Liposuction

Liposuction is performed in our outpatient surgical center usually under general anesthesia. Surgery length will vary depending on number of body areas of liposuction you are having performed. After anesthesia is initiated, your surgeon will make small incisions in the areas where you are having liposuction, and will infuse fluid containing local anesthetic and adrenaline in order to reduce the amount of bleeding during surgery. Next, a liposuction cannula, a small hollow cylinder with openings, will be inserted through the incisions to loosen the fat deposits. The cannula will be moved back and forth in a fluid motion to allow for the fat to be broken up. The fat is then suctioned out of the body. The fat is removed through this method whether you are having liposuction on your abdomen, thighs, arms, or chin. Fat cells that are removed do not come back, but it is still possible to gain weight after liposuction as the remaining cells can grow larger. There are other techniques to perform liposuction including power assisted liposuction, ultrasound assisted and laser assisted. Power assisted liposuction (PAL) utilizes a powered cannula devise which vibrates and allows for a more efficient fat breakup and removal. It is a preferred method of liposuction at our surgery center. During fat removal your surgeon constantly monitors your body contour to ensure the best cosmetic result. After your surgeon is satisfied with your new contour, the small skin incisions are closed with absorbable sutures. You are placed into a surgical garment and after short recovery you are discharged home.

Liposuction Consultation and Planning

During your consultation appointment, your surgeon in Sugar Land will evaluate you and determine if you are an appropriate candidate for liposuction. He or she will listen to your aesthetic concerns and guide you as to which intervention will help achieve your desired goals. You will be asked about your medical history and your surgeon will perform a physical exam. Your surgeon will also go over the procedure and explain any risks.

If you are ready to proceed with your operation, you will be given pre-operative instructions. You will be instructed to stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications as well as aspirin. If you are able, it is important to stop smoking. If you have any questions regarding the procedure, please speak with your surgeon so that he or she may address those prior to surgery.WHAT CAN IT DO? Contours the body by removing stubborn excess fat.

Do you have areas of fat that just don’t seem to get any better, no matter how much dieting and exercising you do? Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures to address this issue and helps to remove unwanted, stubborn fat. Liposuction can target hard to treat areas in any body part: the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, legs and chin. Liposuction creates a more contoured and natural result.

Whether you are seeking treatment for that extra fat build-up around the mid-section otherwise known as “love handles” or “muffin top” or you are seeking to remove extra fat around the thighs known as “saddle bags”, liposuction can offer you that contoured abdomen and thighs. No woman wants these extra areas of unsightly fat that is resistant to normal diet and exercise. Liposuction can also be performed on women or men who have excess, unwanted fat build-up within their arms and seek to have a more contoured, defined aesthetic appeal to their natural musculature.

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that allows you to address areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is imperative that you have realistic expectations of what the procedure can offer you; and to remember that it is a means to address these troublesome areas not a form of weight loss.

Liposuction Recovery

After your procedure you will need to wear compression bandages or compression garment to reduce swelling. Your surgeon will provide you with instructions as to how to care for your incision sites and how long you should wear your compression garments. Bruising and swelling is expected after surgery. You will have pain medication prescribed for you which will help with any post-operative discomfort and you should not drive while taking these medications. Most patient are able to return to work in a few days to a week after their surgery. Patients are able to return to all normal activities in about 4 weeks.

Liposuction Results

The results will vary from patient to patient, and the most important thing to remember is to have realistic expectations of what this procedure can offer. You will have swelling and bruising initially, and as the swelling and bruising continues to subside you will begin to notice the improved contoured body areas.