If you are considering having liposuction, Houston is the place to go. Here are answers to the questions you want answered.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure performed by a surgeon that eliminates fat that exercise and diet cannot. A cosmetic surgeon often uses this procedure to remove fat and improve shape in a patient’s face, arms, back, hips, belly, buttocks, or thighs.
Your surgeon uses inconspicuous incisions to perform different surgical techniques depending on the type of liposuction procedure needed.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction – sound waves are used to liquefy fat for easy removal.
- Tumescent liposuction – To allow for more fat removal the surgeon uses a sterile saline injection to lessen pain and shrink blood vessels.
Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction in Houston?
Remember, this is a surgical procedure that won’t eliminate cellulite and carries certain risks. To be a good candidate, you must be at least:
- Have firm, elastic skin
- Be within 30 percent of your ideal weight
- Not smoke
What Should I do to Prepare for Having the Procedure?
- Discontinue any medications your surgeon calls for.
- Quit smoking and/or using nicotine products at least four weeks before the procedure.
- Have a pre-operative appointment before your surgery.
- Avoid alcohol and maintain a healthy diet in the days prior to your procedure.
- Observe all pre-operative instructions carefully, like abstaining from drinking or eating after midnight the night before surgery.
- Have a friend or family member designated to drive you to and from your procedure and assist you getting settled for recovery.
What Should I Expect During the Procedure?
Liposuction is generally performed with general anesthesia in an outpatient procedure. Smaller areas only require local anesthesia, but larger regions call for general anesthesia.
Depending on the number and size of the areas treated, the size of the patient treated, and the technique used, the procedure can last from 30 minutes up to three hours.
How Long a Recovery Perion Should I Expect?
Subject to the extent of the procedure, it is normal for swelling, bruising, and tenderness to continue for several weeks. Most patients can return to work and light activity after five days. Light and graduated exercise is usually encouraged after three weeks. Expect several follow-up appointments in which your physician monitors your recovery.
What Results Should I Expect?
There will be swelling that will gradually improve over the first weeks or months. The final results can usually be seen between six months and a year at which you will have a more tone and leaner appearance.