The consultation, which typically lasts 45 minutes, will be your time to spend with Dr. Secretan, as well as the staff. We will discuss your goals and expectations and review with you the various options that exist in performing the procedure.

Before committing to your liposuction procedure, you’ll have an in-depth consultation with Dr. Secretan to:

• Assess the quality of your skin
• Assess the degree of localized fat excess
• Assess the degree of cellulite or dimpling in the area(s)

Ample opportunity will be provided to ensure your personal comfort level with both the procedure and with us. Once you have decided to proceed with liposuction, we will do our best to schedule your surgery as conveniently for you as possible.

Liposuction involves removing fat by inserting a small tube (cannula) through tiny incisions close to the affected area. Incisions are very small – usually 1-2 cm. Typically, a fluid is first injected in to the area to assist in separating the fat cells and to reduce the degree of bleeding. The fat is then removed with the cannula, occasionally with the assistance of energy technologies such as ultrasound, laser or radio frequency.

Liposuction risks include:

• Anesthesia risks
• Bruising
• Change in skin sensation that may persist
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection
• Irregular contours or asymmetries
• Irregular pigmentation
• Need for revision surgery
• Persistent swelling
• Poor wound healing
• Rippling or loose skin, worsening of cellulite
• Swelling
• Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty technique

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent.

When you receive a quote for surgery from Dr. Secretan, all of the costs below are included in your quote which will enable you to know the exact payment required.

If you are considering having multiple cosmetic procedures done, speak with Dr. Secretan about the possibility of having them all done at once.

For patients whose insurance will not cover cosmetic procedures, there are financing options available. Often patients will use a credit card or a personal line of credit, however our clinic offers financing through companies like Medicard that specialize in financing for cosmetic procedures.

Anesthesia Fees

These fees cover the cost of the anesthetist, whose presence is required during and immediately after your surgery, and the anesthesia administered.

Hosptial/Private Surgical Suite Fees

These fees cover the cost of where your surgery is scheduled to take place.

The Surgeon’s Fees

In addition to your actual surgery, these fees also cover all pre-operative and post-operative follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Miscellaneous costs include the compression garment and any supplies you’ll need while you recover.

To determine the exact cost of your personal surgery, book a consultation with Dr. Secretan.

Most plastic surgery procedures are performed as an outpatient procedure, although overnight facilities are available for patients undergoing larger procedures or for those that are form out of town or come from a distance.

Before Surgery

Do not eat after midnight the night prior to surgery. You may drink clear fluids only, up to 6 hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. We will see you at the clinic before your surgery. We will usually do a few measurements and make several standardized markings before going into the operating room. Surgery is usually carried out under general anesthesia, but for some patients, and depending upon the procedure, local anesthesia with intravenous sedation is used. Our highly skilled anesthesia and nursing staff are there with you at all times to provide you with a safe experience in as caring and compassionate manner as possible.

Your Surgery

The length of surgery depends upon the procedure that you are undergoing. At the conclusion of the surgery, a very light bandage will be applied over the incision site. The anesthetist will have given you pain medication prior to the end of the surgery to minimize postoperative discomfort. From the operating room, you will be taken to our recovery area where you will stay until you are ready to go home. A recovery room nurse will be attending to you at all times to monitor your recovery and to ensure that you are comfortable.

After Surgery

Once you are ready to be discharged home, we will see you to review your postoperative instructions. You will be given a number to contact us or one of our staff 24 hours a day should you need any advice after leaving the clinic. Because you will have been under an anesthetic, your judgment and coordination may be affected for up to 24 hours. It is important to have a responsible adult pick you up from the clinic and stay with you the first night following surgery.

Following your surgery, there are several things that you should be aware of. Most important, if there is anything at all that you are uncertain about, please make sure to contact our office.

Recovery

Some swelling and bruising are normal after surgery and will subside gradually over 7-10 days.

You can minimize swelling by limiting your physical activity and applying ice packs to the surgical area during the first few days.

Bruising following surgery is rare although with some procedures such as liposuction, bruising can be more noticeable. If bruising does occur, it will disappear within the first two weeks.

Bandages

Following your surgery, there may be a small bandage placed over your incision. It should be kept dry until your first postoperative visit with Dr. Secretan. At the first visit following surgery, any bandages will be removed and you will be given instructions for how to best manage the scar.

Stitches

Dr. Secretan uses dissolvable stitches only so there are no stitches to be removed. With some facial procedures, a few non dissolvable stitches may be used. They will be removed at the first post op visit. Once the initial bandage has been removed it is fine to wash normally over the incision with soap and water. You can then apply the scar gel as provided by Dr. Secretan.

Exercise

It is fine to start gentle physical activity in the second week after surgery. This includes walking and stretching. Heavier activities such as jogging, aerobics classes, contact sports and upper body weights should be avoided for one month.