Liposuction currently ranks as the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the US after breast augmentation. Over the years, liposuction techniques have become safer and less invasive. Reduced discomfort and downtime and minimal scarring have made liposuction the procedure of choice for patients who want to eliminate excess fat tissue from the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, flanks, and other areas.
Dr. Kristi Hustak is a board certified female plastic surgeon providing a wide range of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures. Dr. Hustak will customize liposuction to match with the patient’s unique anatomical and cosmetic needs. She provides liposuction surgery to patients in Houston, Texas and surrounding locations.
Who is a Candidate?
Adults who are unhappy with the appearance of unsightly fat deposits in specific areas of the body that are resistant to exercise and diet will usually make good candidates for liposuction plastic surgery. The candidate should have a solid overall health and stable weight, which should be preferably within 25 pounds of their ideal body weight.
The surgeon will also evaluate the skin elasticity condition to determine whether liposuction can achieve the desired goals as a standalone procedure. Pregnant or nursing women, and people with pre-existing medical conditions that could interfere with the surgery or healing may have to avoid liposuction surgery.
Liposuction Techniques
Liposuction can be performed using various surgical techniques. The surgeon will determine the right technique after evaluating different factors, including the patient’s personal goals.
Traditional Liposuction
The surgeon may apply traditional liposuction technique when a significant amount of fat reduction is involved. The procedure may be performed using general or local anesthesia with IV sedation. Through discreetly placed incisions in the targeted area, the surgeon will insert a cannula into the deeper fat layers. The cannula will be gently manipulated back and forth to dislodge stubborn fat cells and suctioned out with a pump attached to the other end of the cannula.
Tumescent Liposuction
This is the common technique to perform liposuction in a less invasive manner. It involves the use of only local anesthesia. The surgeon will inject lidocaine, epinephrine and saline solution into the affected fat layers. The solution will swell the fat cells, enabling their easier isolation and removal. Following the fat removal, the incisions will be closed with sutures.
Ultrasound Liposuction
This innovative technique involves the use of a cannula that delivers ultrasonic waves into the targeted area. The energy generates gentle heat in the fat layers to liquefy the targeted fat cells. This allows for easier removal of larger and denser fat tissue in a less invasive way. Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas and nearby areas for liposuction.
Laser Liposuction
Several laser based devices are available today to perform laser assisted liposuction. The laser energy can be targeted in a precise and controlled manner to liquefy the fat cells, and facilitate their removal in a less invasive way.
Recovery
Most patients will be able to return to their normal routine in about a week to 10 days. Full results will establish over several weeks or months as the swelling is completely eliminated.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.
