If you are considering a fat removal procedure, you’ll need the right professional for it. Here are questions to ask your doctor about fat removal in San Diego.

The prevalence of obesity in America has now reached 42.4%. With almost half of the adult population overweight, more people are turning to professional fat removal procedures as the fix.

Are you considering a fat removal procedure yourself? You’ll want to make sure you find a professional, board-certified doctor first. Choosing the right San Diego doctor for the procedure can make all the difference.

Here are seven questions to ask your doctor before your first procedure. By asking these questions, you’ll have peace of mind you’re making the right choice. Start your search before slimming down with these seven questions today!

1. Are You Board-Certified?

Above all else, make sure you choose a board-certified doctor. Ask if they’re certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery to perform fat removal treatments.

Board-certified doctors have the knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to perform these procedures. In order to receive certification, they also have to meet stringent standards. 

Ask if they’re certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties as well. This board is compromised of 24 medical boards, each with a different specialty. Doctors who meet these standards of care are dedicated to their work.

They’ll likely know the most up-and-coming procedures and techniques for fat removal, too. 

2. How Much Experience Do You Have?

Ask the surgeon about their experience with fat removal procedures. How often do they complete these procedures? Which procedures do they complete most?

People learn by doing. The more often a surgeon completes any given procedure, the more knowledgeable they are. An experienced surgeon will know how to handle themselves in the case of an emergency, too.

Their hands-on experience will help them make educated, informed decisions about your treatment plan. 

A surgeon who lacks hands-on experience with fat removal procedures, however, will likely have a hard time answering these questions. If they’ve only completed a handful of procedures, keep searching.

Finding a surgeon with years of experience will give you peace of mind that you’re trusting a qualified surgeon. 

3. Which Procedures Do You Offer?

First, determine which areas you want to treat. For example, you might want to remove fat from your:

• Chin
• Back of the neck
• Breasts
• Bra strap area
• Muffin top
• Abdomen or belly pouch
• Love handles
• Male breasts
• Bottom of your upper arms
• Outer thighs

There are also less commonly treated areas like the inner thigh, upper back, and ankles. Once you know which area you want to treat, ask your surgeon about the different types of surgeries they offer.

For example, your surgeon might suggest liposuction. Liposuction isn’t a weight-loss treatment. Rather, it’s a fat reduction procedure that can help remove fat from a given area.

The amount of fat the surgeon can remove will depend on your health as well as your long-term goals.

However, liposuction isn’t your only option. Your surgeon might also suggest CoolSculpting, which freezes stubborn fat cells. In fact, non-invasive fat reduction procedures have increased by 5% year-over-year.

Make sure to speak with your surgeon about the types of surgeries available. Which one is best for accomplishing your fat removal goals? If they don’t offer the type of procedure you need, keep searching.

Preparation

Once you know which type of fat removal procedure you’ll receive, ask your surgeon how you should prepare.

For example, you might need a friend to drive you to and from the treatment center before and after your procedure. You might also need someone to take care of you in the days after your procedure. 

Are there medications you need to stop taking? If you chose the liposuction procedure, you’ll want to stop taking blood thinners beforehand.

Can you eat or drink before or after the procedure?

Are you allergic to anesthesia? Make sure to let your doctor know if you are.

4. Am I an Ideal Candidate?

Whether or not you’re an ideal candidate will likely depend on the fat removal procedure you choose.

Let’s say you choose liposuction. The best candidates are:

• Nonsmokers
• Close or already at their goal weight
• Have stubborn subcutaneous fat (not visceral fat)
• Have good skin elasticity

Your surgeon can help you determine whether or not you’re an ideal candidate for any given treatment. If you’re not, they can help you explore the other options available to you. 

5. What Happens During the Procedure?

Once you know which type of procedure you’ll receive, ask your surgeon about the process. For example, liposuction requires your surgeon to make small incisions into your skin. Then, they’ll insert a tool called a cannula into your fat pocket.

The cannula is connected to a suction device that will extract your fat. 

You might decide on CoolSculpting instead. CoolScylpting freezes and kills you fat by using an applicator. The applicator looks like a giant vacuum hose. With CoolSculpting, there’s no need for any incisions.

Many procedures will require you to take general anesthesia beforehand. 

The more you know about the procedure before the day of the surgery, the better you’ll feel beforehand. 

6. What is the Recovery Like?

Noninvasive procedures allow you to return to work and resume normal activities the same day as your procedure. However, you’ll likely need to avoid exercise for at least two weeks afterward. 

Make sure to ask your surgeon about the recovery process for your specific procedure. Following their instructions will help you minimize your pain and discomfort. They might also suggest specific lifestyle changes, such as more rest and hydration.

You also shouldn’t smoke after your procedure, which could slow down your recovery time. 

With liposuction, you might notice small scars afterward. Your surgeon can provide you with ways to minimize the appearance of your scars after the treatment. 

7. What Results Should I Expect?

Your surgeon can help you develop realistic expectations regarding your results. With some procedures, it can take weeks before you see results. You should also ask your surgeon about the number of sessions you’ll need to accomplish your goals. 

Slim Down: 7 Questions to Ask About San Diego Fat Removal Treatments

Ready to slim down? Make sure to ask your San Diego fat removal specialist these questions before your procedure. That way, you’ll have peace of mind before your first appointment. 

Want to reveal a better you? Explore our fat removal options today!