Liposuction
Liposuction, Lipoplasty, or Suction Lipectomy is an effective body contouring procedure to removed unwanted fat that has been difficult to get rid of with diet and exercise. Liposuction is among the most popular cosmetic procedures due to its high success rate, high safety, and quick recovery. Unlike many nonsurgical fat reduction procedures, liposuction is definitive meaning the fat is permanently removed.
What can Liposuction do?
Lipo surgery helps patients to achieve a slimmer and sculpted body; however, liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment and will not eliminate cellulite, stretch marks, or necessarily tighten sagging skin. Some skin tightening does occur with liposuction however often other procedures to remove skin can be necessary in cases of severely sagging skin.
Am I a Liposuction candidate?
Individuals who have localized areas of fat that are disproportionate to the rest of their body can often benefit from liposuction. However, there are other important factors to determine if a patient can undergo or not Lipo Surgery.
Ideal candidates will have:
- Good skin elasticity
- Be realistic in their expecations
- Be non-smokers
A consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Azouz is needed to determine if this procedure is right for you.
Liposuction benefits
Liposuction benefits are not only physical but emotional too. Liposuction can help remove stubborn fat that you are not able to get rid of with diet and exercise and boost your self-confidence and give you a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Some patients report that after having liposuction surgery they can incorporate exercise into their daily life more easily and feel motivated to continue with a healthy lifestyle.
Liposuction consultation
If you decide to go ahead with liposuction, the first step is to request a consultation with an experienced liposuction specialist. During your consultation explain your expectations and concerns. Prepare your questions about the type of liposuction techniques, benefits, risk, recovery, before and after, and cost. On the other hand, the plastic surgeon will gather information from the patient to determine if that person is a good candidate or not for liposuction. Therefore, be prepared to answer questions about your health condition, allergies, current medication, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. Once, plastic surgeon, Dr. Azouz has a better understanding of your expectations he will create a surgical plan and explain the risks and expected results from the procedure.
Liposuction in Dallas
Liposuction in Dallas is one of the most common procedures performed by Dr. David Azouz and Dr. Solomon Azouz. Both board-certified surgeons typically perform liposuction to reduce disproportionately large hips, buttocks, thighs, protruding abdomen, lateral chest wall (bra fat), love handles, fat on the arms, calves, knees, around the buttocks (the “banana roll”), and under the chin.
Liposuction is a critical tool in a variety of plastic surgery procedures including:
- gynecomastia
- breast lift
- facelift
- breast augmentation
- tummy tuck
- thigh lift
- Brazilian butt lift
- mommy makeover
- arm lift
Liposuction in Dallas is often performed with other body surgery procedures, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or breast reduction. This procedure is a solution to stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Some patients benefit most from liposuction and abdominoplasty after losing a significant amount of weight to improve their body contour. If interested in having a consultation with Top Dallas Plastic Surgeon, request your consultation with Dr. Azouz by calling (972) 702-8888.
What areas of the body can be treated with Liposuction?
Liposuction can have fantastic results in patients of all ages and body types. Dr. Azouz routinely performs liposuction in the following areas:
- Neck
- Lateral breast, axilla, and back (to remove bra fat)
- Arms
- Chest for male breast reduction (gynecomastia)
- Torso- abdomen, flanks, iliac rolls, muffin top, love handles.
- Lower limb- thighs, legs, calves, buttocks, banana roll, saddlebags
- Lipedema – lower limb, abdomen and arms for patients who have abnormally swollen fat
Types of Liposuction
Liposuction with Dr. Azouz in Dallas is performed using ultrasonic, power-assisted, and tumescent techniques. Dr. Azouz also incorporates safe and high-definition liposuction.
During your consultation, Dallas plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz will discuss your goals and recommend an individualized procedure to achieve your best outcome.
- Custom Cannula Traditional Liposuction
- Traditional liposuction cannulas have varying characteristics to target and remove fat depending on the location. Dr. Azouz has designed his own cannulas to maximize patient results. This is true in his custom-made gynecomastia cannulas, leg, abdominal, lipedema, chest, back, calf, and neck cannulas. Dr. Azouz educates patients on which types of liposuction he has customized for specific locations and procedures. Dr. Azouz conceals and minimizes scarring so much so that many patients report being unable to detect their scars.
- Power-Assisted Liposuction
- Power-assisted liposuction is a specialized liposuction procedure performed by Dr. Azouz. Dr. Azouz utilizes a vibrating cannula to break up and remove fatty tissue. Studies have shown that power-assisted liposuction permits increased precision with less bruising and efficient fat removal. Power-assisted liposuction can also remove up to 30 percent more fat than traditional liposuction methods.
- Ultrasonic Liposuction
- Liposuction with a power source removes fatty tissue and allows liposuction to be more efficient. Some energy sources can contribute to skin tightening.
- High Definition Liposuction
- High-definition liposuction utilizes the artistic principles of light and shadow to provide a sculpted look. Dr. Azouz removes large quantities of fat in some locations while avoiding certain areas’ “no go” zones. This provides men and women with a shaped and muscular look.
- SAFE Liposuction
- SAFE liposuction stands for liposuction with Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization and has been extensively studied in Aesthetic and Plastic, and Reconstructive surgery journals. SAFE liposuction breaks up adhesions and scar tissue between the dermis, fascia, and fatty tissue to create a uniform subcutaneous fat layer. SAFE liposuction helps to avoid contour deformity and inadequately treated areas. Dr. Azouz uses SAFE liposuction techniques in patients undergoing their first operation and patients who have had liposuction elsewhere that require a revision liposuction procedure.
- Tumescent Liposuction
- Tumescent liposuction (sometimes referred to as water liposuction) adds fluid and epinephrine to traditional liposuction techniques, effectively minimizing bleeding while also permitting a less painful procedure. Liposuction can be performed under local anesthetic and sedation rather than general anesthesia with tumescent liposuction techniques. Tumescent liposuction also can help to avoid bruising and soreness.
Preparation before Liposuction surgery
Dr. Azouz will provide indications to follow before surgery, these might include some food and alcohol restrictions.
The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. On the day of the procedure, make sure to go with somebody that can drive you home after surgery. The medical staff will help to prepare for the procedure once the patient arrives at the medical facility.The plastic surgeon will start marking the areas to be treated with liposuction and local anesthesia will be administered to the patient.
Anesthesia used during liposuction
The type of anesthesia used during liposuction in Dallas by Dr. Azouz is local and sedation anesthesia. Dr. Azouz also utilizes anesthesia providers who focus on giving the patient the best and safest surgical experience possible. With the use of local and sedation anesthesia patients tend to have a quicker recovery, less post-operative grogginess, and decreased nausea compared to general anesthesia.
How is Liposuction performed?
Dr. Azouz performs liposuction making small incisions. Then, the cannula is introduced through the incision targeting the fat pockets and the extraction of fat is done by making back and forth motion and with the help of a vacuum system. This process is repeated as necessary until the part of the body treated has been sculpted. Liposuction is generally well-tolerated, and most patients report having little pain after this cosmetic surgery. Patients return home shortly after the procedure has been completed. The recovery period and aftercare instructions will depend on the treatment area’s size and your natural healing process.
Liposuction Recovery
Following your liposuction procedure, special compression garments will need to be worn to diminish swelling. Dr. Azouz does not routinely place drains for Liposuction. Redness, bruising, and swelling are expected, and any discomfort can be controlled with pain medication, but most patients do not report significant pain after liposuction.
Most patients can return to a desk job within a few days after liposuction. Many patients who have liposuction on a Friday will return to a desk job on a Monday. However, recovery time may differ from patient to patient and is dependent on the specific locations and number of areas treated.
How does liposuction compare to nonsurgical techniques?
Liposuction is a definitive treatment to remove fat deposits and lipodystrophy from the body. Unlike non-surgical treatments, liposuction removes fat from the body and places it in a bottle. Liposuction is performed once, whereas nonsurgical procedures involve multiple sessions (as many as 6-8 at times). The results of liposuction are much more definitive than nonsurgical techniques.
Are Liposuction results permanent?
Liposuction removes fat cells during the surgical procedure. Liposuction results will last as long as the patient keeps a healthy lifestyle by doing exercise regularly and having a proper diet that helps to maintain the body weight.
Liposuction cost
The cost of liposuction is dependent on several factors, including the number of areas treated, the amount and quality of fatty tissue to be removed, and the overall health of the patient. Dr. Azouz will determine the cost of liposuction by performing a history and physical examination. Liposuction is not covered by health insurance; however, Dr. Azouz provides financial options for his patients.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Azouz
If you cannot correct unwanted, stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise, one of our liposuction options can be the right solution for you. Take the first step and schedule your consultation, contact Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Liposuction is performed with long-lasting local anesthetic and sedation. This means that you are asleep but do not have a ventilator breathing for you. Dr. Azouz utilizes anesthesia providers who can keep your sedation deeper or lighter depending on your preference.
Liposuction can benefit overweight patients and patients near their ideal body weight. Dr. Azouz can determine if liposuction or another procedure to remove some skin such as a tummy tuck or arm lift is right for you.
No. Visceral fat is necessary to your body's functioning because it surrounds your organs. Fortunately, visceral fat is the easiest type of fat to lose.
A tummy tuck generally removes fat from the stomach. It can also be paired with liposuction on the surrounding areas like the thighs, saddlebags, flanks, or hips.
The best way to lose fat in a specific area is through liposuction. This is because its not necessarily possible to spot reduce fatty areas through traditional diet and exercise.
Liposuction comes with risks like any other surgical procedure. Dr. Azouz performs liposuction with an extremely high safety profile. Dr. Azouz performs his liposuction procedures with many safety measures which means liposuction is a very safe surgery.
You'll be given detailed instructions to prepare for your procedure, including avoiding blood-thinning medications, when to stop eating, and what to wear to your surgery. You should stop smoking well in advance of your procedure since this can impair your healing ability.
Depending on your procedure, you can plan to return to office-based work within a few days. If you work a more physical job, you should talk with plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz about recovering for longer.
Your liposuction cost can vary widely based on factors like the type of liposuction, the area, and general health. Youll receive a full cost estimate from Dr. Azouz during your consultation.
Liposuction is not typically covered by insurance. According to 2020 statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction varies from about $3,600 to over $25,0000. This is very dependent on the areas being treated.
Liposuction is the gold standard for selective fat removal and correction of focal lipodystrophy in the inner thigh area. Liposuction improvements including safe liposuction, tumescent liposuction, laser, power-assisted, ultrasonic, and high definition all play a role in optimizing results in a safe and with reproducible improvement.
Recovery can vary after liposuction depending on the patient and the areas treated. The young and healthy often have quicker recovery times. Other factors include picking the right surgeon, are non-smokers, and who are compliant with post-operative guidelines. Light activity including light jogging, aerobic exercise, golf, heavy walking, elliptical, and light yoga can be routinely started at 2-3 weeks after surgery. Heavy activity, including basketball, skydiving, trampoline, football, heavy yoga, tennis, hockey, and swimming are best delayed until 6 weeks after surgery. Lifting weights is restricted up to 3 weeks after surgery. Dr. Azouz will guide the patient as to when to increase the amount of weight to be lifted.
Feeling ill, such as having a sore throat, cough, congestion, vomiting and diarrhea, should most definitely be communicated to both your plastic surgeon and anesthesiologist prior to surgery. Depending on your symptoms, surgery can still be performed. It is up to Dr. Azouz and the anesthesiologist to determine if surgery is safe. Be sure to also keep track of any other symptoms you experience and communicate these as well.
Dr. Azouz uses Safe Liposuction techniques, High Definition liposuction, Vaser Liposuction, Power Assisted Liposuction, Laser Liposuction and Tumescent liposuction.
Dr. Azouz is able to perform liposuction surgery under a variety of different types of anesthesia. Together with the patient, Dr. Azouz will determine if conscious sedation, general anesthesia, or local-only anesthesia is possible. Dr. Azouz strives for each patient to have the best experience possible. Some patients feel less anxious with one type of anesthesia or another, and Dr. Azouz can help to diminish these anxieties by being flexible with the type of anesthetic that can be safely offered.
It is still very early after liposuction and there will be some swelling present. The hardness you feel could be scar tissue which is a normal side effect of liposuction. Most of the scars from your procedure fade over the first year but may never really go away. You can use scar maturation products and sunscreen. For the first few months, scars may remain red and firm or raised. The scar will go through a maturation process and will become soft, flat, and pale within 6 to 12 months. This makes it less noticeable. Some people are also prone to keloids which is an abnormal scar that becomes prominent. If you tend to get keloid’s or a blood relative has it, you should always inform us beforehand. There is nothing that you are doing wrong, just continue to come into Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery for your follow-up appointments and we can talk about scar reduction treatments.
Depending on the extent of your liposuction will change how quickly you are able to move around and lift heavy things. Make sure to come into our office and consult with Dr. Azouz again so he can clear you for activity. However, you will experience some swelling after your liposuction and may have to wear a compression garment as well for 6 to 8 weeks. It is quite possible that you will find it discomforting to carry a heavy backpack or walk a large distance. It may be a good option to get help for some time or get a rolling backpack.
2 weeks is too little time to be able to assess your final results. It is common to see some swelling and bruising after your surgery, and this remains for a few weeks for most people. Typically, the swelling in the abdomen takes longer than any other area that was treated. For the first 4 to 12 weeks, most patients may experience some degree of swelling, lumpiness, or firmness. We suggest you wear a body compression garment for at least the first 3 months, this helps with the swelling. Dietary restrictions may also help with reducing the swelling when you minimize fluid retention and the best way to do this is to cut down on salty and fried foods. You will only be able to assess your results by 6 weeks and your results may not be visible for 6 months.
Liposuction is the most common way to remove excess breast tissue from the armpit area. Most patients will undergo a combination procedure with breast reduction. The cost of the procedure varies depending on your specific needs and whether you underwent liposuction on other body areas as well. In addition to the cost of the surgery, you will also pay anesthesia and other charges. Liposuction of the armpit or axilla takes about an hour or two and is performed under local anesthesia. You must also understand that general liposuction of the armpit area is considered a cosmetic procedure and insurance will not cover it. Book a consultation with us at Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery and we can go over the costs and financing.
Bruising and swelling are limited by compression garments, which are worn after surgery. Dr. Azouz’s technique in surgery and guidelines after surgery also help to reduce pain. There are many patients who only take a few pain pills, if any, after surgery. Dr. Azouz does not routinely recommend taking antibiotics after liposuction surgery.
Dr. Azouz strives to hide the scars with liposuction and minimize their size as much as possible. The goal is for natural and striking results whereby others cannot recognize that a patient has had aesthetic surgery. This entails hiding the incisions in the male escutcheon, the female mons/groin, around the areola, in other natural folds of the skin, and other hidden locations.
Dr. Azouz does not routinely recommend taking herbal medications. Hydration is very important after liposuction. Dr. Azouz individually guides his patients as to how much to drink and how to follow hydration using the body’s natural cues.
Patients who have large volume or revision liposuction sometimes require additional techniques to improve contour irregularities or uneven fat removal. At any time up to a third of the new patients seen by Dr. Azouz have had liposuction performed by a different surgeon and require revision surgery.
Safe Liposuction: Safe Liposuction is a process by which smooth and symmetric contour can be achieved in patients who are both new to liposuction and those who need revision or redo liposuction. Dr. Azouz utilizes a specialized basket cannula to separate adipose tissue from fibrous connections and scarring. This helps to dislodge fat without damaging surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and tissues.
High Definition Liposuction: High Definition Liposuction techniques help to create well-defined aesthetic anatomy that is more chiseled in appearance. This means highlighting the most aesthetic shadows and contours. Dr. Azouz is able to highlight a patient’s abdominal muscles, pectoralis muscles, shoulder girdle, buttocks, leg muscles, thigh muscles while improving and reducing muffin top, saddlebags, and love handles. A patient’s arm muscles can also be highlighted. Men and women may choose to highlight a two-pack or six-pack abdominal musculature. Women often like to showcase an hourglass figure. Ultrasonic, Laser Liposuction, Vaser Liposuction: There are times when Dr. Azouz uses a power source to help dissolve fat. These techniques can help break up stubborn fat and scar tissue. A power source can aid in more efficient surgical time.
Power-Assisted Liposuction: Power-assisted liposuction can be helpful in contouring and feathering for smoothness of the skin. Dr. Azouz uses power-assisted liposuction in combination with other techniques to achieve skin tightening and body sculpting.
Tumescent Liposuction: Tumescent liposuction techniques assist in minimizing blood loss, minimizing pain, and expediting recovery after surgery. Dr. Azouz uses the safest tumescent techniques to avoid fluid shifts while keeping a patient safe and comfortable.
Liposuction patient review for Dr. Azouz
“Dr. Azouz did such a top notch job with my liposuction surgery. I could not believe that it was not very painful at all after surgery. I am three months out now and the look is better than I could think they could be. I can not wait for summer when I will be going down to the beach in Play del carmen with my husband and kids. Dr. Azouz is really caring and he was so good to me. Compression was a little tough at first but it is all worth it!!!! I feel like he is the best choice for anyone looking to get plastic surgery work done. Dallas was pretty far for me to travel to get surgery but I am glad I went there and it was totally worth it.”