Liposuction in San Antonio, TX & Alamo Heights, TX

When fat is resistant to diet and exercise, patients have the option of liposuction, which removes unwanted fat from various parts of the body. The talented plastic surgeon at STARS Plastic Surgery will use a special steel tube, known as a cannula, to loosen the fat and then suction it out. Liposuction can effectively transform the neck, arms, thighs, stomach, and butt among others. After the procedure, patients will be left with a slimmer, smoother physique. Patients must keep in mind that lipo isn’t a weight loss procedure, and they should be at or near their ideal weight.

Tumescent liposuction, known as the “Super-Wet” approach, is a suction-assisted (SAL) technique that uses a solution and power-aided motor to help remove stubborn fat. The surgeon injects the solution, made of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine (to control bleeding) into the problem areas. The surgeon then inserts the cannula attached to the motor to remove fat cells from the body at a controlled speed. The motor helps surgeons remove anywhere from several ounces to a few pounds of fat. 

Another surgical technique commonly used is the ultrasound-assisted (UAL), or ultrasonic, approach. Surgeons perform this dual process on denser areas of fat, such as in the thighs and stomach. During this technique, ultrasound waves loosen and melt fat into a liquid. Surgeons then use the cannula to extract the solution. This surgical method is more popular among men wanting more defined and contoured muscles.

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) uses laser technology on specified areas of fat to loosen and liquefy the fat for removal. LAL liposuction includes brands such as SmartLipo, SlimLipo, Lipolite Laser Liposculpture, LipoLite, and ProLipo PLUS.

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia at a hospital or surgery center. The procedure lasts about 30 minutes for each body part. It can be a stand-alone surgery, or combined with other procedures. However, the surgeon may suggest performing the surgery over a period of time for the safety of the patient. After surgery, patients are required to wear a compression garment to help the body adjust to its new shape. Bruising and swelling will subside within 1 week, but patients will not see final results for several months. Liposuction does leave a small scar, but it fades over time.

While today’s surgical techniques are safe, patients can experience poor results from inexperienced surgeons. It is important for patients to do their research, and find an experienced surgeon that can help them achieve the best, most natural-looking results.

The results of liposuction can be seen for many years following surgery if the patient follows a healthy diet and exercise program. Removed fat cells do not come back, but patients can still gain weight if their remaining fat cells grow.

Yes, there can be too much fat. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons does not recommend removing more than 10 pounds of fat for the safety of the patient. Removing more than 10 pounds is considered high-volume liposuction, which increases the chances of complications from the surgery. Patients are advised to be near or at their ideal weight before undergoing liposuction.

While liposuction removes fat and improves contour and shape, it does not address sagging or drooping skin. If skin laxity is a concern, patients can talk to the surgeon during the consultation to discuss their options for improving skin texture, such as a tummy tuck, thigh, neck, arm, or butt lift.