History for the Liposuction Patient

— evaluate for risk factors including smoking, hypertension, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, hepatitis C, and HIV.

— Patients with a history of clots in their legs or history of clots going to their lungs may need medications to “thin” the blood

— use of birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of blood clots and typically patients are advised to stop taking these one month prior to liposuction

— All liposuction patients receive compression devices and/or garments to prevent blood clots

— Medications such as aspirin, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, vitamin E, should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to the liposuction procedure

— Patients who are significantly overweight (BMI greater than 30) have a higher risk for poor wound healing, infection, and blood clots.

Physical for the Liposuction Patient

— liposuction patients should be evaluated for hernia (umbilical hernia is the most common).

— some patients have alot of intraabdominal fat, which is not addressed by liposuction

— leg and ankle liposuction satisfaction is not as high with liposuction in these areas.

— satisfaction is far greater with abdomen, sides, and back liposuction

— medial and lateral thigh as well as upper arm and chin liposuction also have high satisfaction rates

A Comment about Skin Elasticity of the Patient

— the patient must have adequate skin elasticity to allow for skin retraction after surgery. This factor is the most important element to good results aside from technical proficiency of the surgeon and the patient’s ability to follow the postoperative regimen of wearing the compression garment appropriately.

Surface Irregularities, Dimpling, Contour Deformities

— Dr. Hughes will point out any wrinkles, laxity, and surface irregularities, including dimpling. Dr. Hughes will endeavor to improve these items during the surgery through a series of maneuvers. However, the improvement will not be 100%, and patients should expect only 50 to 60% improvement.

Cellulite and What to Expect

— Cellulite is often noted in areas such as the hips, buttocks, or thighs. Cellulite is predetermined by genetics, so even thin women can develop the appearance. Patients should be aware that liposuction procedures do not address cellulite and may in fact worsen its appearance.
— Dr. Hughes will try to correct any dimpling or asymmetry. However, this is frequently difficult to achieve. The patient should be aware of possible persistent asymmetry, depressions, and dimpling after the liposuction procedure.

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