Liposuction
WHAT IS LIPOSUCTION?
No matter how much you diet and exercise, you may still see stubborn pockets of fat that keep you from being completely confident in your body. Dr. Ryan Couvillion offers treatment options to effectively remove fat from those stubborn areas. Liposuction is a body contouring treatment that reduces pockets of fat from the flanks, back, tummy, arms, and thighs to create a leaner appearance. This cosmetic procedure at SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX can be combined to treat multiple body parts. When you are seen for your consultation, Dr. Couvillion will assess any areas of concern so you can achieve your aesthetic goals. Our goal is for you to feel and look your absolute best.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSUCTION?
Fat removal surgery is a great treatment for individuals who are at an ideal weight but have stubborn pockets of fat that cannot be eliminated through diet and exercise. Men and women considering liposuction should have good skin quality because liposuction is not a treatment for loose skin. It's also important to understand that liposuction is not a treatment for weight loss. Females undergoing liposuction should consider having childbearing behind them as a future pregnancy may change their results. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Couvillion will set realistic expectations for the outcome of this procedure.
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HOW DOES LIPOSUCTION WORK?
Liposuction is completed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia. A small incision is placed through the skin so a small metal tube (a cannula) can be inserted. A cannula is a tool that both loosens and removes the fatty tissue that is being suctioned out. After the desired amount of fatty tissue has been removed, Dr. Couvillion will close the small incision with tiny stitches. Based on the number of areas treated, your procedure may take several hours. After the procedure, you will be placed into a compression garment, which you will continue to wear for weeks after the procedure.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER LIPOSUCTION?
Recovery after liposuction can vary greatly based on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed. It's typical to have bruising for one or two weeks, and you should have stitches taken out 7 – 10 days after surgery. Swelling after liposuction is different for every person, but can last from a few weeks to a few months. The most important thing to do after liposuction is to give your body time to rest and recover. Once you go back to your job after your surgery, you should do your best to take it easy. You will notice some improvements soon after your surgery, but it will take around 6 – 10 months until your new body contour and shape is complete.
LIPOSUCTION FAQs
How much does liposuction cost?
The cost of liposuction varies, depending on the areas targeted and how much fat is removed. In your consultation, Dr. Couvillion will create a unique treatment plan to meet your needs and goals and will also consider your budget. When your plan is ready, the estimated costs will be discussed. To help make your cosmetic surgery easy to afford, SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery takes several payment methods and we can help you find low-interest medical financing if needed.
What about non-surgical liposuction?
There are several non-surgical procedures to reduce body fat. Some of the most popular brands are CoolSculpting, Vanquish, UltraShape, Kybella, and Liposonix. Although some of these nonsurgical procedures can help some patients reduce mild to moderate fat pockets, surgical liposuction can produce more dramatic and consistent results. Ask Dr. Couvillion about nonsurgical fat reduction in your consultation. He can explain the benefits of all your options and help you choose which is best for you.
What about cellulite and loose skin?
Liposuction surgery only removes excess fat. For loose skin, Dr. Couvillion may recommend combining liposuction with surgery. Lipo is often done along with skin tightening surgeries, like a tummy tuck, thigh-plasty, or arm lift, to give you your best results. To correct cellulite, there are many minimally invasive and nonsurgical treatments which work to varying degrees but none completely remove cellulite. During your consultation, talk to Dr. Couvillion about all your concerns, like cellulite and loose skin, so your best treatment plan can be created.
Will I have scars?
Since liposuction is surgery, incisions will need to be made. This will leave scars; however, Dr. Couvillion does his best to reduce their appearance. This starts with making small incisions in less visible areas or the natural folds of your body. After your surgery, Dr. Couvillion or a member of his team will go over how to care for your incisions so they heal properly and fade.
Will my results last?
Before liposuction, it is important to be prepared to maintain your results. Although liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in an area, you can still lose and gain weight. Dr. Couvillion suggests that you be at or close to a healthy, stable weight prior to liposuction. Afterward, it's best to remain within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Getting pregnant after liposuction will also affect your results; however, another surgery, like a mommy makeover, may be done to refresh the look of your body.
LOOK FIT AND TONED
Fat removal with liposuction at SBA Dermatology & Plastic Surgery offers men and women the chance to have annoying fat diminished almost instantly. This treatment is best used to get rid of those stubborn fat pockets that just won't respond to diet and exercise. We can recommend various options when we create your unique, personalized treatment plan. We welcome you to call our office in Houston, TX, and set up your personal consultation with Dr. Ryan Couvillion to learn more.
When it comes to aesthetic plastic surgery, it's important to choose a dedicated surgeon who is committed to your desired surgical goals. To meet with our double board-certified plastic surgeon, Ryan Couvillion, MD and his team, call our office at 713.275.9908.