Dear Dr. Winder:
Q.I was thinking of having liposuction on my "thunder thighs". But, last week I read some articles about the safety of this surgery that have me questioning whether or not this is something I really want to do. What can you tell me so that I can decide?

A. Your concerns are valid; it would be inappropriate for anyone to consider any form of elective, cosmetic surgery without fully researching the potential risks and complications. If you'd like to come in for a consultation, we'll cover these issues in depth. In the meantime, let me address the recent articles you're referring to.

First, I must tell you that none of my patients have ever had any significant complications following liposuction; I have performed thousands of liposuction procedures. As there is risk with any surgery, there is risk with liposuction. However, the studies recently published did not delineate between two items: small volume vs. large volume lipo-suction; and 2) surgeries being performed in doctor's offices and those being performed in licensed, accredited ambulatory surgery centers and hospitals. It is also important to note that physicians who are not board-certified plastic surgeons, who trained in totally unrelated fields of medicine, are doing liposuction, without the proper training, which can be very dangerous.

As a board-certified plastic surgeon , I have privileges to perform liposuction at Mercy Medical Center, and Durango SurgiCenter; I would not consider performing liposuction in an office setting. I also disagree with large-volume liposuction; liposuction was and is intended to "sculpt" away bulging area of superficial fat cells . . . it should not be used as a means of weight loss. I simply will not go beyond the limits of safety. It should also not be done at the same time as other significant surgical procedures; some small procedures can be added safely. When done appropriately, liposuction can be very safe! Call now to schedule a consultation

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