Accumulation of excess flab in certain areas of the body may occur due to a variety of reasons. Over time, the unwanted fat deposits become resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction cosmetic surgery is a proven and effective procedure to eliminate targeted fat tissue and create contour improvements. Board certified plastic surgeons at ACPS provide liposuction to patients in Houston, Texas, TX, and surrounding communities.
Advantages
Liposuction is a customizable procedure that can be used to create subtle or dramatic enhancements to the body contours in targeted areas. The procedure can be performed independently or in conjunction with other surgeries.
Introduction of less invasive liposuction techniques over the years have made it the second most popular plastic surgery in the US today after breast implants. The procedure is commonly used to balance the proportion between lower and upper body, create a narrower waistline, shapelier contours, and a leaner overall physique.
Traditional Liposuction Procedure
The liposuction procedure will involve small incisions of about a quarter of an inch, which will be placed in inconspicuous locations within the affected area. A thin, hollow tube called a cannula will be used to dislodge stubborn fat cells and sculpt more attractive contours. The excess fat will be taken out through a suction pump connected to the other end of the cannula.
Traditional liposuction surgery may be performed using general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia. The procedure may be completed in one to two hours in most cases, but full body contouring can take a longer time. Experienced cosmetic surgeons at ACPS receive patients from Houston, Texas, TX, and nearby areas for liposuction.
Tumescent Liposuction
The tumescent technique is the most popular way to perform liposuction surgery in areas such as the abdomen, buttocks, hips and thighs. The procedure is less invasive and involves the use of only local anesthesia. The surgeon will inject local anesthetic along with a special fluid below the skin in the targeted area. The fluid selectively causes the fat cells to swell, making it easier to isolate and remove them.
The fluid will also numb and constrict blood flow, resulting in reduced blood loss and minimal bruising. Post-surgical discomfort will be limited and recovery will be faster with this procedure. This technique also involves the use of a special cannula to remove fat, but fat cells can be taken out in a less aggressive way because the fluid would have already compromised them.
Following the surgery, the patient is required to wear a compression garment or girdle. The pressure through the garment allows the firming up of the desired shape. The garment must be worn most of the time for about six weeks. Ultrasound assisted liposuction technique may also be used along with tumescent liposuction for easier fat removal.
Recovery
Following liposuction, the swelling and bruising will diminish in about a week to 10 days. The compression garment will help to mitigate swelling and conform the patient’s body to the newly sculpted contours. Most patients can resume their normal activity within a week after the surgery.
For more information about The Aesthetic Center for Plastic Surgery(ACPS)physicians and the cosmetic surgery treatments and procedures they perform please click here or call us at 713.799.9999. We have offices in and around Houston, Texas.