Liposuction in Houston, TX

With today's advanced liposuction techniques, achieving your dream body has never been easier. Whether you want to look better in a swimsuit or have a more proportioned body, liposuction can be used to treat a number of different needs. Houston, TX board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Jay Shenaq, removes deposits of excess fat from specific areas of the body such as the abdomen, back, hips, thighs, arms, and neck. The best candidates for liposuction are healthy women or men who want to improve their body shape and contour trouble areas where exercise and diet do not seem to have any effect. This technique should not be considered as a form of weight loss, and should only be considered for patients who are near or at their goal weight but need assistance toning trouble areas. Liposuction can also be used with other surgical procedures to better meet aesthetic goals.

Liposuction surgery conducted at Plastic Surgery of Houston is an effective and safe way to eliminate of annoying regions of surplus fat on the body. Functional and cosmetic benefits of liposuction with Dr. Shenaq at his Houston, TX practice include:

• Removing unwanted fat that has been resistant to diet and exercise
• Several treatment techniques are available
• Sculpting and toning your body
• Boosting body image and appearance
• Achieving a healthier weight and lower BMI
• Long-lasting results can begin to be seen a few weeks after the surgery

Liposuction is most commonly performed on the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks and even the neck. The best candidates for liposuction are those who are in good health and experience:

• Excess fat deposits that cannot be altered with diet and exercise.
• Disproportionate areas of the body.
• Good skin elasticity.

Liposuction is usually performed as an outpatient procedure with the patient under local or general anesthesia. During the procedure, one or more small incisions will be made near the treatment site. A thin tube (cannula) is then inserted through the incision to loosen the excess fat, then suctioned out. The length of this procedure varies among patients, but it typically takes between 1-3 hours to complete. Following their procedure, patients should wear a compression garment for the first few weeks to reduce swelling and ensure optimal healing. Patients can expect minimal scarring at the incision site, but with proper scar management, it will be difficult to notice. In order for the results of liposuction to last, the patient should maintain a stable weight through a healthy diet and exercise.

There are several variations on traditional liposuction, including:

• Tumescent liposuction
• Suction-assisted liposuction (SAL)
• Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)
• VASER
• Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)

Dr. Shenaq can provide detailed instructions for post-operative liposuction care and recovery. Patients typically experience some swelling, bruising, and soreness around the treatment area in the weeks following their procedure. Painkillers are usually prescribed to help manage discomfort until any side effects subside. We recommend that patients wait to resume strenuous activities and exercise until they have been cleared by a trained member of our team. Results from liposuction should be seen once the treatment areas have healed.

How much does liposuction cost?
Your cost for liposuction varies depending on the technique being used and the number of areas being addressed. During your consultation, Dr. Shenaq will create your unique treatment plan to meet your needs and goals. He will also consider your budget. When your plan is ready, estimated costs will be discussed. To make your surgery affordable, Plastic Surgery of Houston takes many payment options, and we can help you find low-interest medical financing.

How effective is nonsurgical liposuction?
There are many nonsurgical options to reduce body fat. Plastic Surgery of Houston offers CoolSculpting® to nonsurgically reduce unwanted fat. While nonsurgical procedures may help some patients reduce mild to moderate fat pockets, surgical liposuction is still best for most patients. Liposuction surgery delivers more dramatic and consistent results. Talk to Dr. Shenaq about nonsurgical lipo in your consultation. He will go over the benefits and drawbacks of all your options and help you decide which is best for you.

What happens to loose skin during liposuction?
Surgical liposuction only addresses excess fat in the body. For loose skin, Dr. Shenaq may recommend combining liposuction with a lift surgery. Lipo is often performed along with skin tightening surgery, such as a tummy tuck, thighplasty, or arm lift, to give you your best results. During your consultation, talk to Dr. Shenaq about your concerns — so a comprehensive treatment plan is developed.

Will I have scars from liposuction?
Since liposuction is an invasive surgery, incisions will need to be made and stitched. This will create scars, but Dr. Shenaq does his best to reduce their appearance. This includes making thin incisions in the natural folds of your body or in less visible areas. After your surgery, Dr. Shenaq or a member of his team will explain how to care for your stitches — so they heal flat and fade.

How long will my liposuction results last?
Before you have liposuction surgery, it's important to be prepared to maintain your results. Although liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in an area, you can still gain and lose weight. Dr. Shenaq recommends that you be at or near a healthy weight before having liposuction surgery. Afterward, it's best to stay within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Getting pregnant after liposuction will also affect your results; however, another surgery like a mommy makeover can be performed to refresh your body.

How long does a liposuction procedure take?
The procedure typically takes 1 – 3 hours, depending on the amount of fat being removed and the number of areas treated. The duration can also vary based on the specific technique used and the patient's individual needs.

Stubborn fat deposits can keep you from achieving the body you’ve always wanted. For patients who need assistance getting a slimmer body, schedule a consultation with our office today. We provide a number of advanced techniques in liposuction that can be matched to the needs and desires of each patient for your best results.