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Medical Author:

Joel Schlessinger, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Results

The recovery time varies from a few days with the tumescent liposuction method to two weeks with the traditional procedure. The patient should ask their surgeon to estimate the recovery period. Laser-assisted methods result in recovery in roughly the same time, depending on which method is used. Because many surgeons tend to use the tumescent method along with the laser, they claim that the laser method results in less recovery time, but this is actually a result of the use of the tumescent method, which has a shortened recovery time when compared with the traditional method.

Results can vary from minor to significant improvement. This type of improvement varies with the type of procedure performed, the skill of the surgeon, and the overall laxity of the area before the surgery. Most patients find this surgery to be very helpful, and most results are anticipated to be either good or excellent.

It is worthy to note that surgeon's skills vary greatly, and it is always best to check how many of these procedures your surgeon has performed, look at pictures of previous patients, and even ask for references from previous patients who might be willing to discuss their experience if necessary.

While many surgeons claim the laser method to be vastly superior, in this surgeon's experience it is somewhat better, but not significant enough to claim it to be a revolutionary method. In the cases of this surgeon, it tends to result in about 100 cc more fat being suctioned per area and a small amount more retraction, all of which tend to be appreciated by the patient.