Although non-surgical fat removal options are now available and are gaining in popularity, liposuction in Houston remains a popular procedure for a variety of body areas. It can be a great option for people looking to shape and improve their bodies’ appearance on their journey to achieving their desired body contouring goals. In certain cases, when liposuction is combined with other plastic surgery procedures such as a tummy tuck and breast augmentation, it can help achieve the desired body contouring goals. It is crucial to understand the differences between various procedures and discuss with your surgeon which combination best suits your needs.
Before undergoing a liposuction procedure, there are many factors to consider and understand about the process, such as costs, candidate qualifications, and the plastic surgeon’s experience. Potential patients need to discuss payment options with their doctor and ensure they are suitable candidates for the surgery. In addition, patients must realize that liposuction is not a weight-loss solution but rather a treatment for stubborn fat deposits that individuals struggle to get rid of. Anesthesia will be used during this plastic surgery procedure to ensure the patient’s comfort.
Your board-certified surgeons and their team will provide you and a family member with pre-operative instructions, such as which medications to avoid (like blood thinners, which can cause complications) and how to prepare for both the surgery and recovery. It’s important to have a sense of what to expect from the procedure and its effects, including potential scarring and bruising, as well as the appearance of the liposuction result. Regular visits to your doctor before and after the surgery will ensure your concerns are addressed and expectations are met with satisfaction, success, and everything in between.
Ask Your Question in Your Liposuction Consultation
If you’re considering liposuction Houston, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the procedure. Scheduling a liposuction appointment and asking questions can help you make an informed decision on whether the procedure is right for you. Among the common concerns are swelling, scars, risks associated with the surgery, and the difference the treatment can make based on factors such as diet and lifestyle, skin elasticity, appropriate candidates, and the use of compression garments during recovery. Gaining insight into the pain and risk management strategies employed by the surgeons can further help you make an informed decision.
You probably have a lot of liposuction questions about the procedure itself. Most people want to know how big the incisions will be and how the surgeon will go about actually removing the fat from the treated area. During the consultation, having all your questions ready is essential, and your doctor will gladly answer any information, discomfort, or questions about the procedure. Visiting the surgical site and discussing different liposuction procedures during your consultation can provide valuable insights. The surgeon will also discuss the risks and benefits of each method, ensuring that you are fully aware of every aspect.
How is Liposuction Performed?
Several different liposuction techniques exist. One method is known as the super-wet technique. With the super-wet technique, the surgeon first injects a mixture of lidocaine, saline, and epinephrine into the area. The solution causes the fat cells to swell up. It also firms the fat up so that it’s easier to remove. One benefit of the super-wet technique is that the surgeon can remove a considerable amount of fat at once without the need for blood transfusions.
The incisions made during liposuction surgery usually aren’t very large. They are also usually hidden in creases of the skin. Their small size and locations mean that they aren’t particularly visible after the surgery. It is essential to discuss the thread used for stitching and the impact of scarring with the surgeon.
Once the area is prepared, the surgeon uses a tube called a cannula and a suction device to remove the unwanted fat.
One of the great things about liposuction is that it’s a truly customizable surgery that skilled plastic surgeons can perform. Everyone stores fat somewhat differently in their body, which can cause various problems and affect tissue health in different regions. This kind of surgery is often done in a well-equipped facility to minimize the risk of infection and ensure the safest possible condition for the removal of fat from these tissues.
What Areas Can You Treat With Liposuction?
Liposuction can treat unwanted fat in a wide range of body areas like the abdomen, and other areas such as the hips, thighs, neck and chin, breasts (on both men and women), back, and upper arms. The procedure has various benefits, including targeted fat removal and improved body contouring. The ideal result depends on the extent of the problem and the patient’s desired outcome.
Another feature that makes liposuction a customizable cosmetic surgery is the fact that you can combine it with other procedures to reach your body contouring goals. For example, the surgery is often paired with a tummy tuck, breast augmentation, or breast implant as part of a mommy makeover. Combining liposuction with another body-shaping procedure can mean that not only is the unwanted fat removed, but so is any loose skin that might also be interfering with your aesthetic goals. The cost of these combined services can vary depending on the specific treatments you choose.
Is it Possible to Combine Liposuction With Other Surgeries?
When it comes to how long liposuction takes, there are a few variables to consider. One is how long the surgery itself takes, which occurs in a surgeon’s office or operating room. That depends on the areas you’re treating and their size. Generally speaking, the procedure can take anywhere from one to four hours, during which anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort. Some patients might require additional tests or care before the surgery, depending on their unique circumstances.
What Is the Timeline for Liposuction?
When it comes to how long liposuction takes, there are a few variables to consider. One is how long the surgery itself takes. That depends on the areas you’re treating and their size. Generally speaking, the procedure can take anywhere from one to four hours.
Another thing to consider is how long you’ll need to dedicate to recuperating after liposuction. Usually, recovery from the surgery takes about a week. During this healing period, you’ll want to take time off from work and other activities. You might have to continue to avoid certain things, such as strenuous exercise, for up to a month after liposuction.
Is Liposuction the Right Choice for Me?
Another thing to consider is your overall health. If you have untreated chronic conditions, you’re most likely not a candidate for liposuction. The same is true if you smoke. If you’re a smoker or use other forms of tobacco, your surgeon will strongly advise that you quit before the procedure to avoid a complication in the surgery.
The type of fat you have also matters. Houston liposuction gets rid of extra subcutaneous fat, which is just beneath the surface of the skin. It won’t be able to remove deeper fat, such as visceral fat.
Schedule an Appointment with a Liposuction Expert
At his Houston, Texas-based practice, Dr. Paul Vitenas is dedicated to helping patients achieve natural-looking, beautiful liposuction results through this surgery and other cosmetic procedures. For answers to any additional liposuction questions or if you have a question about the procedures he offers, call 281-484-0088 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Vitenas today.
