Lipo: Dermatologist Vs. Plastic Surgeon

Tumescent liposuction was in fact invented by Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a dermatologist. This was a significant advance in improving the safety of liposuction. In all likelihood, extremely experienced dermatologic surgeons have performed revisional liposuction on patients that have been operated on by plastic surgeons, and vice-versa. Complications do occur to patients undergoing surgery by doctors with the best reputation, regardless of specialty. Surgery on the skin and subcutaneous tissue falls within the scope of dermatologists and surgeons. It may be very difficult to revise adverse outcomes and regardless of the surgeon you choose, you may not obtain a satisfactory result. It is very hard to comment on what type of repair you need without an examination. If you see a plastic surgeon, then if it does involve a tummy tuck or hernia revision, that they would be the correct specialty and not a dermatologic surgeon. You do need to ensure that whomever you see is extremely experienced in liposuction.

All specialties do liposuction nowadays but you want to go to someone who you trust, feel comfortable with and has a lot of experience in liposuction. Dermatologists tend to do most cases under local anesthesia with the micro canulas for the finesse work of sculpting the areas. Plastic surgeons tend to do most cases under general anesthesia with larger canulas for the debulking work but can also do finesse work as well with the smaller canulas.
It is true that a dermatologist invented the tumescent liposuction technique and have advanced the liposuction field the most of all the specialties. Dermatologists also tend to get the most required training in liposuctions during their residency of any specialty. Board certification in Dermatology, General Plastic Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, etc., is important since it shows that that doc has met or exceeded the high standards required in that field.
There are a lot of gimmicky lipos out there such as ultrasound, water injected, or various laser techniques and some can be good if the doc has enough experience in that technique but the most important is your relationship with the doc, his experience, how he answered your questions and the trust or bond you feel since he will be with you all along the way and if any touch ups are needed.