We all have a desire for tighter skin and a slimmer body from time to time. Your image is inextricably linked to your self-confidence, so why wouldn't you want to have the best body for yourself? If your consistent diet and exercise aren't erasing fat deposits around your hips, arms, thighs, or other “trouble areas”, then you may be considering liposuction for the permanent removal of stubborn fat.
Dr. Schusterman’s practice offers liposuction in Houston to suit the physical needs and body shape goals of our patients for those who want a safe and effective way to eliminate fat.
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of excess fat by using a wand (known as a cannula) to suction fat from specific areas of the body. Various forms of liposuction can also contour these areas to give a taut and smooth appearance.
Liposuction is one of the oldest and most popular modern plastic procedures, due to its safety and its dramatic results. While there have been many innovations in recent years to improve efficiency and results, the core process of sucking out fat through liposuction has remained (more or less) unchanged during that time. Liposuction can be performed in the following areas:
Liposuction will remove existing fat cells, but it will not prevent your remaining fat cells from growing if you gain excessive weight or quit exercising after treatment. Liposuction is meant to sculpt and contour your body to help you achieve a more youthful shape. It is not a weight loss surgery. Liposuction is an ideal choice for removing small, stubborn pockets of fat in key areas of the body, such as stubborn love handles or the 'mom pooch,' and when diet and exercise are ineffective. It's important to reach a stable body weight before undergoing liposuction surgery.
It is vital to be in overall good health and have a positive outlook and healthy expectations for your liposuction procedure. If you experience the following conditions, liposuction may not be suitable for you:
It is best to discuss your medical conditions with Dr. Schusterman during your consultation to determine if liposuction is the best procedure for you. His goal is always to deliver the best liposuction Houston has to offer, while at the same time never compromising the health or safety of his patients.
There are three types of liposuction procedures to consider. While they all remove fat in the same way - via suction; they differ in how they break down fat. During your consultation for liposuction Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Schusterman will determine which method is best for you and will recommend a combination of techniques, which is common when trying to maximize results.
VASER Liposuction
VASERlipo is an advanced liposuction technology that uses ultrasonic waves to break up fat for easier removal. The vibrations caused by the ultrasonic waves during VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) liposuction separates the fat from neighboring muscles without damaging surrounding tissues. With less damage, you can expect a shorter recovery time and more substantial results.
Tumescent Liposuction
One of the most popular liposuction techniques is tumescent liposuction. You will be numbed in the area or areas where your fat is to be removed. Once a solution is injected into the fat, it shrinks the blood vessels to minimize blood loss and makes it easier to remove the fat.
Laser Liposuction
Laser liposuction, also known as liposculpture or SmartLipo, is one the most popular laser lipo brands available today. It uses a laser device to liquefy the unwanted fat deposits, which are then drained or suctioned away.
Lipo-Abdominoplasty
In some cases, Dr. Schusterman uses liposuction during abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) to offer a more sculpted physique and remove excess fat around the abdomen. Like all liposuction, this procedure requires drains during recovery. Dr. Schusterman also offers “drainless abdominoplasty,” which uses progressive tension sutures to aid recovery and avoid the need for drains. Talk to Dr. Schusterman during your consultation to learn more about these innovative techniques.
During liposuction Houston Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Schusterman will create a small incision in the targeted area, and insert a tube called a cannula through the incision. The cannula is attached to a suction device, which is used to draw the excess fat out of the body. In the case of laser liposuction, a laser is used to liquefy the fat before it is removed, making the procedure more effective and efficient.
Liposuction is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the targeted area while allowing the patient to remain awake. The overall procedure is relatively short, with most patients requiring 45 minutes of treatment time per area. After the procedure, the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape, and a compression garment is worn to help reduce swelling and support the treated area during the recovery process.
Recovering from liposuction varies from patient to patient and also depends on the area or areas treated, the time-frame can be between 2 days or 3-6 weeks, however most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. It is important to follow the instructions provided by Dr. Schusterman to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Our Houston liposuction patients must refrain from smoking before and after surgery as your body needs proper blood flow to heal.
After liposuction Houston patients will notice their body produces fluid as part of the healing process. Small drains allow these fluids to leave the body without causing excess swelling in the initial days following surgery. Dr. Schusterman will remove the drains and fully close your incisions during a follow-up appointment. You will receive all the details on this process during your consultation.
It is customary for the body to continue to undergo changes as it heals after liposuction. As the skin adjusts to the new contours of the treated areas, it smooths out and becomes tighter, resulting in a more contoured overall appearance. These final results can take up to six months to fully develop.
Additionally, it is important to note that the changes made to the body through liposuction are generally permanent, as long as your weight remains stable. However, it is still possible for fat to redistribute or accumulate in other areas of the body over time due to aging, hormonal changes, or weight fluctuations. Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can help to ensure that the results of your liposuction treatment are long-lasting.
The cost of liposuction varies based on the amount of fat being removed, the number of areas being treated, and the type of liposuction being performed. On average, liposuction costs between $2,000 and $4,000 per treatment area. However, the total cost of the procedure can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the specifics of the case. We understand that cost is an important factor for many of our patients, which is why we offer several options for financing.
It is important to note that the price of liposuction should not be the only factor in your decision to undergo the procedure. We prioritize patient safety and satisfaction, and only use the most advanced techniques and equipment to ensure the best possible results
Board-certified Houston plastic surgeon, Dr. Schusterman, has years of experience performing liposuction and will take the time to fully understand your goals and concerns before creating a personalized treatment plan.
If you are considering liposuction Houston area patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation with Dr. Schusterman. During this consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your concerns and ask any questions you may have about the procedure, as well as learn more about the costs involved. Our team will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether liposuction is right for you.
Dr. Schusterman offers stunning liposuction results using the most advanced techniques to deliver beautifully natural-looking contours throughout your body. If you would like to discuss liposuction in Houston with Dr. Schusterman, please contact our office to schedule your consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!
Take a look at real patient results to see what's possible with Dr. Schusterman’s expert surgical skills. Visit our Before and After Liposuction gallery page for patient images.
Liposuction cannot remove cellulite stretch marks or other skin irregularities. After your procedure, your skin will form new contours. The better your skin tone and elasticity, the more likely your skin will appear smooth. However, if your skin is thin with poor elasticity, the treated areas' skin may appear loose.
Complications are rare but may increase if you are having liposuction over large surfaces of areas of your body or having multiple procedures during the same operation. Call Dr. Schushterman if you are experiencing any of these complications.:
The scars are usually slightly smaller than the incision itself, ranging from 2 millimeters to 5 millimeters. They are almost always in discrete areas of the body, like just below the waistline or on the side of the abdomen, or below the armpit.
We accept cash, personal checks, and most major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. We also offer you the option of financing your elective procedures. Liposuction is generally regarded as an elective procedure and not covered by most insurance carriers, though there are some exceptions.
If you gain additional weight, you may wish to have additional liposuction treatments. Some patients may require a touch-up to improve contouring. The six-month mark is appropriate for assessing the final results and deciding if a second session of liposuction is necessary for additional fat removal.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment with the renowned plastic surgeon and breast & body specialist Dr. Mark Schusterman. Take your first steps to a more beautiful you.
3355 W Alabama St Suite 450, Houston, TX 77098