Though diet, exercise, and weight loss surgeries might help you shed pounds, they can’t target problem areas. Liposuction and other body contouring procedures like the Tummy Tuck fill this need by removing fat from specific areas like your arms, abs, or thighs. A liposuction procedure can do wonders for your figure, but before you are eligible for surgery, you’ll need a consultation visit with Dr. Eric Pugash and his team in their Vancouver plastic surgery office.
What to Bring to Your Consultation
When you arrive for your plastic surgery consultation, you’ll want to bring your health records and a full copy of your medical history. Be sure to mention all current medications, diseases, allergies, prior surgeries, or hospitalizations to Dr. Pugash so that he is fully informed.
Being proactive and showing the doctor exactly what you want is the best way to ensure that you are happy with the outcome. Don’t be afraid to clip or print out any pictures that approximate your ideal results. If there is a look that you don’t want, bring a picture that demonstrates that as well.
6 Questions You Must Ask
When you sit down for your initial liposuction consultation, these are the 6 questions you must ask:
1. Are you board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
The most important question to ask is whether your surgeon is well trained and certified. You’ll want to be sure that they have certification from at least one governing body, preferably the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Pugash received his certification by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Royal College of Surgeons in Canada.
2. Am I a good candidate?
You should be near your goal weight. The results of liposuction surgery can also depend on the elasticity of your skin. Check your skin’s elasticity by conducting a “pinch test” on yourself. Gather a bit of skin between your thumb and forefinger. If the pinched skin springs back into place quickly after you release, then you are likely to have a good result.
3. Can liposuction be combined with other surgeries to meet my goals?
Liposuction is a form of body contouring that removes excess fat. If you want a more toned look to complement your liposuction, talk with Dr. Pugash about a Tummy Tuck. This procedure also eliminates the excess skin that comes with weight loss, aging, or other surgeries. Another option is the Mommy Makeover, a full body contouring surgery that addresses the needs of new mothers, and includes liposuction in the belly area.
4. What is the recovery time after surgery?
Most patients experience some bruising and swelling but can return to work within a day or two. It’s common to wear a compression garment to reduce swelling and ensure that the work done during the procedure remains intact throughout the healing process. It’s normal for your skin to have an uneven texture during this time, but most irregularities will clear up within a few months.
5. What will the surgery be like?
You will be given local or general anesthesia, depending on the type of procedure that you undergo. Local anesthesia numbs the area surrounding your surgical site, allowing you to be conscious throughout. In the case of a more invasive liposuction procedure, general anesthesia will put you to sleep so you can skip the pain and wake up to your new body.
6. What kind of results should I expect?
Swelling usually subsides within a few weeks, and you can experience a leaner look within a few months. Liposuction is a permanent procedure unless you gain weight. Because liposuction is a body contouring procedure, your shape will stay the same, but your size depends on your ability to maintain your weight.
Your Consultation with Dr. Eric Pugash, Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery, in Vancouver
Now that you know the essential questions to ask during your liposuction consultation, you can call us with any more plastic surgery questions at 604-522-5199, or leave us a message on our online form. We’ll be sure to get back to you promptly, and we look forward to your visit!