Treating obesity: the truth about liposuction

Every year millions of women (and men) fail to win their battle against "love handles" and excess fat in the hips, thighs, buttocks and other problem areas. In frustration they turn to liposuction, a type of cosmetic surgery that literally vacuums fat out of the body. Consider carefully before committing yourself to surgery, however. The following are good guidelines for those considering liposuction.

The liposuction procedure is not a "magic bullet." Liposuction doesn't mean you can eat anything you want afterwards, nor does it mean you'll be in a bikini the next day (it can take six weeks or longer for the swelling to go down). And while the procedure may improve the look of your cottage-cheese thighs, it won't transform you from a size 16 into a size 6. Moreover, liposuction is not without risks.

Liposuction is meant for body contouring, and recommended only for people who want to remove small amounts of fatty de­posits. As a general rule, this means only the mildly overweight, or those within 30 percent of their ideal body weight.

Select a surgeon certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and your provincial accrediting bodies. Ask for verification in writing of the doctor’s privileges to perform liposuction in an accredited acute care hospital. If the doctor does the surgery in an office, ask for proof of the facility’s accreditation.

Give an accurate medical history and be sure to report all medications you take, even herbal supplements.

If it includes deep sedation, be sure that certified staff members who have appropriate training will administer it.

Make sure you understand the differences between the various types of liposuction. Ask questions. If your doctor can't answer them, or dismisses them as unimportant, find another doctor.

Talk about pre- and post­-operative care, and any risks.