When beginning your surgery journey, one of the most important things you can do is your homework. Don’t book the first surgeon who you find on Instagram or select a surgeon based primarily on the cost. Spend time learning about their work & network with other patients to inquire about their experience.

HOW TO SELECT A SURGEON?

  1. Look for consistency: Choose a surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery and has substantial experience in the procedure you are considering.
  2. Have realistic expectations: View before and after photos and pay close attention to patients who has a similar body type as you.
  3. Go with your gut: Surgery is a big deal! You need to feel 100% comfortable with your surgeon and their team. Choose a surgeon whom you completely trust with your safety and results.

MY PROCEDURE

Learn as much as you can about your procedure and the risks. Knowing what to expect can help decrease anxiety and allow you to feel better prepared during your recovery.

Liposuction: Uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body. How your liposuction procedure is done depends on the specific technique used by your surgeon.

  • Tumescent liposuction. This is the most common type of liposuction. The surgeon injects a fluid mixture of lidocaine (to relieve pain) & epinephrine (which causes the blood vessels to constrict) into the area that’s being treated. The surgeon then makes small cuts into your skin and inserts a thin tube called a cannula. The cannula is connected to a vacuum that suctions fat and fluids from your body.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): Uses liposuction to harvest fat from one or more areas of the body. The collected fat is separated by a centrifuge, processed, and purified. Only the healthiest fat cells are used. This purified fat is then injected into the buttocks.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Excess skin and fat are removed from the abdomen. In most cases, the connective tissues in the abdomen are tightened with sutures as well. The remaining skin is then re-positioned to create a more toned look. For patients who have had a c-section, a tummy tuck incision can be made in the c-section scar to reduce or eliminate scarring.

POTENTIAL RISKS

Be familiar with complications. As with any major surgery, there are potential risks. These risks include but are not limited to:

  • Hematoma: A pocket of blood that resembles a large, painful bruise. Hematomas are a risk in nearly all surgeries.
  • Fluid accumulation: A collection of fluid also known as a “seroma” can form under the skin. This fluid might need to be drained with a needle.
  • Nerve damage: You might feel temporary or permanent numbness & tingling in the affected area.
  • Infection: Although steps are taken to reduce the risk of infection, the possibility remains. In some cases, infections can be severe, requiring IV antibiotics.
  • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism: Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is a condition where blood clots form in the deep vein, usually in the leg. When these clots break off and travel to the lungs, it’s known as a pulmonary embolism. This can be fatal.
  • Fat embolism: Pieces of loosened fat might break away and become trapped in a blood vessel and gather in the lungs or travel to the brain. A fat embolism is a medical emergency.
  • Internal puncture: A cannula that penetrates too deeply might puncture an internal organ. This requires emergency surgical repair.

The risk of complications increases if the surgeon is working on larger surfaces of your body or doing multiple procedures during the same operation.