When you consult with Dr. Popp about liposuction, the first thing he does is get to know you from a medical perspective.
He starts with questions about your medical history. These cover past surgeries, current prescriptions, scarring problems, responses to anesthesia and ongoing infections and allergies
It’s more likely a procedure can be done without problems if you’re in good health.
Then he asks what your goals are with the procedure or procedures you discuss. He also asks what bothers you most about that particular area.
Stomach issues
For example, the patient wants her stomach to appear flatter around two prominent scars on her abdomen.
Dr. Popp addresses three potential issues there might be with anyone’s stomach.
“There are skin, fat and muscle issues. These are the three different layers of the stomach,” he said. “Quite a few people I see have fat issues or separation of stomach muscles, particularly in women who have had children.”
To see what aspects need to be addressed during liposuction, Dr. Popp has the patient change into a paper gown and paper underwear while he leaves to get his nurse.
When they return, he takes pictures and has the patient do half a sit up and a leg lift to check her stomach muscles.
“That tells us if there are hernia issues or torn muscles or something that might change the direction we have to go in or the things we might suggest,” he said.
Good to go
None of these issues are present, so Dr. Popp says he can proceed with liposuction. Then he explains the procedure to the patient.
“We take 20 minutes to numb you up. This is done in the pre-op area. We mark the spot where we are going to remove the fat, and mark your scars as well,” he said.
“Then we take you back to the operating room, paint you with antiseptic, put an IV in and give you a squirt of Valium and Demerol.”
He uses an “infusion cannon,” not a needle, to pump numbing solution into the abdomen through a series of holes. He said she would feel pressure but no pain. These same holes are used to withdraw the fat.
Following liposuction
After the procedure, the patient wears a binder around her abdomen 24 hours a day for a week and then 12 hours a day the following week, except when showering.
Dr. Popp said the fluid continues to leak out over time, with most oozing out the first few days. He provides pads to address that.
“You can walk as much as you want. In fact, we encourage our patients to be active,” he said.
The only things not included in the procedure’s cost are antibiotics and a prescription for four days of prednisone.
Of course, the best part is the patient ultimately gets what she wants, a flatter stomach.
Ready to get your no-cost consult today? Call 402-391-4558.
