About Liposuction

New Horizons Plastic Surgery, Dr. H. James Webb, FACS

Liposuction is designed to help individuals achieve the sculpted, fit bodies they desire. While a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential for overall health and well being, there are certain areas of the body that just seem to hang onto excess fat. No matter how many hours you log on the treadmill, this stubborn fat just won't budge.

Thankfully, liposuction provides a viable solution to the problem by removing excess fat from specific areas of the body. People can get liposuction throughout their entire bodies; however, the most common areas are stomach, thighs, buttocks, knees, and upper arms. No matter what area(s) you choose to target, the results are immediately apparent following surgery, and you will continue to see improvement as the swelling from the procedure subsides.

As with any surgery, you can expect some discomfort and fatigue following the procedure, and it's important that you rest for at least two days. Since you lose fluid during the procedure, it's essential you receive fluids immediately after to prevent dehydration and hasten your full recovery. While recovery times vary according to the size of the area on which the liposuction is done, it typically takes between two to 10 days.

Whether you're interested in having a smaller, focused area done or a large, expansive body area, NHPS Surgeon Dr. Webb will be able to help you achieve your ideal body. We also offer full follow-up care, ensuring correct healing and optimal results that will last for years.

As you can target very detailed areas with liposuction, Dr. Webb will be able to assess your body with you at the initial consultation. While people receive the liposuction procedure all over the body, the most commonly targeted areas are the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, stomach, and knees. Liposuction can also be performed on the chin, neck, and cheeks to remove excess fat and promote a slimmer facial appearance.

The recovery time from liposuction surgery varies greatly depending on the extent of your liposuction. Most patients should take things a bit easy for a month to allow the body to heal completely before stressing it. It's essential that you follow the post-operation instructions, and we are here to answer absolutely any questions you have throughout the entire process.

While liposuction is a wonderful step toward the fit body you want, it's important to note that it is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise plan. Once you have fully recovered from the surgery, you should employ a regulated diet and aerobic schedule to ensure you maintain your gorgeous new body. At New Horizons Plastic Surgery, we're happy to help direct you on your new path as you enjoy your fit, beautiful body.

Tumescent Liposuction

In many of our male and female patients, excess fat is a problem that just will not go away even with a regular exercise program and good diet. The most stubborn and difficult to get rid of fat deposits are located in the abdominal region, legs, buttocks, and hips. Liposuction is a very common, minimally invasive procedure done by a highly trained plastic surgeon such as NHPS Plastic Surgeon Dr. Webb in Texas to combat this excess fat problem that can provide great results and a fast recovery.

Dr. Webb has performed liposuction on many parts of his patients' bodies including arms, waist, buttocks, hips, face, neck, thighs and abdomen. One of the most popular liposuction techniques used in our office is called tumescent liposuction, which was invented by a California dermatologist. It's a relatively new procedure that can reduce post-operative bruising, swelling and pain. Tumescent liposuction also reduces the chance that a blood transfusion will be necessary during or after the procedure.

Before 1985, the only kind of liposuction technique being used was called dry liposuction. It was fairly simple and involved removing fatty tissue through the use of a cannula - a narrow surgical instrument that breaks up fatty tissue and sucks it out of the body. Although the method worked, it took a very skilled cosmetic surgeon to target the fat correctly, the procedure could be painful and cause damage to surrounding tissue, and it often produced inconsistent results.

The Tumescent Process

Patients who would be good candidates for traditional liposuction are also good candidates for Tumescent lipo. Although the anesthesia requirements milder and blood loss is less with this approach, patients who have the procedure done still face the same risks and complications associated with traditional liposuction. Dr. Webb will explain the procedure and risks with you in great detail at the time of your appointment.

For this technique, a saline solution containing local anesthetic is injected in the areas to be sculpted. The amount of saline injected is generally equal to or larger than the amount of targeted fat in volume. When the solution is injected, the fatty tissue will rise up and swell until it becomes firm (the word Tumescent means swollen or firm). This allows him to see exactly what areas of fat need to be removed without disturbing the surrounding tissue, resulting in less bleeding and trauma to the patient and a much smoother surface area.

After the procedure, the long-acting effects of the anesthetic solution help provide relief from the pain and decrease the need for additional pain medication, usually. For the first day or two after surgery, most patients experience swelling in the treated areas and some fluid drainage from the incision sites.

Dr. Webb will instruct you regarding post-surgery activities, but light activity is usually resumed within the first few days following liposuction; normal activity is usually resumed within a few weeks.

Benefits of Liposuction

The results are noticeable instantly, allowing you to enjoy a firmer and better-contoured appearance. The results of liposuction are permanent so if your body fat increases in the future, it will not return to the areas you had treated. Liposuction is most effective in removing stubborn fat deposits in people who are a healthy weight.

The benefits of this procedure include:

Improved appearance: Despite diet and exercise, you may have certain areas of fat that will not budge. These areas can be dramatically improved with liposuction. Through body contouring and smoothing, you can enjoy an improved appearance and enhanced self-confidence. Your clothes will fit better, you will be more comfortable in a bathing suit and you can enjoy activities that you may have avoided because you were too self-conscious.
Improved health: Once stubborn fat deposits are removed, many people find themselves more inclined to work out and eat healthy to maintain their new, beautiful appearance. While liposuction can not be used to remove large quantities of fat, it is ideal for stubborn areas of 10 pounds or less that resist dieting and exercise.
Fat removal: Fat cells store unused energy from the foods that we ingest. This fat is used for insulation and as an emergency source of fuel. Each person stores fat differently, depending on body types and genetics. Liposuction successfully removes unwanted fat that accumulates in a disproportionate manner.
Cellulite removal: Unattractive cellulite is caused when fat cells push through the collagen in your tissue beneath the surface of your skin. The resulting dimpled appearance is not caused by the amount of body fat you have, since cellulite is prevalent in healthy and even underweight people. Liposuction can help remove cellulite, but will not eradicate it entirely.

Ideal Candidates

The benefits of liposuction are both mental and physical. It will change the way people see you and also how you see yourself. The best candidates for liposuction are those who are in good overall health and have realistic expectations. While this procedure can make drastic improvements, it is unlikely to achieve complete perfection.

The content of this page is for informational purposes only and shouldn't be taken as medical advice. If you need personalized medical advice, please schedule a consultation with New Horizons Plastic Surgeon Dr. Webb.