Liposuction Houston, TX

Even with a strict, healthy lifestyle, certain areas of the body can hold on to excess fat, creating unwanted bulges. Luckily, a surgical treatment called liposuction can remove unwanted fat, revealing a thinner and more beautiful appearance. Dr. Lapuerta is a trusted liposuction procedure expert, with over 20 years of experience performing liposuction in Houston and helping patients unveil their ideal form.

Dr. Lapuerta offers fat removal surgery with liposuction, a procedure that reshapes problematic areas. Also known as lipo, the procedure targets areas that have an unwanted accumulation of fat, resulting in a slimmer and curvier figure. When performed by an expert specialist, liposuction is a safe, outpatient procedure that can permanently change the shape of the patient’s body. Dr. Lapuerta is proud to offer this surgery to patients throughout Texas, as he has developed a reputation as the most trusted plastic surgeon offering liposuction in Houston, Katy, and Pearland, Texas.

TUMESCENT “SUPER-WET” LIPO

Tumescent liposuction, also called the “super-wet technique,” is a common approach used by surgeons. It is a suction-assisted (SAL) form of lipo surgery that first injects a liquid agent into the area that is to be treated. The liquid agent includes saline, lidocaine (a numbing agent), and epinephrine (a medication that controls bleeding). The liquid agent causes the fat in the target area to become swollen and firm, preparing it for extraction. A cannula (a hollow tube) is then inserted and passed through the fat deposits, suctioning them out. This results in the permanent removal of the fat cells that are suctioned out.

Unlike non-surgical treatments that utilize lasers or “fat-freezing,” this technique has a proven history of being safe and producing immediate, significant, and lasting results. Patients who maintain their weight after surgery can expect their results from liposuction to be maintained as well. Tumescent liposuction is a safe and effective procedure, especially when performed by Dr. Lapuerta, whose expertise has earned him a reputation for successful body contouring through liposuction.

A liposuction procedure is used to treat any area that accumulates excess fat and is resistant to diet and exercise. Common treatment areas for liposuction are the chin, arms, abdomen, hips, back, the inner and outer thighs, and the fat rolls below the buttocks. In some cases, liposuction can also be performed on the neck. To determine if liposuction can treat an identified problem area, it is best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. 

During the consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will look at the patient’s medical history, body composition, and aesthetic goals, then partner with the patient to determine the best treatment to help them achieve their desired results.

The price for liposuction will vary depending on the technique used and the extent of the surgery. With Dr. Lapuerta, the cost of liposuction depends on the number of areas that will be addressed during the procedure and the time associated with performing liposuction on those specific areas. In general, the price of liposuction can range from $4,500 to $10,000.

A detailed and exact estimate of the cost of liposuction will be decided upon after a surgical consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. During the consultation, the extent of the surgical procedure will be outlined, and at that point, the expected cost of liposuction in Houston can be accurately determined.

A good candidate for lipo surgery is an individual who has an unwanted accumulation of excess fat in one or more areas. Despite exercising, eating healthy, and being in reasonably good shape, the stubborn pockets of fat refuse to go away, and the patient wishes to change the shape and contour of their body. Patients under 60 and patients whose skin texture is in good shape will generally have better outcomes.

A good candidate for liposuction in Houston should also be in good health with no pre-existing serious health conditions and have an understanding of what to expect both during and after treatment. Dr. Lapuerta is an excellent resource in this regard, communicating with patients the details of the surgery, as well as answering all questions to make sure the patient goes into their liposuction procedure with proper expectations.

Before liposuction surgery, Dr. Lapuerta will make sure to explain to the patient both his technical approach and precisely what will occur during the surgery. The key to success in any procedure is an open line of communication between the plastic surgeon and the patient, and Dr. Lapuerta takes the time to partner with his patients to make sure all of their goals are met.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgical facility. Dr. Lapuerta is proud to offer his patients access to a private, on-site surgical facility. Most surgeons ask patients to travel to a different location to undergo surgery, but Dr. Lapuerta makes the experience as convenient as possible for his patients. His on-site facility is solely dedicated to performing plastic surgery, and the site is fully accredited by the AAAASF as a surgery center that contains up-to-date equipment, the latest anesthesia/medication, and trained personnel. 

Liposuction is considered an outpatient procedure that can last between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the areas of the body that will be addressed during surgery. One of the many benefits of undergoing liposuction in Houston with Dr. Lapuerta is that he can address multiple body parts during one surgical procedure. In doing so, Dr. Lapuerta saves the patient time, energy, and recovery time, since they only have to undergo one large procedure instead of several smaller procedures.

After liposuction, patients can expect to be in some slight discomfort, which will be managed with prescription pain medication. Patients can also expect visible bruises and redness in the affected areas. To help speed up the healing process, patients will wear a compression garment on the treated areas. The compression garment will help to reduce swelling and promote proper healing.

While some patients will see an immediate change, It is also important to remember that the final results are not immediately noticeable, as it can take several months for all residual swelling to resolve. Liposuction will produce scars where the cannula incision was made, but these are usually small and will fade over time. Dr. Lapuerta’s experience with the surgical procedure will help minimize any scarring and make the recovery process proceed as smoothly as possible.

Since liposuction is an outpatient procedure, patients should be able to complete their recovery at home. In rare cases, in which a large amount of fat is removed from several areas throughout the body, patients may need to stay at the surgical center overnight for observation. After surgery, patients can expect to feel soreness and some effects from anesthesia. For this reason, patients should not operate a motor vehicle in the 48 hours after their liposuction procedure; patients will need to arrange for someone to pick them up and drive them home after the procedure.

During the first few days following surgery, patients should try to limit their movements and activity to encourage proper healing. With proper post-operative treatment, it takes about two weeks for the bruising to dissipate and for the swelling and discomfort to fully subside. At that point, patients can return to work and their everyday lives. After four to six weeks of recovery time (and with doctor approval), patients can return to the gym and engage in vigorous physical activity without any restrictions.