First you need to Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, the plastic surgeon must be Diplomate in the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. There are no substitutes. Some doctors are using false Boards so it is important that you contact The Florida Department of Health before you make any decisions. Start by going to www.flhealthsource.com . You can also call the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), Consumer Services at: 1 (888) 419-3456 or the Florida Board of Medicine: 1 (850) 245-4131
Please note that the ABPS (American Board of Plastic Surgery) is the most important Credential a surgeon can hold. Do not confuse the ABPS with any other similar sounding board.
These are the symbols you should be looking for:
Dr. Leonard Hochstein’s preferred technique is the “Powered Assisted Tumescent Technique.” This is considered the safe and gold standard with the American Board of Plastic Surgery when performing liposuction in the United States, The ingredients of the tumescent fluid include two components:
1) Lactated Ringer or Sodium Chloride solution. This is used for hydrating and separating the fat and allows the surgeon to remove the fat in a smooth distribution with a reduced incidence of irregularities to the skin.
2) Epinephrine will constrict the blood vessels, reducing blood loss and allowing for a safer and quick postoperative recovery with less bruising. Some also include lidocaine but Dr. Hochstein believes this to be dangerous and prefers not to use it.
Dr, Leonard Hochstein prefers the small 3 mm, triple lumen Mercedes cannulas to 1 atmosphere of vacuum suction pressure. The smaller tip cannulas that are blunt may reduce irregularities in the skin contour, skin surface, as well as denting, that is the most common complication with using larger cannulas.
Indelible ink is used to draw lines on the patient’s body to help the surgeon during surgery.
Use of a Board Certified anesthesiologist is also very important when placing the patient under general anesthesia. There are some doctors that chose to do this procedure under local but I think this is a bad idea. When the patient is completely under and put to sleep, the plastic surgeon can have 100% control of the patient, able to manipulate different areas and turn the body without the patient feeling pain or moving which can be dangerous in the operating room.
Here at Dr. Hochstein’s office we are certified by The Accredited Surgery Facilities (ASF) which is considered the gold standard. This is useful for all forms of plastic surgery in that the center is certified and is of the utmost safety for the patient.
Fat removed
The new standard with the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons limits the total amount of fat that should be removed at one setting. This is important in order to reduce the amount of blood loss that the patient will have during this operation. You will need to speak with your doctor about how much you can remove at the time of consultation.
Dr. Hochstein’s actual patient.
When Combining other surgical procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lifts (Mastopexy / Bennelli) tummy tuck, or facial plastic surgery procedures in order to reduce the amount of total estimated blood loss, a decreased amount of fat can be removed. It is important to speak with your doctor about this before you go in for surgery.
After the removal of the fat, the incision sites are left open to allow for drainage and optimal scar healing – Bruising and swelling lasts anywhere from 10-14 days depending on the person.
Compressive garments
This is extremely important. Postoperative compression garments be worn, including abdominal binders, as well as girdles to the thigh in order to allow smoothing and reduce edema and swelling of the abdomen and thigh areas postoperatively. Dr. H prefers his patients to wear the garments for at least four weeks postoperatively.
It is very important to expect Realistic Results. The doctor my have to do touch ups of small amounts of redundant fat in four to six months. Patient should review many of the doctor’s photographs and should be seen twice prior to surgery with the plastic surgeon. The areas should be marked out with a marking pen and looked at with the patient in a mirror to show what can and cannot be corrected. Expect realistic results and the patient will have a satisfactory and successful surgery. Liposculpture is not for heavy or overweight people. It is best used as a sculpting technique which addresses those deposits which do not respond to normal diet and exercise.
Complications from properly done liposuction are very rare but please talk with Dr. Hochstein about your specific risk on your consultation day.
By Dr. Leonard Hochstein