FAQ - Liposuction

Houston, Baytown, Galveston, and Sugar Land, Texas

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
The goal of liposuction is to recontour body areas that have a disproportionate amount of fat cells. Liposuction is aimed at specific areas of the body, such as the thighs or abdomen, and is not intended to be a significant weight loss tool. This procedure should not be used for massive fat removal. Good liposuction candidates are close to their ideal body weight and have localized areas that cannot be resculpted with diet and exercise.

How should I prepare for liposuction surgery?
Before surgery, Dr. Riley will instruct you on how to prepare for your procedure. Wear loose-fitting, easily removable clothing the day of surgery. You should not take certain medications, including Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and any arthritis pain medication for one week before surgery, and Vitamin E for at least 3-4 weeks prior. You should arrive on your surgery day with an empty stomach, and avoid smoking for several weeks prior to surgery.

What type of anesthesia is used for liposuction?
General anesthesia is required for all liposuction procedures except very small areas such as the “double chin.”

How long is the recovery after liposuction?
Following liposuction surgery, make sure to rest your body well and drink plenty of liquids. Patients can resume light activities after 24 hours, and heavier activities can be resumed following Dr. Riley's instructions. Your limitations will depend on the area treated and how well your body responds. Patients with multiple areas of treatment will require more healing time. You will usually need to wear a compression garment for about three weeks post-surgery. Dr. Riley will discuss recovery in more detail during your liposuction consultation.

How much weight can I lose with liposuction?
Each patient will experience a unique amount of weight loss depending on body type and treatment area. Patients should not expect a bottom line weight loss, but Dr. Riley will give you a fair estimate of the changes your body will experience, such as a reduction in inches.

Will liposuction eliminate cellulite?
Cellulite, a highly hereditary dimpling of the superficial layer of fat cells, is not treated with liposuction. Patients should expect to see little or no change in skin texture conditions such as stretch marks and dimpling.

Will I have any noticeable scars after liposuction?
Your incisions will be strategically placed and concealed in natural body creases whenever possible. The number of incisions will vary, but each incision is about 1/4 inch Dr. Riley will discuss the characteristics of incisions with you during your consultation.

Should I choose tumescent or ultrasonic liposuction?
Both techniques are effective in removing fat cells. Each has its own advantages and is more beneficial to certain individuals. After a thorough evaluation of your health and assessment of your cosmetic needs, Dr. Riley will recommend whether tumescent or ultrasonic liposuction will give you the best results.

Will the removed fat cells eventually return?
Men and women carry the same number of fat cells in their bodies throughout their life, unless, of course, they have a liposuction procedure. Following liposuction, the removed fat cells will not return, although future weight gain can occur. Your new post-surgery proportions should remain relatively the same, assuming you do not have massive weight gain. Patients will need to maintain their healthy weight with diet and exercise.

How long until I can see the final results of my procedure?
Although swelling and bruising will occur after liposuction, your healing time will depend on which area(s) are treated, how much fat is removed, and how well your body responds. You may be able to see your final results as early as one month after surgery, or as late as six months.

Can liposuction be used as an alternative to diet and exercise?
Liposuction is best utilized when diet and exercise have failed to produce desired results. Diet and exercise can help minimize overall weight, but your proportions will remain similar. Liposuction surgery can give you an advantage in that respect, successfully helping you change proportions by reducing the number of fat cells in an area.

For answers to all your questions about our liposuction options, schedule your complimentary consultation with Signature Plastic Surgery today.

• Home
• About Us
• Affordability
• Site Map
• Contact Us