1. What is your training? By what board? Many people call themselves plastic surgeons and learn to do liposuction in a weekend course. Some of the laser liposuction companies are targeting non surgeons to buy their machines.
2. Do you do tummy tucks? This links to question one, but if a doctor cannot do a tummy tuck (ie they aren’t a real plastic surgeon) then they will recommend liposuction, even if it isn’t the ideal surgery for you, because they CAN’T do any other kind of surgery to help you.
3. How many have you done? There are doctors who have done 5 cases, and some who have done hundreds. (And be wary- some doctors will count one surgery patient as many liposuction cases… There was lipo of the right leg, the left leg, the abdomen, the love handle- that should not be counted as 4 liposuction cases.) And corollary to this, who does the surgery? Some doctors have a nurse or assistant do part of the surgery.
4. What technique do you use? Everyone does tumnescent. Tumnescent liposcution is not a new technique. Do they do UAL, vaser, laser liposuction, smart lipo, slim lipo? I do an analysis of my cases- how much tumnescent do I put in each area, how much do I remove from each area, right versus left side, outer thigh is separate from inner thigh. I measure the fat. I am amazed at op reports I have seen where there is no record of the amount of tumnescent placed, how much fat was removed, or even from where.
5. Safety. Where is it done? Is there anesthesia? Is it a nurse? A doctor? Is the facility accredited? Is it dedicated to plastic surgery? Liposuction is different than other surgeries. You need a team experienced in it to avoid complications. Safety is first. This is elective surgery.