LIPOSUCTION
As one of the most popular body sculpting procedures, liposuction offers incredible sculpting capabilities and helps patients achieve the contoured figure they’ve always wanted. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we specialize in a number of liposuction procedures, offering our services to the residents of McAllen, Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley, and all of South Texas.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction, sometimes called lipo or liposculpting, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes localized deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body, face and neck. Popular liposuction procedures include slimming the stomach, hips, flanks (the “love handles”), thighs, or eliminating a double chin. Liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed today, and can be combined with a number of cosmetic procedures to achieve incredible body sculpting results. It can even be used to transfer fat to augment other parts of the body, which is a common technique for a Brazilian butt lift. Despite the abilities of liposuction, it is not a substitute for weight loss and it may not be appropriate for all patients.
*Model. Not an actual patient.
Am I A Good Candidate For Liposuction?
The best results with liposuction are obtained in younger patients with resilient skin elasticity so that the skin will smoothly re-contour after the procedure. In some older patients, or in those with more long-standing localized fatty excess, the skin may be stretched and inelastic. In these instances, liposuction alone may be insufficient, and even laser or VASER liposuction may not be able to adequately tighten the skin. In these instances, a skin tightening procedure (such as a tummy tuck, body lift, arm lift, or inner thigh lift) may be required. For women with large, saggy breasts that are mainly fatty breast tissue, liposuction, especially combined with VASER liposuction, can be used to perform breast reduction with minimal scars. VASER liposuction is also a primary treatment for gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, where there is localized accumulation of excess fat and breast tissue in men. Patients who are not good candidates for liposuction may be recommended laser liposuction or VASER liposuction instead.
Patients who are good candidates for liposuction have areas of fat in the following areas that are resistant to diet and exercise:
- Neck and lower face (jowls)
- Upper arms
- Breast fat or chest areas
- Flanks (“love handles”) and upper back
- Abdomen and waist
- Hips and buttocks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Knees
What Happens During The Liposuction Procedure?
Dr. Rodriguez of RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center performs liposuction under a light general anesthesia in addition to the tumescent anesthesia in a surgical center. The tumescent minimizes any blood loss and bruising during the procedure, protects against “fat embolism,” and provides long-lasting pain relief both during and after the procedure. Next, small, discreet incisions are placed as inconspicuously as possible, hidden in natural skin folds. Using micro-cannulas, which are small metal tubes, fat is then surgically vacuumed from the body. Dr. Rodriguez uses a multi-vector sweeping pattern with multiple entry sites to ensure a smooth contour enhancement. The procedure may take an hour or more, depending on how many areas will be treated. Our patients often combine liposuction with other procedures, which may alter the treatment process.
Can My Fat From The Liposuction Be Used Anywhere Else?
Yes. Fat transfer is a specialized process wherein the fat taken from areas of excess can be transferred to other areas where you desire increased fullness and suppleness. Fat transfer is wonderful for gluteal contour enhancement with butt augmentation as part of a Brazilian butt lift. Fat transfers can also restore the youthful contours and fullness of the face facial rejuvenation. Often, however, our patients achieve more consistent results with dermal fillers and PRP therapy in our MedSpa for facial rejuvenation, without the associated bruising of a formal fat transfer procedure.
How Is Recovery From Liposuction?
Your recuperation from liposuction surgery is relatively easy. Most patients awaken with little or no pain as a result of the tumescent anesthesia and are mobile immediately after liposuction, although an extra day or two of bed rest may be needed when large amounts of fat are removed. Initially, you may feel somewhat swollen, stiff, and sore. The day after surgery, you should be up and walking around to promote normal circulation. Light exercise (such as leisurely walking) is usually permitted within a few days. You should expect some bruising, swelling, and pain after your procedure, which generally resolves over the first two weeks. Swelling may linger for as long as several months. The final result and skin tightening after liposuction can take up to four to six months. We recommend that patients follow a healthy diet and lifestyle following their procedure to maintain and improve their results.
Following your liposuction, you will wear special elastic compression garments provided to apply pressure, minimize swelling, and provide support while healing. These garments will be worn for several weeks after your surgery. We will give you more specific information during your consultation, and again after your procedure. There will also be additional limitations on bathing and swimming, as well as sun exposure, for a few weeks after your surgery.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
To determine the cost of your liposuction procedure, we invite you to schedule a private consultation at our practice. During your consultation, we will assess your cosmetic goals in order to pursue a treatment plan that matches your unique needs. Then, we will be able to provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs associated with your treatment. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we accept a number of payment and financing options, including cash, checks, money orders, major credit cards, and CareCredit® financing. We also offer simple and secure online payment options for the convenience of our patients.
If you are considering liposuction or one of our other body sculpting procedures, contact us today to learn more or to schedule your private consultation. At RGV Cosmetic Surgery & Vein Center, we specialize in a range of cosmetic surgeries to help residents of McAllen, Brownsville, the Rio Grande Valley, and all of South Texas achieve their aesthetic goals.