How long do you take to mark the body prior to surgery? is the time it takes important? Does each surgeon have their own way?

Question

The day of my surgery my doc literally came into the pre op room and I got out of bed and she took about 2 minutes to mark me. She said ok we are going to reduce this etc. it was super quick. My saddle bags were circled and she drew 4 horizontal lines through them. She drew a big upside down heart on my stomach. With the point of the heart coming up to the bottom of my breastbone. And circles on my side. I am 8 days post op and so upset with these results. My saddlebags are indented by 1/2-1 in

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Some plastic surgeons have elaborate drawings on their patients while others are more simple. These markings are a tool for the surgeon to achieve the best result. This is not nearly as important as the technique the surgeon uses during the actual case.

Emmanuel De La Cruz, MD · Answer

Hello Lanie404, 
I appreciate your questions! Plastic surgeons have their own artistic style marking their patients and use these “drawing” sessions in a manner that helps them accomplish their best and most reproducible results.Personally, marking affirms the treatment plan with my patients and gives me an opportunity to explain their procedure visually as well as ensure great results. There is no an specific time recommended for marking prior to surgery. Besides, eight days is too short of a time to evaluate your liposuction final outcome. Maximum results will take up to 6 months to show. You should feel comfortable asking your surgeon questions about your markings and any other concerns you may have. If you are still dissatisfied with the outcome after the swelling recedes, consult with your aesthetic plastic surgeon about your particular needs and improvements’ options. Hope this is helpful! Dr. De La Cruz.

John Paletta, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. It’s very difficult to make any determination about results this close to your surgical procedure. I would definitely advise you to follow postoperative instructions to maximize your results. In terms of markings every surgeon is different and I don’t think you can make any inferences about the quality of surgery based on preoperative markings.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Each Doctor will have their preferred techniques and marking protocols. It is too soon to tell what your final results will be. You have swelling, which can last 3-6 months after your procedure. I recommend adding hyperbaric oxygen and lymphatic massage along with your compression to help decrease swelling. To improve your final results, I also recommend adding vanquish for further fat removal, exilis/venus legacy for skin tightening, cellutone/z wave to make the skin smooth, remove scar tissue, and improve the skin’s appearance. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Every surgeon has his/her own technique for marking and they are highly variable. Some surgeons mark general borders of zones, some try to do a whole contour mark, some use x's, some circles, etc. It will take longer to mark more areas, obviously, vs. just a couple of small zones, and BBL procedures take longer to mark because it is a circumferential operation and there is a lot of contouring to consider. For lipo, I like to mark the boundaries of fat zones and creases along with any existing indentations that might need to be filled or avoided. At the end of the day, it's about whether you are reasonably satisfied with your results, and it sounds like you are not, so you should discuss your concerns with the surgeon and if not satisfied with options for improvement, consider second opinions.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

First of all, congratulations on your liposuction, Lanie404!
It’s only been eight days since your surgery so you’re not yet seeing the final results. There’s still lots of swelling and bruising at this point.
Also, marking your operative areas usually take just a couple of minutes, so the time it takes to do the markings don’t usually affect the results of your surgery. 
Please be more patient as you wait for the final results to unravel, usually in about three to six months. And don’t forget to attend your follow-up consults with your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon.
Good luck!

John W. Menard, MD · Answer

It is way too early to asses the results of liposuction. Swelling will take many weeks to subside. If there are any areas of concern show them to your surgeon.

Marc J. Salzman, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Preoperative markings are variable and cant ake anywhere from a few minutes to 10 or 15 in some cases. The length of the time to mark the patient has nothing to do with the surgical outcome. It simply helps the surgeon know where things are in the laying down position, because they will change from that of standing up. For instance, the marking of a Brazilian Butt Lift takes much longer than that of liposuction around the abdomen. Hope that's helpful.

How long do you take to mark the body prior to surgery? is the time it takes important? Does each surgeon have their own way?

Answers (8)

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