MD vs surgeon for Smart Lipo and costs - are they any red flags?

Question

I am scheduled for Smart Lipo in March. Upper/Lower Stomach, and my back. The doctor performing the lipo is not a surgeon. Also the cost ($7800) seems to be more than a lot of the numbers I am seeing from others on here. Any red flags here or am I ok?

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

SMARTLipo is a surgical procedure and should be performed by not only a surgeon, but a board certified plastic surgeon. This will ensure not only optimal results but also your safety. Liposuction is a technically difficult procedure with many considerations both aesthetically and physiologically. There should be no reason to get liposuction from any other physician than a board certified plastic surgeon. Doing so may put your physical safety and your results in jeopardy.

Marco A. Pelosi III, MD, FACOG, FACS · Answer

Various non-surgeons perform lipo. The largest group is dermatologists. They invented lipo under local and tumescent lipo. That's not unusual. Surgeons and non-surgeons from various specialties have training, education and experience in lipo. Talent varies regardless. You really need to determine the level of their skill and expertise in lipo by viewing their portfolio and examining their experience, reviews, credentials, etc. If it doesn't feel right, move on. Price means nothing without context. Have you gotten quotes from other lipo surgeons? If not, go get some.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear julz143,
finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Make sure he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. There is a number of different sites where you can check for reviews (Realself, yelp, google, etc.).You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Doing Liposuction requires a medical license and someone who is not licensed who is doing medical procedures is practicing medicine without a license.

They only field of medicine that properly teaches cosmetic surgery is the field of plastic surgery. You should choose a provider who is a board certified plastic surgeon.

It’s a free world and you can do what you like. Delivering consistent high-quality Liposuction results is far more difficult than most people think and the chance of ending up regretting your decision like a badly done tattoo becomes all to real after the fact.

Don’t tattoo your face and don’t get liposuction by doctors who don’t have proper training, experience and inherent skill.

Best,

Mats Hagstrom MD

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

I have zero understanding why anyone would do any invasive cosmetic surgery with someone other than a board certified plastic surgeon. Smartlipo is a very safe procedure when done by a board certified plastic surgeon. They are the occasionally horror stories and This is when it is done by those who are not board certified plastic surgeons. it is your body, your health and your safety. I am at a total loss why people don't look for a plastic surgeon to do their surgery. you would not have your family dr do your brain surgeon and you would not want your gynecologist to do your heart surgery. Doctors should stick to their appropriate areas of expertise and not just invade the cosmetic market so that they can increase their revenue. If they want to go back to spend 2-3 years more doing a plastic residency after doing several years of surgical training then that is fine.

david berman md, frcsc

david berman md, frcsc

Randy Dean, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Board certification in plastic surgery ensures an optimal result. Specific training in liposuction technique and complete knowledge of the treatment of potential complications is required. Absence of general surgical training only makes matters worse. 
Prices vary significantly around the country.
Be careful...
Best wishes...

MD vs surgeon for Smart Lipo and costs - are they any red flags?

Answers (6)

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