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Liposuction in Houston, TX
Achieve A More Sculpted Body, Despite Fat Deposits That Are Resistant to Diet & Exercise!
Despite proper eating and staying active, sometimes localized fat deposits will continue to persist as a result of genetics, gender, or even hormonal changes in the body.
This leads to disproportional contours on the body; however, there’s no need to lose hope – if you’re looking to sculpt and shape your body, we’re here to help you out! Michael J. Streitmann, M.D., a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, offers liposuction to slim and reshape specific areas of the body. To learn more, give us a call at 832-664-7297 or send us an email at mjs@houstonplasticsurgery.net.
Liposuction is a common procedure to remove excess fat from the body, and you’ll find numerous plastic and cosmetic surgeons who perform the operation. Here’s what you need to know to decide if liposuction is right for you.
What Is Liposuction?
Even with proper diet and exercise, fat deposits can still form on the body, making it disproportional or unhealthy-looking. Liposuction removes these deposits of fat from beneath the skin, restoring a healthier appearance and bringing the body back into balance. Liposuction can be performed virtually anywhere on the body, but some of the most common treatment areas include:
- Chin
- Neck
- Back
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Inner/Outer Thighs
- Buttocks
- Knees
- Upper Arms
It is important to note that liposuction is designed for removing fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. People who are within about 25 pounds of their goal weight are ideal candidates. It is not intended to combat obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise.
Benefits Of Liposuction
Liposuction can drastically improve your self-esteem, as it brings your body back to a more slim, healthy appearance. It can also help to reduce your risk of many diseases and conditions associated with excess body fat, like diabetes and heart disease.
How Does Liposuction Work?
There are several different methods for performing liposuction, but the general procedure is relatively similar across the board. Your doctor will use a saline solution, laser or ultrasonic energy to break up the fat cells to help them release from your body. The fat can then be vacuumed out. Once the fat is gone, your doctor will apply epinephrine to help your blood vessels constrict, promoting healing and reducing swelling in the area.
Except for very small areas, most liposuction is done under general anesthesia so that you are not awake during the procedure. At Houston Plastic Surgery, we will do everything we can to help ensure your comfort during the surgery.
Post Op Liposuction Recovery Process
You’ll likely experience some pain, bruising and swelling after the procedure, so it is best to take a few days off before attempting to return to work. You’ll need to wait a few weeks after the procedure before engaging in strenuous activities and returning to your regular exercise routine.
Your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever to help with any discomfort you are experiencing, and he or she may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection from forming at the treatment site. It is a good idea to wear compression garments on the treated area for the first few weeks. This will help to reduce swelling and help your body tissue to settle back into the right place.
It may take several months for the results to truly set in, so don’t expect to be looking leaner on day one. Once the swelling goes down, your remaining muscle, fat and connective tissues will resettle, and you can expect to be fully healed in a few months.
Liposuction After-Care And Maintenance
For the most part, liposuction results are long-lasting, assuming you keep up with a healthy diet and regular exercise. If you do gain weight after the procedure, your body composition may have changed, so there is no way to predict where that excess fat will end up; it could come back to the area you had treated, or it could begin to accumulate somewhere else. The best way to prevent this from happening is to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Choose a Liposuction Surgeon in Houston You Can Trust
When looking for a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in Houston, you want to find a doctor you feel comfortable with. Take the time to have consultations with several doctors, to learn more about their practices. Most cosmetic surgeons in Houston will be more than happy to show you their liposuction before and after photos so that you can get a sense of the quality of their work. Any doctor that refuses to provide past examples is likely not a reputable surgeon, and you should look elsewhere to find a more trustworthy doctor.
Dr. Michael J. Streitmann will consult with you to discuss your expectations and desired outcome, as well as any potential risks or concerns, in order to ensure the success of the surgery. Ultimately, liposuction will improve body contour and proposition as soon as the swelling and fluid retention commonly associated with the procedure subside – allowing you to enjoy the following benefits:
- Improved health
- Higher self esteem
- A more sculpted body
Dr. Micahel Streitmann has helped thousands of people achieve their dream bodies, and we can help you too. We would love to tell you more about our plastic surgery services in Houston, so get in touch with us today to schedule your free consultation. There is no obligation at this initial appointment, so feel free to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, our doctors, our practice or anything else you are unsure about. Our doctors will always work with you with discretion and compassion, so don’t be shy about sharing your concerns with us.
Schedule your appointment to get the process started. We’re happy to help you get rid of that stubborn extra weight once and for all.
Get the results you’ve always desired
Michael J. Streitmann, M.D., a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon , offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures. To learn more, give us a call at 713-667-4600 or contact us.
Liposuction FAQs
Will the fat come back after liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat cells from your body. Typically, this is a permanent result. It is one of the most viable ways to achieve long-term improvement, especially in areas with stubborn fat deposits that appear unaffected by other weight-loss strategies. However, fat deposits may grow in other areas of the body. Additionally, some research suggests that liposuction results may only be semi-permanent for some patients. To achieve optimal results, your liposuction procedure should be paired with good diet and exercise to achieve optimal results.
Will there be pain from liposuction?
This is one of the most common liposuction FAQs. Patients are understandably worried about pain during recovery. Rest assured that we use best practices to ensure that the procedure is as comfortable as possible.
Additionally, while there is always some pain associated with recovery from surgery, liposuction is less invasive than some other options. Therefore, it tends to have a smoother recovery process. We use pain medicine to help you manage any pain during the recovery period.
Which areas of the body can receive liposuction?
Many people associate liposuction primarily with the abdomen. However, it can be used for many other areas, including the following:
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Love handles (waist and flanks)
- Thighs
- Face
- Upper arms
- Back
- Chest
- Lower legs
If you are interested in receiving liposuction to address a specific area, we are happy to discuss it with you. Many areas can respond well to the procedure. We can also discuss other options.
Are there non-surgical fat reduction options?
We offer a number of non-surgical and aesthetic treatment options. These can help you to look and feel your best without needing invasive surgery. However, for long-lasting removal of fat deposits, liposuction or another surgical option may be the best choice. Dr. Streitmann will discuss your options during your consultation.
Can fat removed be used in other areas of my body?
Yes, in some cases, fat can be moved from the abdomen to other areas of the body to fill them out more—some common choices including filling out the face, enhancing the lips, and augmenting the glutes.
However, fat cannot always be repurposed. There are some areas that should not be augmented with donor fat cells. Most notably, breast augmentations should almost always be performed with implants rather than donor tissue.
The doctor can discuss this option with you during the consultation. This can be performed as a combination surgery with multiple procedures performed at once.
Is anesthesia used for liposuction?
Typically, general anesthesia is used for liposuction. This helps to ensure that you will be asleep throughout the procedure. In some cases, local anesthesia may be used. Additionally, some patients may prefer sedation.
Before your procedure, we will discuss the anesthesia and pain management plan. We will also provide preparation instructions, particularly if you are receiving general anesthesia.
Are there any complications associated with liposuction?
Like all surgeries, liposuction has some risks and possible complications. These are the most significant according to the Mayo Clinic:
- Fluid Accumulation: Fluid can build under the skin. This can be drained with a needle if necessary.
- Numbness: Patients may experience temporary loss of sensation. This usually subsides with time.
- Infection: All surgeries have a risk of infection. We use antibiotics during and after the procedure to help.
- Irregularities in Healing: In some cases, the incision site may heal in an unusual way. This can subside with time or can be corrected with a follow-up procedure if necessary. Following recovery instructions can help prevent this.
In rare cases, there are more serious complications that can arise. These include fat embolisms, internal punctures, kidney and heart problems, and anesthesia complications. These are very uncommon, and we take careful measures to avoid them.
Will I have scars after liposuction?
Yes, scars after normal after all types of surgery. However, modern liposuction techniques significantly minimize the scar’s size and visibility. In many cases, the incision scar can be hidden in the belly button, an existing skin crease, or in an area hidden by underwear.
Even if the scar is in a readily visible area, Dr. Streitmann will endeavor to make it as small as possible. By carefully following the recovery instructions, you can help to ensure that this scar diminishes with time.
How much does liposuction cost in Houston, TX?
In most cases, liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure that insurance will not cover. Additionally, the cost of liposuction can vary between patients and procedures. Therefore, we will discuss the cost with you during your consultation.
Dr. Michael J. Streitmann understands that looking your best is an important part of feeling your best. Plus, removing unwanted fat deposits can improve both physical and mental health. Therefore, we are committed to working with each patient to find the right cosmetic options for their preferences and budget.