Lipoplasty popularly known as liposuction is a kind of operation one is always anxious about before undergoing the same. Also called suction lipectomy, this surgery calls for the finest skills in the trade. The more you know about finding a good doctor, the better your chances for a positive outcome.

The doctor performing this operation should not only be qualified, he should be gifted with the finer details of sculpting.

It is therefore important to be aware of many things before the start of the operation.

The budget you have available may determine in part, your selection of a doctor. But that will not have any bearing on the other factors like communication, aesthetic sense, mannerism, reputation, etc.

It is important that your doctor possesses the best skills for communication, this is to acquire proper and adequate answers to your questions in an easy and professional manner.

Your doctor should be at ease while communicating with you about various aspects not clearly understood by you. It is better to have a clear understanding about procedures and expectations beforehand, rather than be dissatisfied with the end results.

There are certain questions you should ask your surgeon before going in for a liposuction procedure:
 
a. Location where are you going to be operated? Will that be a major hospital with all the facilities or the one owned by the doctor?

b. Duration you need to know the time taken before, during and after the operation. This helps in making decisions about your leave from work and for any transportation help you may need.

c. Goal setting it is very important to set a goal before the commencement of the procedure. The patient and the doctor should reach an agreement about the practicality of the end result. It is better to avoid being dissatisfied than knowing in advance on what to expect. You should also be aware of the tolerance for such situations and result. It is important to know whether the doctor will correct the mismatch between the set goal and actual achievement. Look for their policies about this.

d. Costs this is one area which almost always leads to lot of dissonance. It is better to enquire with your doctor about various costs involved during the process. These costs may constitute hospitalization charges, consultation fees, medicines, food, etc. Also enquire about any finance options available with the facility.

e. Post liposuction liposuction operation also involves post procedures as well. Are these applicable to you as well? Also dont forget to get details about the post procedures if applicable for you.

f. Anesthesia liposuction always requires the patient to be kept under anesthesia. You should know the type of anesthesia being prescribed to you

g. Fluid balance it is important to have a proper balance of fluids in the body. Enquire with the doctor about the methods followed for this.

h. Recovery operation alone is not sufficient, but post operation times are more challenging to the patients. Dont forget to ask about the side effects, the duration of full recovery and special care to be taken.

i. Evidence has the doctor performed such operations in the past. Ask for the evidence. He may have some case studies, videos or slides to display the same. Peruse those closely. You may come to know more about the doctor through these evidences. You may even consider attending a real time surgery being performed on other patient.

j. Past history ask the doctor about the major complications faced by other patients in the past. This will help you build a scenario ranging from an ideal one to a worst one.

k. Referrals try to meet some patients who have undergone similar surgery under the doctor. Try to meet them and assess their level of satisfaction with the doctor.

l. Post operation care Ask all the questions related to the life immediately after the operation. Will there be bearable pain? What about soreness? What will be the duration of these two? Inquire about the medicines to be taken afterwards, and also the ideal way of living life afterwards.

m. Team is the doctor going to perform alone with no other qualified assistant or supported by other surgeons?

These are but some of the indicative types of questions you should always raise with your doctor. If your doctor is open on all of these and responding to you in a friendly manner, you've got the right doctor. If not, check with some other doctors.

This information is not meant to replace medical advice. If you need medical advice, it is best to talk to a qualified physician.