Liposuction (Body Sculpting) Houston
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a minimally invasive plastic surgery procedure that sculpts the body by suctioning away unwanted fat deposits. Since its debut in France more than 30 years ago, liposuction has gained worldwide experience and is now safer and produces more predictable results than ever before. In 2013, liposuction was the fourth most popular cosmetic surgery performed in the U.S., with around 200,000 patients undergoing the procedure.
Liposuction is typically recommended for patients within 30 percent of their average body weight, who have isolated pockets of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise. The procedure is commonly requested for the hips and abdomen, but may also be used to improve contours of the back, arms, legs and face. The best results are seen in younger patients with good skin elasticity and tone, but the procedure can be performed on men and women of any age.
Liposuction offers the following benefits:
- Elimination of fat deposits that interfere with your overall body contour
- Look better in your favorite clothing styles
- Appearance of “lost weight” around treated areas
- A smoother, more streamlined body profile
Liposuction Houston
Options in Liposuction
Dr. Rappaport offers three different liposuction techniques allowing him to customize treatment to the unique needs of each of his patients:
Tumescent Liposuction – Dr. Rappaport pre-injects the fat with a saltwater solution containing small amounts of adrenaline and a local anesthetic. This fluid helps him remove the fat more easily, controls bleeding in the area, provides anesthesia during and after surgery, and helps reduce bruising. Tumescent liposuction can be done under general or sedation.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) – Dr. Rappaport uses a powerized cannula which requires less force to remove unwanted fat, especially in more fibrous tissue. This technique is often used in combination with tumescent liposuction to produce the best results.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) – A two-step technique in which Dr. Rappaport uses energy from sound waves to liquefy the fat before suctioning it out of the body.
How is Liposuction Performed?
Dr. Rappaport performs most liposuction procedures on an outpatient basis, which means you can return home the same day as your surgery. General anesthesia or sedation may be used, depending on your preference and the size of the treatment area. Most liposuction procedures take between one to three hours to complete..
Tiny incisions are used to insert a narrow tube called a cannula directly into the fat deposit. There are different sizes of cannulas that allow Dr. Rappaport to adjust this procedure to different areas of the body. The cannula is used to loosen fat cells and gently suction them away through an attached vacuum device. Incisions are too small to require suturing and leave very little post-operative scarring.
Liposuction Recovery
After your liposuction procedure, you will be given a special compression garment to wear that will reduce swelling and improve circulation to the treated area. The garment will remain in place for one week following the procedure and then continued to be used for an additional five weeks for molding of the treated area.
Most patients are up and walking around a short time after the procedure. Results of liposuction are evident right away and continue to improve a
s the body heals.
Dr. Rappaport Answers Questions about Liposuction
I really need to lose weight. Is liposuction a good option?
Liposuction is not a weight loss program, but it is sometimes the only way to eliminate fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise.
Do you perform liposuction in combination with other procedures?
Yes. I often use liposuction in conjunction with tummy tucks, lower body lifts, upper body lifts and breast reductions for best results. Liposuction is also very effective in refining certain facial and neck procedures.
Which liposuction technique is best for me?
Before I can determine which liposuction technique is best for you, I need to look at your overall health, skin quality, body mass, estimated volume of fat to be removed and the number of sites to be treated. I can easily determine this during your personal consultation.
Can my dermatologist perform liposuction for me?
A dermatologist can perform liposuction if he or she has completed specialized training in liposuction and if the procedure is of limited scope. However, in my opinion, a board-certified plastic surgeon is the best medical professional to consider for liposuction of any area of your face, breast or body, particularly if liposuction is combined with otherr surgical procedures.
Can liposuction give me a six-pack?
No. Liposuction does not tighten skin; it sculpts the body. A six-pack is muscle, and only exercise can create one. However, liposuction can simulate or reveal better definition of the underlying musculature..
Is it true that liposuction can help cellulite?
No. In fact, it can make cellulite worse. Liposuction removes volume, which can result in making the skin looser if you don’t have good skin elasticity. Cellulite is not fat.
Will my fat come back, or is liposuction permanent?
Liposuction doesn’t remove all fat cells. If you gain a lot of weight, the treated areas will get larger, but the overall improvement in contour will remain. It is important to commit to a regimen of healthy diet and exercise to maintain and maximize your results.
Dr. Rappaport offers liposuction options at his Houston facility, along with other body contouring procedures. If you are ready to say goodbye to those stubborn pockets of fat and achieve a sleeker body contour, contact Houston Center for Plastic Surgery at 713-790-4500 for more information.
6560 Fannin Street, #1812
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: (713) 790-4500
Fax: (713) 793-1299
Email: info@hcps.cc