Liposuction safety should be your number one concern when it comes to liposuction procedures. The problem is that most individuals look for inexpensive options rather than safe options.

Here is a list of five basic questions that you SHOULD be asking when doing basic research into liposuction procedures of any kind.

1. Are you an American Board of Plastic Surgeons (ABPS) certified surgeon?

This is the mission statement of the ABPS:

"The mission of The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. is to promote safe, ethical, efficacious plastic surgery to the public by maintaining high standards for the education, examination, certification, and maintenance of certification of plastic surgeons as specialists and subspecialists." (abplsurg.org)

If the surgeon you are researching is ABPS certified, there is a good chance that he or she is ethically inclined to give you upfront information, and will do the best job possible. It is important to make sure that this question is asked.

2. What anesthetic is the best for my particular procedure?

Typically, two different anesthetics are administered during a liposuction procedure. Either a general or local anesthetic.

General anesthesia is the "going under" drug that will put you into a sleep-like state of paralysis that will allow the surgeon free access to the fat deposits you want removed.

Local anesthesia is the "numbing" or locally paralyzed portion of the body you are having contoured. Local anesthesia is widely accepted as the best method, and has fewer complications that come with general anesthesia.

3. What type of facility will we be using?

There are different facilities that a liposuction surgery can be performed. Not all of them will be at hospitals, so it is important that you hold a certain standard before accepting a particular surgeon or facility.

The must give direct access to technology that will lessen the risks of injury to you. They must be accredited and reputable (ask for examples of their work). The environment must be clean and well organized. This will indicate to you the reputation of the surgeon you are working with, as well as the safety of the procedure.

4. What are the risks of this particular surgery?

Always know the risks going in. Different procedures (such as chin or thigh liposuction) will have their own unique risks and recovery times.

Generally speaking, expect soreness, bruising, fatigue, and swelling. Although these can be lessened by the surgeon's skill and technology, be sure to research the results of individuals who had the same procedure done. They can lend much information and experience.

5. When can I schedule a follow up visit?

Post-liposuction safety is extremely important. Because you're going to be going through various chemical changes in your body after a surgery (loss of fluids and a very extensive healing process) you will need to schedule a follow up visit with your surgeon to make sure you are recovering correctly, and no infections are hindering your progress.