In the past, this procedure almost always required general anesthesia. With the introduction of tumescent liposuction, many patients now have the option to undergo surgery with local anesthesia or IV sedation. Before extracting the fat through a cannula, Dr. Sukkar injects a tumescent fluid containing lidocaine, a powerful local pain reliever, and epinephrine, which minimizes bruising and blood loss. Patients typically enjoy a faster and more comfortable recovery with this method.
One of our most popular treatments, VASER Liposuction is a precision body contouring procedure. It uses ultrasound energy to remove fat from virtually any problem area, while also sculpting, firming and defining more athletic features. In this way, Dr. Sukkar can sculpt the coveted six-pack, define a voluminous buttocks, tone impeccable arms and sculpt the muscular body contour you’ve always wanted.
The revolutionary PowerX System offers the fastest way to sculpt the impeccable body contour you deserve. This liposuction approach removes unwanted fat and sculpts a flawless physique while doing very minimal damage to the surrounding structures, ensuring a rapid healing process.
LEARN MORESmart Lipo is a type of liposuction that uses a laser to melt the fat before it is removed from the body. This type of liposuction is less invasive than traditional liposuction and has a quicker recovery time. The reason it's less invasive is that the laser creates a small hole in the skin through which the fat is removed. The quicker recovery time is because there is less trauma to the body. Because of the speedy recovery time, less bruising, and minimal scarring, Smart Lipo has become a popular choice for people seeking fat removal surgery.
Liposuction is not your only option. Dr. Sukkar also offers non-surgical fat removal with CoolSculpting, also called cryolipolysis or fat freezing. While his CoolSculpting treatment is highly effective at reducing stubborn fat pockets, the results are less dramatic and take longer to see. However, unlike liposuction, CoolSculpting has no downtime or scars. It also costs considerably less since CoolSculpting does not require anesthesia.
Most people feel fine after lipo surgery and can return to their normal activities within a few days. However, it is important to rest and take it easy for the first few days after surgery. Avoid strenuous activity, such as working out, for at least two weeks. Most people take 1-2 weeks off from work to recover. If you only treated a small area, such as the chin, you may be able to return to work sooner.
You will have some bruising and swelling after surgery. This is normal and will go away within a few weeks. Your surgeon will give you a compression garment to wear, which will help with the swelling. Another way to help your liposuction recovery process is to sleep on your back and prop up your head and shoulders with pillows. This will help reduce the swelling in your face, neck, and chest.
The way you handle your recovery will have an impact on your results. So be sure to follow your surgeon's recovery instructions carefully. You should avoid strenuous activity for up to six weeks. Smoking is off-limits.
Liposuction results are usually visible immediately after surgery. However, it can take up to six months to see the full results. The final results will depend on your age, weight, skin elasticity, and the amount of fat removed.
The results of liposuction people usually notice first are the slimmer contours of their bodies. However, there are other benefits as well. Fat removal surgery can improve your body image and self-confidence, so when you start noticing the smallest improvements, your confidence levels will peak. When you notice the larger results, your sense of joy and overall satisfaction will be greatly enhanced.
While the fat cells removed with the procedure are permanently gone, the remaining fat cells can grow larger again if you gain weight. It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle after liposuction to help keep your results. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential. As long as you don't gain weight, your results should be long-lasting.
Liposuction can also help with certain medical conditions, such as lymphedema (a condition where excess lymph fluid causes swelling in the arms or legs), so as your results start to show, you may also notice an improvement in your overall health and less swelling in your affected limbs.
Aftercare is important to help ensure the best possible results from lipo. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on caring for your incisions and what activities to avoid. It is essential to follow these instructions closely.
by Dr. Sam Sukkar
Throughout his career, Dr. Sukkar has regularly contributed to the field of plastic surgery. In addition to being a leading plastic surgeon, he is also an accomplished author with his book: "The Ultimate Guide to Liposuction":
To learn more about liposuction, we invite you to schedule a consultation at The Clinic for Plastic Surgery today. During your private meeting in our Houston, TX office, we will carefully assess the cosmetic imperfections you'd most like to address, before creating a custom treatment plan designed to sculpt the exquisite appearance you deserve.
Nationally, average price estimates range from $2,000 to $11,750. Liposuction cost varies depending on the amount of fat removed and the number of areas being treated. For instance, abdominal liposuction, may end up costing more than getting fat removed from your face. Therefore, it is important to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to get an accurate quote.
There are risks with any procedure. The risks of liposuction include bleeding, infection, and bruising.
Liposuction is a permanent procedure; the fat cells that are removed from your body will not grow back. However, it is possible to gain weight, resulting in the remaining fat cells in the area getting larger again. Keeping up a healthy lifestyle, with a nutritious diet and regular exercise, will be key to maintaining your results.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) recommends removing no more than five liters of fat during the procedure, which equates to approximately 11 pounds.
It is not a weight-loss procedure and cannot guarantee that you will fit into a certain pants size. However, you should notice an improvement in how your clothes fit after the procedure.
No, lipo is not typically covered by insurance.
No, you cannot get lipo while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Instead of discarding the fat removed with liposuction, it can add volume to areas such as the breasts or face. Dr. Sukkar will let you know if you are eligible for fat transfer should this interest you.
The incisions are tiny, just two to six millimeters long. Once healed, the scars are usually barely visible and should not detract from your results.
From the first time you walk into The Clinic for Plastic Surgery, you’ll know that you are in a place that cares about results. Under the leadership of Dr. Sukkar, The Clinic for Plastic Surgery has become Houston’s plastic surgery center of choice. Experience the difference for yourself by scheduling a consultation today.