ABSTRACT
The patient is weighed, and if I deem the patient a good candidate for the procedure I then review the photographs that were taken, along with before and after photographs I feel are relevant to their case so we can discuss expectations. I point out both the positive and negative outcomes they should expect. We then discuss which type of liposuction I plan to use. Further along we will discuss when I veer from my tumescent liposuction with power assistance and use laser-assisted liposuction. At this point I will say if the patient is a good candidate we would do pre-operative testing. Patients under the age of 50 are screened as medically indicated, i.e. autoimmune disease, history of cancer, history of radiation, etc. Over the age of 50, patients require medical clearance consisting of blood work including CBC with different platelets; Chemistry 18, PT, PTT, EKG, and a letter of medical clearance from the primary care physician or internist; additional medical clearance is requested if the history requires it. All testing is done within one month of the procedure. If the procedure is delayed the patient is reevaluated and the screening and testing are repeated. These are our specific guidelines due to our Joint Commission certification.
