Liposuction in Austin

Liposuction Overview

What Is Liposuction?

When patients possess good skin elasticity along with stubborn pockets of fat, our plastic surgeons often recommend liposuction in Austin as a solution. This procedure can suction out small amounts of fat that are not responsive to diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a weight loss alternative, but it’s a very effective way to smooth and contour the body.

What Areas Can Be Addressed With Liposuction in Austin?

With age, many men and women find that the body doesn’t respond to exercise as it used to, and stubborn fat clings to certain “problem areas.” If your body weight is stable and you want to change the contour of your figure, liposuction may be a solution. Common treatment areas include:

Abdomen and flanks
Hips, thighs and buttocks
Chest and back
Chin, neck and face
Upper arms

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

In general, the ideal candidate for liposuction at Austin Face & Body:

Is in good health
Can maintain a stable body weight
Has good skin tone and elasticity

Who isn’t a good candidate for liposuction? If you have a substantial amount of weight to lose, or if your weight has fluctuated within the past six months, our surgeons won’t recommend this procedure until you’ve reached (and stayed at) your goal weight. If this is something you are struggling with, we can help get you ready for surgery by guiding you in establishing a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Your Initial Liposuction Consultation

Liposuction may seem like a relatively straight-forward procedure, but our surgeons at Austin Face & Body elevate it to an art form. For us, it’s not only about removing fat; it’s sculpting the figure you want – the body that boosts your confidence and fits easily into your favorite clothes and swimwear.

During your initial consultation at our Austin office, we will get to know you – your medical history; your weight loss journey thus far; and your goals for liposuction. From there, we will make recommendations that are customized for you and designed to give you the best chance at achieving the body you deserve.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction offers a transformative way to enhance body contours and achieve your desired aesthetic goals. This procedure provides several key benefits that can help you feel more confident and comfortable in your skin:

Targeted Fat Reduction: Removes stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Improved Body Proportions: Enhances symmetry and balance for a more harmonious figure.
Minimally Invasive: Small incisions result in minimal scarring and quicker recovery.
Long-Lasting Results: When paired with a healthy lifestyle, results can be maintained for years.
Boosted Confidence: Many patients feel more self-assured and comfortable in their clothes and swimwear after the procedure.

Which Type of Liposuction in Austin Is Right for You?

Tumescent liposuction: This is the most common form of liposuction. It involves injecting a sterile solution into the targeted fat to make removal easier, minimize bleeding, and numb the area. Then, the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin and insert a cannula, which is connected to a vacuum. This tool will suction fat and fluids from the area while your body’s fluids are replenished with an IV.
Power-assisted liposuction: Power-assisted liposuction is performed with a cannula that moves rapidly beneath the skin, allowing the surgeon to target tough fat with greater ease, precision, and speed.
Laser-assisted liposuction: This approach uses laser light to break down fat before removal. A laser fiber is inserted through a small incision to emulsify the fat deposits, and a cannula is then inserted to remove the fat.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: During this procedure, the surgeon will insert a metal rod that emits ultrasonic energy into the treatment area. This ruptures the fat cells and makes removal easier.

What Can I Expect From the Procedure?

Our liposuction in Austin is often done under local or regional anesthesia. Once the area is numbed and you are comfortable, the surgeon will create a tiny incision in the area of the excess fat. From there, the cannula will be inserted at varying depths and degrees, removing fat in a way that sculpts and contours the area.

Because the incisions are typically very small, your surgeon will leave them open after the procedure. In addition, temporary drains will be placed to prevent fluid from building up beneath the skin.

Woman's buttocks in a white bathing suit

What Is Recovery Like After Liposuction?

Post-surgery pain, swelling, and bruising are expected. Our Austin team will provide you with antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection and pain medication to manage your discomfort. You will need to stay home from work for several days, and it will be a few weeks before you can resume your normal activities.

Your Liposuction Results

Post-liposuction swelling usually persists for a few weeks. At that point, the area should look slimmer and leaner. In general, liposuction results are very long-lasting as long as you don’t experience any drastic weight fluctuations.

Liposuction Educational Videos

BodyTite Vs. Liposuction

What Patient Was Dr. Schneider Excited To See?

Liposuction with Dr. Schneider

Why Is Skin Elasticity Important to Liposuction?

Good skin elasticity is critical to a successful liposuction procedure. When extra fat is suctioned from the body with a cannula, the skin will mold to the new contours of your body. If you have sufficient elasticity, the skin will be smooth. If your elasticity is poor, or your skin is too thin, it may appear loose.

What Are My Other Surgical Options?

Liposuction or tummy tuck

Many of our patients who are interested in liposuction on their abdomen want to know if they should undergo a tummy tuck instead. Both procedures offer an excellent, safe way to contour the midsection, but they are ideal for different patients.

While liposuction can remove small pockets of excess fat through tiny incisions, a tummy tuck can remove a larger volume of fat and skin. It can also tighten weakened abdominal muscles. The results are more dramatic than those achieved with liposuction, but the incisions are also longer. Neither procedure is a substitute for weight loss, but both can help you achieve your ideal body contour.

Non-surgical body contouring

CoolSculpting, BodyTite, and other non-surgical body contouring procedures use different techniques and modalities to target unwanted fat cells. They are less invasive than their surgical alternatives and the results appear over time, typically within several weeks and months.

Although liposuction offers more dramatic results, non-surgical body contouring can be an ideal solution for patients who have a small amount of fat to target and want to avoid surgery and anesthesia.

Providers Who perform Liposuction at Austin Face & Body

Dr. Chris Schneider

Dr. Chris Schneider is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, who also specializes in microsurgery. He is a native Texan who is proud to return home to the Lone Star State after nearly a decade of intense surgical training.

Dr. Chris Schneider »

Dr. Cain Linville

Double board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Cain Linville is an outstanding cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon who delivers exceptionally patient-centric care.

Dr. Cain Linville »

Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation in Austin Today

If you’re considering liposuction in Austin, please contact our team at Austin Face & Body today and schedule your private consultation to discover what this procedure can do for you.

Liposuction FAQ

Are there any risks associated with liposuction?

While liposuction is generally safe when performed by our experienced surgeons at Austin Face & Body, there are potential risks to consider, such as infection, swelling, bruising, and the possibility of uneven results. During your consultation, our team will discuss all potential risks and explain the measures we take to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

How can I prepare for liposuction?

To prepare for your liposuction procedure, you may need to avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements for at least two weeks before surgery. Refraining from smoking is also crucial, as it can interfere with healing. Additionally, you should arrange for transportation on the day of the procedure and have someone available to assist you during the initial recovery period. Your surgeon will provide detailed pre-procedure instructions tailored to your needs.

When can I resume exercising?

Most patients can resume light activities, such as walking, within a week after surgery. However, strenuous exercises, like weightlifting or running, should be avoided for approximately four to six weeks or until your surgeon clears you. Following your surgeon’s guidelines is essential for a smooth recovery.

What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells in treated areas. However, gaining weight after the procedure can result in new fat cells developing in untreated areas, which may alter your overall results. Maintaining a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise is key to preserving your improved contours.

Will my results be permanent?

The results of liposuction can be long-lasting if you maintain a healthy and stable weight. The fat cells removed during the procedure will not return, but new fat cells can develop if you experience significant weight fluctuations.

How much fat can be removed during the procedure?

The amount of fat removed during liposuction varies depending on individual goals and safety considerations. Most procedures remove up to five liters of fat. During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your needs and recommend the appropriate amount for your desired results.

What are some tips for having a successful recovery?

To ensure a smooth recovery, follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon. Wearing your compression garment as directed will help reduce swelling and promote healing. Staying hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet, and avoiding strenuous activities until cleared by your surgeon are also crucial steps in achieving optimal results.

Does fat come back after liposuction?

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from treated areas but does not prevent new fat cells from forming. If you gain weight after the procedure, the fat may accumulate in untreated areas. Maintaining a stable weight is essential for preserving your results.

Is liposuction painful?

Discomfort after liposuction is common during the initial recovery period but can be effectively managed with prescribed medications. The use of local or general anesthesia during the procedure ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the surgery.