Liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure that removes stubborn body fat. This body-contouring treatment can be used on numerous areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, and neck. Steely Plastic Surgery provides high-quality liposuction in Houston.
Why Liposuction?
Liposuction is ideal for those wishing to remove stubborn fat deposits in those areas where dieting, exercise and other conventional weight loss methods have little or no impact. You should have normal weight, firm and elastic skin but have deposits of excess fat in certain areas. You should also be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations.
Although age is not a major consideration, older patients with reduced skin elasticity may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.
Individuals with diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have had recent surgery near the target area are exposed to higher risks.
Ideal Candidates for Liposuction
Patients within 30% of their ideal body weight are the best candidates for liposuction. Healthy patients with firm, elastic skin, and good muscle tone are ideal candidates.
If you do not smoke and you have realistic treatment goals, you are a good candidate for liposuction. Smoking can lead to a number of complications and may prolong the required duration of the healing process.
The liposuction procedure is ideal for patients who cannot get rid of stubborn fat through dieting and exercise alone. Candidates must not be pregnant or planning to get pregnant soon.
The Procedure
In performing liposuction surgery or ultrasonic liposuction to remove fat, Dr. Steely aims for as close to perfect proportional body contouring as possible, harmonizing the abdomen, hips, back, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks, and neck for a slimmer and more aesthetically pleasing look.
Dr. Steely offers a number of liposuction techniques, used individually or in combination, depending on the amount and location of fat you need to be removed.
Traditional Liposuction Surgery
- Traditional Liposuction Surgery for removal of larger amounts of fat deposits in hips, back, and buttocks.
Ultrasonic Liposuction (VASER Liposuction®)
Your Initial Liposuction Consultation
At your initial liposuction consultation with Dr. Steely, will evaluate your health, examine you to locate your fat deposits, and evaluate your skin condition. He will explain the body-contouring options most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe that you need liposuction in the abdominal area, he may advise that an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be more effective in meeting your goals. Alternatively, traditional liposuction and/or ultrasonic liposuction may be the best option for you.
In determining the most appropriate treatment for you, Dr. Steely will consider effectiveness, safety, cost and your goals. Dr. Steely will also explain any risks and limitations.
Dr. Steely will create a surgical plan and discuss the details with you, including the required preparation steps, the recovery process, cost, and potential results. He will address all your questions so you can make an informed decision.
Preparing For Your Liposuction
For your liposuction procedure, Dr. Steely will give you specific instructions on preparation. These will include guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. These are necessary to ensure a safe procedure.
Also, be sure to arrange for transportation home after the surgery and, if needed, have someone at home to help you for a day or two.
Liposuction Options
Traditional Liposuction Surgery
Through a tiny incision, Dr. Steely first infiltrates the tissues with a specialized solution to help with postoperative bruising and discomfort; then inserts a narrow tube or cannula and uses it to remove the fat layer lying deep beneath the skin. Dr. Steely will endeavor to keep incisions as inconspicuous as possible.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
Using VASER Liposelection® technology, Dr. Steely creates a tiny incision to first fill the target site with a specialized solution to help with postoperative bruising and discomfort, and to make it easier to break up fatty tissue with ultrasonic energy. He then uses a small probe to transmit high-frequency sound energy to disrupt fatty tissue while leaving other important tissues intact. Finally, he removes the liquefied fat by means of a gentle suction process that minimizes damage to surrounding tissues.
After Liposuction
After any liposuction procedure:
- EYou will need to wear a compression garment under your clothing for comfort and support as your skin conforms to your new contours.
- EUnder the compression garment, there will be waterproof dressings covering the incisions.
- EExpect a small amount of fluid drainage from your incisions over the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
- EYou may have some discomfort over the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours that can be controlled by medication prescribed by Dr. Steely.
- ESwelling is normal and may be uneven (which is not an indication that there is going to be any asymmetry).
- ETo optimize your results, Dr. Steely will urge you to refrain from strenuous activity for the first three to five weeks.
Another option that Dr. Steely may follow your liposuction treatment as a non-invasive Endermologie® treatment. Endermologie® is an FDA-approved technology that will smooth fat tissue that may not have been removed during liposuction. During treatment, affected areas are deeply massaged with rollers and gentle suction. This special massage process will increase circulation, restore collagen function, and expel toxins and abnormal water build-up. The results are smooth tight skin and a beautifully sculpted body.
Liposuction in Houston FAQ
Who performs my Liposuction?
Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. R. Lee Steely personally performs all aspects of your liposuction surgery. He does not utilize any residents, medical students, or surgical assistants. You can be sure that each step of your liposuction procedure will be done professionally, efficiently, and safely.
How Long Does Liposuction Surgery Take?
The length of the surgical procedure varies widely depending upon the amount of tissue to be removed and the number of areas to be improved upon. It can range from under an hour to several hours. If the session is combined with other body-contouring procedures, the duration will also increase.
Do I have to Go To Sleep For My Liposuction Surgery?
A great advantage to the liposuction techniques utilized by Dr. Steely is that depending upon the amount of tissue to be removed and the areas to be operated upon, some patients can undergo their procedure under local anesthesia. Many patients require sedation by an anesthesiologist.
Will I See Results From My Liposuction Surgery Immediately?
Because of the swelling involved, you may seem slightly bigger immediately after liposuction than before the procedure. Dr. Steely tells all his liposuction patients that you must be a “patient patient” – you must have patience to see the final results. A majority of the swelling will recede in 10 days, but it can take several months for the final liposuction results to be seen. Houston liposuction surgeon Dr. Steely uses Endermologie after your surgery to help push out this swelling and shape your tissues postoperatively. Dr. Steely feels that this procedure greatly decreases your recovery time and helps you achieve your body contouring goals quicker.
What Do I Have To Wear After Liposuction Surgery?
Immediately after your procedure, you will be fitted with a compressive garment that helps reduce swelling and shape your results. This garment is concealed beneath your clothing. After a couple of weeks, Dr. Steely will likely decide to move you to a thinner compressive garment such as Spanx that are more comfortable.
I Am Tired of Diet and Exercise- I Just Want Liposuction Instead. Is That a Good Idea?
It is very important to realize that liposuction of any type is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. People that use liposuction as a weight loss tool and not a body sculpting tool will ultimately be very disappointed. Liposuction works best for patients that are exercising and eating right, but have small areas of fatty deposits that are not responding to a healthy lifestyle.
I Have Heard That If You Get Liposuction, Fat Returns in Weird Places. Is That True?
This is a common myth found on the internet. Unless you have a significant weight gain, fat does not redistribute in odd proportions after liposuction surgery. A more common issue that tends to mimic this phenomenon is having a large amount of liposuction in a localized area without taking the body’s proportions into account. This disharmony in proportion can seem like fat is accumulating in odd places.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
Costs vary widely in liposuction depending upon the number of areas treated, the amount of tissue to be removed, and the type of anesthesia required. Pricing for liposuction can begin at $5,500 dollars.
I am Interested In Liposuction and Liposculpture- What is The Next Step?
A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Steely is the next step. Call 713-622-6500 to schedule an in depth assessment and consultation to formulate a plan that helps you reach your goals.
Contact Our Office
Don’t hesitate to contact our office if you’re interested in learning more about liposuction. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Steely will happily walk you through the entire process and answer any of the questions you have along the way. Your journey to the body you’ve always wanted begins with a consultation.