the patient standing up. The areas that will be treated and discussed and concentric rings are drawn to show the areas of concentration. Each surgeon may have their own way of marking the patient. Communicate with your surgeon.

Surgical markings are an important prep for any liposuction procedure. The markings are usually done with the patient prior to administering anesthesia. They are usually done with the patient in a standing position. As I outline the areas of the proposed liposuction I am also able to get feedback from the patient. The markings vary in color (blue, purple, black) and shape and sizes. What we are doing is creating a set of reference points from which we can work from. Oh and don't worry the marks will come off in a few days. They are a little stubborn but will eventually wash off.

Dear Chilita
While every doctor has his or her preference for how surgery is done, some things are fairly standard. I am a firm believer in marking the patient standing in front of a 3 way mirror. This allows the patient and me to once again look at the areas to be suctioned so there is no confusion or misunderstanding. It also allows patients to see what areas I can't correct. To me the markings are my surgical outline to give a patient the best possible result. Speak to your plastic surgeon if you are concerned and discuss the markings with them. Check pre and post op photos to get an idea of your surgeons work.
Good luck with your surgery.

It depends on area to be treated.  However, the basic concept is to draw concentric rings around the fat pads to be treated.  The smaller the ring, the thicker the fat in that area.  Usually, I do this when the patient is standing.
sek