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Liposuction Surgery: Safety and Risks

Liposuction cosmetic surgery has emerged as a popular procedure for several reasons, and one of them is its high safety record. Innovative surgical techniques and new technologies have increased the safety profile of liposuction. Tumescent liposuction is the most common technique adopted by cosmetic surgeons today, which avoids the need for general anesthesia altogether. Laser and ultrasound technologies are also combined with traditional liposuction plastic surgery sometimes to achieve more effective outcomes with less invasive surgery. Dr. Bryson Richards is a dedicated plastic surgeon providing liposuction and other procedures to patients in and around Las Vegas. During the initial consultation, he will discuss all the potential risks and complications of liposuction to help the patient make an informed choice.

Common Risks and Complications

Despite a high safety record, liposuction cosmetic surgery will still involve some common risks that are typically associated with any surgical procedure. These risks include the following: Anesthesia Risks In some cases, the cosmetic surgeon may decide to perform the procedure using general anesthesia, which involves inherent risks. However, this risk can be minimized if the procedure is performed on the right candidate who is fit enough to undergo the surgery with general anesthesia. Secondly, a skilled and experienced anesthesiologist will be able to perform the procedure with minimal risk.

Bleeding and Infection

Risks If the patient suffers from a certain medical condition, which may aggravate the risk of bleeding during liposuction, the plastic surgeon should not consider such a candidate for surgery. Infection risks are inherent to any surgical procedure, but the surgeon can minimize them by taking complete precautions. Dr. Richards performs liposuction in a completely sterile environment to keep the risk of infection to a negligible level for his patients in Las Vegas.

Numbness and Altered Skin Sensation

Temporary numbness and minor changes in the skin sensation in the treated area are common which will resolve on their own with time. However, in some cases, the alterations in skin sensation may persist. This may also happen if the surgeon performs a more aggressive procedure to achieve the desired aesthetic goals.

Risk of Damage to Deeper Structures

Liposuction is usually a highly safe procedure, as long as the surgeon adopts a conservative approach to fat reduction. However, if the procedure is performed by a lesser experienced surgeon, or an aggressive surgical approach is adopted, it may result in damage to deeper structures such as muscles, nerves, blood vessels, lungs, and abdominal organs.

Persistent Bruising or Swelling

In most cases, the bruising and swelling will subside on its. Swelling may take several months to subside complete. However, if the patient is prone to poor wound healing, or due to some other causes, the bruising or swelling may persist for a longer period.

Aesthetic Risks

The risk of asymmetry or irregular contours will exist, particularly if the treatment plan does not take into account the appearance of other body parts. Sometimes irregular pigmentation may occur following the liposuction procedure, which can create aesthetic concerns for the patient. Rippling or worsening of cellulite may also occur in a few patients.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Liposuction Surgery: Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon

Liposuction cosmetic surgery is a fairly customizable procedure that can be tailored to meet the individual aesthetic needs of a patient. For a new patient, it is important to understand all aspects of the plastic surgery procedure in order to make an informed decision. They should clarify all their doubts and concerns with the cosmetic surgeon, and only once they are fully satisfied, they should go ahead with the procedure.

The final decision rests with the patient because liposuction is an elective surgery. The patient will have to fill up the consent forms declaring that they have fully understood the potential risks associated with the procedure, and accept those risks. As an experienced plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards addresses all concerns and queries of the patient in adequate detail. Dr. Richards receives patients from Las Vegas and surrounding communities for liposuction.

Surgeon’s Experience and Training

Liposuction cosmetic surgery should be performed only by a qualified and experienced surgeon. The patient should ask questions about the surgeon’s background and choose to go ahead with the procedure only when properly satisfied with the information.

How many years have you already spent in terms of training and experience to perform plastic surgery procedures?
Do you have specific experience of performing liposuction procedure in the past?
What is your past success rate with respect to surgical procedures in general?
Do you prefer to use general anesthesia for liposuction, or perform tumescent liposuction using local anesthesia?

Previous Patients

Will I receive access to liposuction before and after images of previous patients at your practice?
Do you receive liposuction patients only from Las Vegas or also from surrounding areas?
Is it possible for me to talk to any of your staff members to know more about your practice?
Do you have a policy at your practice in the event of a need for a revisionary procedure following liposuction?

Surgical Procedure

How long the surgical procedure may last in my case?
Do I make a stellar candidate for liposuction cosmetic surgery?
Do you recommend liposuction in combination with another procedure to achieve the desired outcome in my case?
Can you provide me with a video of the actual liposuction surgery being performed?
Will the surgery in my case be performed as an outpatient procedure or will it require an overnight stay?

Potential Risks

What are the potential risks and complications involved in liposuction surgery?
What steps can I take to reduce the risk?
Will it be necessary to re-schedule my existing medications or herbal supplements?
Should I acquire an insurance policy against potential risks and complications during surgery?

Recovery

What will be the approximate downtime involved?
Will I have to undergo a considerable period of pain and discomfort?
What kind of temporary lifestyle changes I may be required to adopt?

Experienced surgeons will usually address most of the patient’s concerns of their own accord, without the patient having to ask so many questions during the pre-op consultations.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Liposuction Surgery Recovery

A number of surgical techniques to perform liposuction cosmetic surgery are available today. Recovery process will depend on the technique used as well as the extent of surgery performed. Some patients may need only minor liposuction plastic surgery in a small area such as neck, chin, knees or calves, while some others may need the surgery in multiple areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, or breasts.

The patient’s health status and their natural ability to heal will also make a difference to how quickly the recovery is completed. Dr. Bryson Richards is an experienced plastic surgeon providing liposuction and other procedures to patients in Las Vegas and surrounding areas. During the initial consultation, he will discuss various aspects of the surgery, including the expected recovery process.

Recovery Period

Busy moms and working people will typically be more concerned about the downtime involved in liposuction. The cosmetic surgeon will discuss the estimated recovery period during the initial consultation to help the patient make an informed decision. Most of the patients may be able to return to their workplace after a week, provided the job does put undue physical stress in the treated areas for the first few weeks. If the cosmetic surgery has been more extensive, involving multiple areas, the downtime may be up to two weeks.

To expedite the healing process and to reduce swelling, the cosmetic surgeon will wrap the treated area with a compressive garment once the procedure is over. Swelling and bruising will begin to reduce quickly after the first week, but the swelling will completely disappear only after several months. The patient will feel more confident as the new, enhanced body contour shows gradually.

Instructions for the Patient

The plastic surgeon will provide detailed care instructions to be followed during the recovery. Dr. Richards makes sure that his patients in Las Vegas and other areas know the best ways to protect themselves against infections and heal faster with minimal pain and discomfort. The instructions will typically cover the following aspects:

o Caring for the wounds in the initial period until the temporary drains are in place.
o When to use pain medications and antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection.
o Unusual signs to look for, when the surgeon must be contacted for an emergency review.
o Date for the first follow-up visit for removal of drains and sutures, and review of the healing progress.

Questions about Recovery

The patient should clarify their doubts and concerns related to recovery at the time of pre-op consultations, or following the procedure before they leave the office. Some of the typical queries may be as follows:

o Should I arrange for additional help for home for a few days?
o How long will I have to wear the compression garment, and should it be worn full-time?
o What kind of light exercises should I perform to expedite recovery?
o When will I be able to return to work and perform my daily activities normally?

Recovery will be relatively faster in case the surgeon makes use of tumescent surgical technique for liposuction, which does not involve general anesthesia.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Liposuction Before and After Photos

Liposuction is a fat reduction cosmetic surgery procedure aimed at improving the body contours. The procedure may be performed independently or in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures. Both traditional and modern surgical techniques are applied for liposuction, depending on the decision of the cosmetic surgeon.

Dr. Bryson Richards is an experienced plastic surgeon providing liposuction and other procedures to patients in Las Vegas and other areas. During the initial consultation, Dr. Richards will discuss various aspects of the procedure and show liposuction before and after photographs to the patient. His goal is to ensure that the patient makes a well-informed decision with full knowledge of what liposuction can or cannot do for them.

What are Liposuction Before and After Pictures?

Before and after pictures in case of liposuction cosmetic surgery refer to a pair or group of images belonging to a previous patient who has been through liposuction already with successful results. The images are taken before the procedure and after the procedure at a stage when swelling and bruising is subsided and full effects of the surgery have appeared. The plastic surgeon will take these photos with the consent of the patient, and present them before new patients in a discreet way.

The goal of the surgeon is to educate new patients about various aspects of liposuction surgery with the help of these photos. Liposuction ‘before and after’ images serve as an effective visual aid to show the potential aesthetic usefulness of the procedure. As an experienced cosmetic surgeon in Las Vegas, Dr. Richards likes to provide his patients with access to before and after pictures at the time of pre-op consultation.

Benefits

A new patient seeking liposuction plastic surgery may not necessarily have a complete idea of what the procedure can or cannot do for them. Some patients may need a more extensive liposuction procedure in multiple areas of the body, while others may need only a limited liposuction in a specific body part.

The surgeon may recommend liposuction as an additional procedure along with a tummy tuck, breast reduction, mommy makeover or other procedures in some cases. For a patient, it can get confusing as to what may be the best treatment approach in their case. This is where the surgeon can make use of liposuction before and after photos in order to help the patient make the right choices.

Having Realistic Expectations

Any fantastic plastic surgeon will always like to ensure that the patient has a positive mindset, clear cosmetic goals, and realistic expectations before going ahead with the surgery. Liposuction ‘before and after’ photos can help in this process. The patient will know clearly what to expect and what not to expect from the outcome of the procedure. This avoids any chance of disappointment later on.

Online Photos

The surgeon has an option to provide liposuction before and after photos on their practice website. New patients can review the photos online in the privacy of their home or office even before they make up their mind about visiting the surgeon for a consultation.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Liposuction and its Correlating Cost

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery not only because of its effective outcomes, but also because the procedure may be more cost-effective and produce the desired results with low risk and less downtime. The cosmetic surgeon can target the specific areas of the body with unwanted fat cells, and help the patient meet their goals with liposuction surgery.

Dr. Bryson Richards is a committed plastic surgeon providing liposuction and other surgical procedures for the breast, body, and face to patients in and around Las Vegas. During the initial consultation, Dr. Richards will discuss various aspects of liposuction plastic surgery, including its cost estimate in order to help the patient make an informed choice.

Factors that Influence the Cost

The cost of liposuction cosmetic surgery can differ between two practices, and may even differ between two patients at the same practice. A number of factors will go into determining the overall cost of the procedure.

Where the Practice is Located

Practice location can make a difference to the overall cost of liposuction plastic surgery. This happens because cost of living may be variable from place to place. For instance, the cost of liposuction in Las Vegas, NV may not be the same as the cost in Austin, TX.

Fee of the Plastic Surgeon

The plastic surgeon may charge their fee on the basis of their qualifications, experience and reputation in the area of liposuction. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends that a patient should choose the right surgeon for their needs, and factors such as the surgeon’s fee should only be considered as secondary.

Surgical Facility and Anesthesia Costs

If the procedure is extensive, the cosmetic surgeon may decide to use general anesthesia for liposuction. In such a case, the anesthesiologist’s fee must be considered, which can vary depending on their expertise and reputation. If the surgical facility provides high quality equipment, experienced staff, and personalized care and attention, the cost of the facility may be a little higher when compared to an average operating room.

How Complex is the Procedure

The cost of liposuction will also be a function of the total length and complexity of the procedure involved. Each case is different, and the aesthetic goals of patients are also different. A customized treatment for a large area such as hips, abdomen, thighs, or back is likely to cost more than standard treatment for a smaller treatment area such as cheeks, neck, or knees.

Average Cost

Liposuction average cost will typically range between $5,000 and $12,000 based on multiple factors. The ASPS released national average cost figures for 2013 in the US, according to which the average cost of liposuction was $2,866. However, the ASPS clarified that this basic average cost did not include the costs of anesthesia, if any, operating room expenses, and related costs.

Insurance may or may not be covered, fully or partially, depending on the nature of surgery and the patient’s health policy terms. The procedure can be financed conveniently through a medical care finance company, bank loans, personal borrowings, or other sources.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Liposuction Overview

Liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgery procedure designed to reduce stubborn pockets of fat from specific areas of the body. The procedure is often performed in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures to achieve more comprehensive outcomes. Liposuction may address single or multiple areas of the body, depending on the aesthetic goals of a patient.

Dr. Bryson Richards is an experienced plastic surgeon providing liposuction and a range of other procedures for the breast, body and face. Dr. Richards receives patients from Las Vegas and surrounding areas for liposuction. He will first determine the suitability of a candidate before recommending the best available treatment options.

Fat Reduction

Many times a person may have moderate body weight, but may be bothered by the presence of unwanted fat deposits in certain areas of the body such as thighs, buttocks, calves, abdomen, neck, knees, or arms. In such cases, the cosmetic surgeon may suggest liposculpture or liposuction surgery to remove excess fats and enhance the body contour.

State of the art surgical techniques such as tumescent liposuction have made the procedure safer, less invasive, and more effective. Sometimes liposuction cosmetic surgery may be performed in combination with laser therapy. The goal is to focus on a specific area of the body and surgically remove deeper layers of fat.

Who Needs Liposuction?

Dr. Richards is a dedicated plastic surgeon for liposuction surgery in Las Vegas. He will evaluate the patient on various parameters before recommending liposuction. An outstanding candidate for this cosmetic surgery will be an adult with moderate and stable body, but suffering from excess fat deposits in one or more parts of the body.

If diet and exercise have not managed to reduce the fats, liposuction may be the right treatment. Such fat deposits may occur due to genetic factors, aging, lack of exercise and fitness, or other factors. Patients should know that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure.

Surgery

Traditional liposuction plastic surgery procedure may be performed using general anesthesia or IV sedation. However, with tumescent liposuction technique, the need for general anesthesia is avoided. The surgeon will make a small incision in a pre-determined area. A solution with local anesthetic and adrenaline is injected to keep the patient comfortable and minimize the risk of bleeding.

The cosmetic surgeon will use a cannula to dislodge stubborn fat cells, which will then be suctioned out with a syringe attached to the cannula. The total procedure may be completed in one to three hours in most cases. However, if the procedure is extensive, it may be performed over two days because only a limited amount of fat should be removed in a single day.

Recovery

In case of tumescent liposuction, the recovery will be faster because it avoids general anesthesia and the procedure is less invasive. The patient may return to their regular activities or go to work after about a week. Vigorous exercises and heavy lifting of weights should be avoided for at least four to six weeks.
If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Breast Augmentation Surgery

Planning to get a breast augmentation plastic surgery to enhance your breast size and improve your figure? Way to go, but before that, you would need to consult your plastic surgeon. If you happen to live in Las Vegas, you could consult cosmetic surgeon Dr Bryson Richards about whether you are a candidate for breast augmentation cosmetic surgery and the preparation needed for the same.

Before preparing for a breast augmentation plastic surgery, you would need clarity on whether you are the ideal candidate.Your surgeon will seek your medical history and then take a call. You may also have to decide what kind of breast implant you need after consulting with Dr Bryson Richards. The cosmetic surgeon will explain that there are three kinds of implants you could choose: saline, silicone and gummy bears. The surgeon will also explain the risks and advantages of each type of breast implant so you can understand which one to choose. You would also be shown ‘before and after’ pictures as part of the preparation.

Tips to follow before surgery

You would be told by your cosmetic surgeon in the Las Vegas facility to stop smoking for a few weeks before and after the plastic surgery.

Don’t take any over-the-counter medications; any supplements you might be taking should be brought to the notice of the cosmetic surgeon ahead of the surgery. Medications like ibuprofen can lead to bleeding during surgery and sometimes even later.

Follow your plastic surgeon’s instructions carefully on diet and exercise; essentially Dr Bryson Richards will tell you to steer clear of alcohol and stick to a nutritious balanced diet.

For at least two-three days before your cosmetic surgery, you will be asked to wash the area that will be treated with an antibiotic soap or lotion.

Your cosmetic surgeon will tell you not to wear any perfume, deodorant or lotions on the day of your surgery.

If your plastic surgery is done in an outpatient facility, you should ask one of your family members or friends to drive you to and back home.

Surgical procedure

Your plastic surgery procedure will last not more than one-two hours and you will be shifted to the ward immediately. There are some risks involved in the procedure, and your surgeon at the Las Vegas facility will keep you posted. Understanding the risks of surgery is an important aspect of preparation; asking the plastic surgeon about additional procedures you may have to undergo as follow-ups is equally important.

You should also ask your surgeon about when you can expect to see results; for some people, the results are visible by six months while for others it may take time. Immediately after the cosmetic surgery, you can expect some bruising, redness or swelling which will fade away with time.

What to expect after surgery?

Following surgery, you may be asked not to do any heavy lifting or aggressive movements of the arms for a couple of weeks. Walking after cosmetic surgery to augment breast size is alright but intense exercise such as jogging, running or biking may not be permissible till the implants settle in. Also make sure to schedule follow-up visits to your Las Vegas facility to assess the condition.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Have you been considering breast augmentation for awhile now, but are unsure if you fit the bill? If you live in Las Vegas, you surely should consider meeting plastic surgeon Dr Bryson Richards for a consultation on what exactly the procedure is all about .

Most women seek breast augmentation plastic surgery because they are unhappy with the size of their breasts, leading to body-image problems. But there are women who consider cosmetic surgery following removal of breasts owing to cancer. The other common reason that leads women to seek cosmetic surgery involving breast augmentation is that they have lost volume owing to pregnancy, weight-loss program or nursing. Cosmetic surgeon Dr Bryson Richards and his team will also show you ‘before and after’ pictures so you understand the impact of cosmetic surgery involving enhancement of breast size.

What makes you a good candidate?

Your plastic surgeon will tell you that you need to be a non-smoker or at least quit smoking for a month before plastic surgery. You would need to be healthy and not have any serious issues or conditions, and be close to the right weight for your height. The team at your Las Vegas facility will also keep you posted on the risks involved as also the benefits. You would need to make an informed choice on the implants for the plastic surgery as well.

You are not a good candidate if…

You have had some radiation treatment earlier.
You are not yet 18.
You have not understood the procedure involved and the implications.
You are breastfeeding or expecting a baby.

Typically, breast augmentation involves incisions made near the armpits, under the breast fold or near the nipples, and the cuts vary depending on the kind of implant used and the amount of breast augmentation that is being done. There are saline, silicone and gummy bear implants. Saline implants are, as the name says, composed of salt water, which on leakage is absorbed by the body.

Silicone implants are made of silicone gel which lends a natural feel to your breasts. However, spotting a leaking silicone implant is not easy and you may need regular visits to your plastic surgeon at the Las Vegas facility for check-ups. Gummy bears are the latest among implants and are made of a dense gel. You could choose one of them, depending on your need and the cosmetic surgeon’s opinion. You would need to bear in mind that silicone implants require you to be over 22.

The benefits of cosmetic surgery are many; your cosmetic surgeon Dr Bryson Richards will tell you from experience and feedback from other women that the surgery has boosted their self-esteem. The results will start to show after some months, in some cases between six and nine months. However, breast implants won’t last forever, and you may need to get them replaced. Get regular examinations done by your plastic surgeon at the Las Vegas facility to get an idea of when to opt for a replacement.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070

Plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery have become common terms in medical universe now. Plastic surgery involves the correction and repair of an external limb or skin, which has been damaged or has been a birth defect preventing normal function. Cosmetic surgery involves aesthetically inclined surgery meant to make a part of the body to look better. Plastic surgeries are being done by professional surgeons who are experts in their field. Cosmetic surgeons and plastic surgeons are in demand in Las Vegas and one such in-demand surgeon is Dr. Bryson Richards.

A skilled professional

Dr. Richards is one of the most capable and knowledgeable plastic surgeons in Las Vegas. His expertise has earned him invitations to several meetings, seminars and national level conferences to be present as a valuable speaker. He is involved in research too and has written a paper specifying the procedure to lessen the pain after breast implant surgery, which was published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, a national medical journal. Dr. Richards has the latest equipment meant to perform the most advanced cosmetic and plastic surgery, and Las Vegas residents can get these services from him.

Having degree in medical science from Cornell Medical School, New York, he has advanced training in cosmetic surgery from Cleveland Clinic. He was also the chief plastic surgery resident doctor at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York. He received the top resident research reward for examining the ways to make the patients’ care better.

Dr. Bryson Richards is also involved in voluntary activities. He has volunteered in Uganda, Africa to surgically treat clefts and palate defects in African patients. His contribution to humanity is a highlight of his 14-year career as a plastic surgeon.

Patient treatment and care

Dr. Richards understands his patients and their concerns very well. His ability to listen and understand his patients’ problems as well as requirements makes him a good doctor. He answers all questions as well as doubts of his patients professionally. A plastic surgeon par excellence, he has surgical solutions for face as well as body. Non-surgical procedures can also be performed by Dr. Richards, and he does offer them when the patient is not willing to go for a surgical procedure. If a patient requests same day appointment, Dr. Richards will try to honor it to the best of his ability.

Dr. Bryson Richards also has an active work-life balance, and enjoys mountain biking, skiing, boating and playing different sports. He loves being outdoors, and enjoys the fresh feel of the air when he is leisurely engaged in any one of his hobbies. He came to Las Vegas for the fresh feel of the southwest air. A happily married man of 10 years, he has four awesome kids with whom he loves to spend time with. Dr. Richards is not only an understanding and helpful surgeon, but also a good a friend to many of his patients. If you are considering a cosmetic surgery, but are not sure, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Richards to free your mind from all the doubts related to the procedure.

If you would like more information on cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Las Vegas plastic surgeon, Dr. Bryson Richards please contact us at 702.870.7070