What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that removes fatty tissue by the use of a cannula, a thin, hollow medical device. The cannula is inserted into tiny incisions to suction away excess fat. As a result, treatment areas will look slimmer, contoured, and in proportion to the rest of the body. Liposuction removes fat but does not treat cellulite or tighten loose skin.

What is the difference between liposuction and liposculpture?

Liposculpture is similar to liposuction, however, during the procedure, specific areas of fat deposits are targeted with a higher level of precision and results. These areas are primarily targeted because they cannot be “dieted away” and are under hormonal control. Typically, these areas are the last to go as the patient loses weight and the first to come back as they gain weight again.

Why choose Austin Cosmetic Surgery for liposuction and liposculpture?

If you have dreamed of having a slimmer, more sculpted body, liposuction and liposculpture may be the ideal treatment for you. However, you want to ensure you are under the care of a true master of these treatments, as you will find when treated at Austin Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Michelle Cabret brings over two decades of experience to every body sculpting procedure and was recently named as a “Top Ten Cosmetic Surgeon in Austin. Her skills, concierge-style care, and holistic approach makes this procedure exceptionally effective.

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Liposculpture and liposuction treatment areas

Liposuction can target several areas of the body, sculpting away excess fat, including:

  • Thighs
  • Abdomen
  • Arms
  • Back
  • Hips
  • Buttocks
  • Chest
  • Face
  • Calves

As liposculpture targets areas under hormonal control, the treatment areas vary, patient to patient. Common deposit areas for women include hips, inner and outer thighs, and buttocks. Common deposit areas for men include the abdomen and flanks (hips).

Who are the ideal candidates for liposuction and liposculpture?

Patients that are in good overall health, have a regular exercise routine, and are living with one or more areas of unresponsive fat are candidates for liposuction. Dr. Michelle Cabret recommends liposculpture for patients who are near their desired weight level and wish for the removal of specific fat deposits but not to lose weight.

How is liposuction and liposculpture performed?

Liposculpture, like so many other procedures, is an outpatient procedure performed while patients are under an IV sedation anesthetic. In addition, Dr. Cabret uses a tumescent anesthetic (a diluted local anesthetic combined with epinephrine and saline solution that is injected into the area until firm) on the specific treatment areas.

To begin, the doctors will insert a very narrow, 2 to 3 mm in diameter, liposuction cannula into the layers of tissue through small incisions. Dr. Cabret conceals these tiny port incisions in very inconspicuous locations and eventually they will heal and disappear altogether. Then, the fat is removed. The length of surgery will vary based on the size and number of treatment areas.

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What is the recovery from liposuction and liposculpture?

Following the removal of the fatty tissue, patients must compress the area with a special surgical garment for six to eight weeks.

It is normal to experience bruising, swelling, decreased sensation in the treatment area, and mild discomfort as you heal. In addition, as sensation begins to return, it is normal to have itching and soreness that may last several weeks. These discomforts are easily managed with medication.

It is absolutely critical for a good result that you control your weight following surgery. Research has shown that as little as a six-pound weight gain can alter the smoothness of the result and leave irregular areas. If irregular healing occurs touch up procedures may be necessary three to six months post-op.

What results can I expect from liposuction and liposculpture?

When you lose weight, fat cells shrink in size, not decrease in number. However, after liposculpture, there is a reduction in the number of fat cells present. Therefore, liposculpture permits the control of these hard to control areas. Your final results may not be apparent to patients until the swelling and bruising subside, which may take a few weeks or months, varying person to person. Unless a significant amount of weight is gained after surgery the results of liposuction and liposculpture are long-lasting.

Are there risks to liposuction or liposculpture?

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction comes with risks including loose or rippled skin, worsening of cellulite, asymmetry, contour irregularities, or pigmentation irregularities, although these are fairly rare.

Schedule a consultation with a wellness specialist

Our staff can answer your questions and help you schedule a consultation with one of our wellness specialists. Call us today! We perform custom liposuction and liposuction procedures for men and women throughout the communities of Austin, TX, and Scottsdale, AZ. We proudly serve Lakeway, Bee Cave, Barton Creek, and Spicewood as well.

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