Liposuction Procedure in Houston and Sugar Land, TX

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a thin and hollow tube, a cannula, to remove localized areas of body fat. Dr. Altamira will insert the cannula through extremely small incisions and then move it back and forth to loosen excess fat. The loose fat will then be suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula attached syringe. Treated areas look slimmer and more contoured, and in better overall proportion to the rest of the body. However, liposuction is not a method for losing weight and is not effective in eliminating cellulite or tightening loose and sagging skin.

At David Altamira, MD, we offer three different liposuction options. Whether you are visiting our Houston or Sugar Land office, Dr. Altamira will provide an individual treatment plan based on your desires and ultimate body goals. We offer the following liposuction options:

Houston Liposuction | Plastic Surgery Houston

Candidates for Liposuction

An ideal candidate for liposuction is in good overall health. Candidates should, additionally, have one or more areas of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as tummy tuckthigh lift.

What Areas can Liposuction Treat?

The following locations are common areas of excess fat that can be removed with liposuction.

  • Abdomen and waist
  • Back
  • Cheeks, chin, and neck
  • Chest area
  • Hips and buttocks
  • Thighs
  • Upper arms

Liposuction Procedure

One of the most common liposuction techniques is tumescent liposuction. Tumescent liposuction allows Dr. Altamira to use a liposuction laser and can perform it on an outpatient basis. During tumescent liposuction, Dr. Altamira injects a solution of a saline, lidocaine (an anesthetic) and epinephrine (a blood vessel constrictor) into the area. The solution causes the targeted tissue to swell and become firm, which makes it easier to remove the fat with the cannula. In laser-assisted tumescent liposuction, a laser is used to liquefy the fat, which makes removing it easier. The laser can also tighten the skin in the treatment area after fat removal.

The tumescent technique only allows minimal blood loss and has the anesthetic is built in. This procedure can often be performed without general anesthesia. However, if several different areas of the body are being treated, or large amounts of fat are being removed, then it may be preferable to perform the surgery with general anesthesia. While treating a large area, patients may need surgery to remove the excess skin.

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Before and After Liposuction

woman’s bare stomach before liposuction  woman’s stomach before and after liposuction, stomach flatter after procedure

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Risks of Liposuction

In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery, risks of liposuction include the following:

  • Asymmetry
  • Bruising
  • Change in skin sensation that may persist
  • Contour irregularities
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Infection
  • Irregular pigmentation
  • Loose or rippled skin
  • Persistent swelling
  • Worsening of cellulite

What is the Recovery Process Like?

woman | LiposuctionAfter liposuction, patients generally experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treatment area. Dr. Altamira recommends compression garments or elastic bandages after surgery to help reduce these symptoms as the area heals. Patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after a few days. However, patients should avoid exercise and other strenuous activities for a few weeks.

Liposuction Results

Results of the liposuction procedure may not be apparent until swelling and bruising subside. Bruising should go away in a few weeks and swelling should completely subside within a few months. Scarring is almost nonexistent because the cannula incisions are so small.

Unless the patient gains a substantial amount of weight, the results of liposuction are long-lasting. Patients can expect good results after their procedure, although there is no guarantee. Results will vary on an individual basis. In some situations, it may not be possible to achieve optimal results with a single surgical procedure and another surgery may be necessary.

Patient Testimonial

Liposcution Patient Testimonial | David Altamira, MD

“Just want to take the time out to Thank Dr. David Altimira he has changed my life, Dr. Altimira gave me new hope a new chance at life, I was struggling with everyday tasks that we all face on a day to day, his hands are precision tools he has a god given talent, Im overcome by a sense of happiness when in his presence, he has brought me and my Family great happiness, I’m on my journey to a better life! Thank your Dr. David Altimira and staff y’all are all loved and appreciated!!!” – Dominic G.

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Schedule a Consultation

If you are interested in a Liposuction procedure and would like to see if you are a good candidate for either Traditional Liposuction, Vaso Lipo, call (713) 271-9000 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Altamira has plastic surgery offices in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas.