Liposuction is the most performed cosmetic procedure in the United States, and about 70,000 of the operations are performed in North Carolina a year.
CHARLOTTE -- With bathing suit season here, more people are opting for surgery to get rid of fat. But choosing to undergo liposuction surgery is a big decision that can have disastrous or deadly consequences if you don’t choose carefully.
While techniques may vary, two things remain the same: It is surgery, and you need a qualified, certified doctor to perform the procedure. “It seems intuitive that anyone who wanted to seek out plastic surgery would go to a plastic surgeon but that doesn't always happen,” said Dr. Stephan Finical of Charlotte Plastic Surgery.
Liposuction is the most performed cosmetic procedure in the United States, and about 70,000 of the operations are performed in North Carolina a year. With the rise in popularity come unflattering headlines of botched procedures and even death.
With bathing suit season here, more people are opting for surgery to get rid of fat. But choosing to undergo liposuction surgery is a big decision that can have disastrous or deadly consequences if you don’t choose carefully.
Sally Rickenbacker had the procedure and was thrilled with her results. That’s because she did her homework prior. “I had wondered if I could lose about five pounds doing the procedure, but it is more about contouring than you are going to wake up and be 10 pounds lighter,” she said.
In addition to medical training and board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, also find out how many procedures the doctor has performed, and ask to talk to other patients about their experience.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says 1.8 million cosmetic surgical procedures were performed in the U.S. last year. North Carolina ranks second on the list.