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.