Liposuction is a cosmetic body sculpting procedure that can help remove fat that remains in your belly, hips, thighs, and other areas after changing your diet and exercising.
Your highly experienced plastic surgeon will consult with you ahead of time and you may elect to get liposuction alongside other cosmetic procedures, such as a facelift, breast reduction, or tummy tuck. The following is some important information to know before getting liposuction in Fort Worth.
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. Being in good health is important, and your plastic surgeon may check if you are close to your ideal weight, whether your skin is firm and elastic, and if you live a relatively healthy lifestyle. Conditions such as a weak immune system, diabetes, or heart disease may make liposuction risky. Alternatively, we may determine that a tummy tuck is the better option for you if the problem is the excess of loose skin rather than fatty deposits.
Both men and women can get lipo but the target body shapes will differ. Women tend to prefer the slender “hourglass” shape while men usually aim for the V-shape of the lower abdomen. Targeted removal can also lead to men keeping a more muscular shoulders, pec muscles, and buttocks.
Everything you need to know about your procedure can be answered in a consultation with your surgeon. From determining your aesthetic goals to laying out the pre-operative rules, we will make you as informed as possible about this surgery. It is important that you are roughly at your targeted weight and that you cease any use of cigarettes (including vaping), nicotine, and any drugs used for non-medical purposes. You should do this about a month before the procedure and for at least six weeks after it. We will analyze any medications you are taking and determine if they would interfere with the surgery, the anesthesia, or your recovery.
Liposuction will take about one hour in our Fort Worth facility, unless you are combining it with other procedures. We use general anesthesia instead of local anesthesia for your own comfort and because it tends to produce better results. With general anesthesia, we can remove more fat deposits since there will not be a concern about keeping it a small localized area. In addition, local anesthesia starts to wear off fairly quickly, which forces surgeons to work faster. Without that time limit, we can get it done correctly and be able to “sculpt” your body more.
The way we perform liposuction is to create “hills and valleys” in your physique, intricately removing tissue, while also keeping some in places that will benefit you. To make extra sure that you will be satisfied with the end result, we will make a 3D simulation of your body ahead of time so you can visualize the changes and make adjustments as necessary.
Barring any complications or multiple procedures, you should be able to go home on the same day.
North Texas Plastic Surgery often uses VASER liposuction for our Fort Worth patients, which uses ultrasound lasers to assist in the procedure by shaking the deposits loose. VASER-assisted lipo is also able to reduce the amount of bleeding by half. So not only is it more accurate, it’s also safer! In addition, we use the FAGA power-assisted liposuction which was developed in Brazil. This technology lets the cannula move up to 5,000 times in 60 seconds, allowing for even more fat removal.
For further enhancement, we recommend using BodyTite, which can heat up your skin underneath and allow for further skin retraction. Although not as substantial as a tummy tuck, this can be a good way to tighten your skin after having fat removed.
For patients who wish to see a more toned physique, we can focus on abdominal etching, in which we remove fat in certain place but leave it in others, so that the targeted area looks more muscular. This can work on your abs, your deltoids, and your back, and is perfect for patients who value gym workouts and weightlifting.
You might want to remove fat from one area but add fat to another. Fortunately, we can do both at the same time. Fat that is sucked away from your liposuction can then be transferred to another part of your body that needs augmentation, such as the buttocks, hips, or even the breasts. Using your own body tissue often presents better results than silicone implants and there is no chance of the body rejecting it.
Liposuction procedures in Fort Worth may pose the same risks as most other cosmetic procedures, including:
To prevent blood clots, it is important to walk frequently and drink lots of water during your recovery period. Bruising, swelling, and soreness could last for some time after liposuction, and we recommend wearing a compression garment called a “Faja” for a specific period. Our usual guidance calls for wearing it continuously for three weeks, and then for half the day over the course of another three weeks.
Typically, you can return to work soon after the procedure with your surgeon’s approval. It is important to discuss the following issues:
Full results, after bruising and swelling subside, will take several months but you should also see a noticeable change in your body shape within a few days. We use a special fluid to aid in the removal of fat, and it will cause some swelling afterward. A lymphatic massage can help move this fluid into the channels that take it back to the heart, reducing the swelling.
Liposuction removes fat cells permanently from the selected areas. However, new fast cells can form if you regain weight. Your surgeon can provide guidance on necessary lifestyle changes to help you maintain your ideal body shape, such as a low-fat diet and regular exercise.
We perform our procedures at our AAAASF-accredited office-based surgical facility. This accreditation is proof to you that we adhere to the top safety standards and everyone involved, from your consultation to your follow-up visits, is dedicated to giving you the result you are looking for.
We will guide you through every step of this journey. When you are ready, contact us to schedule a free consultation for liposuction in Fort Worth.
