About the Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery. The procedure was created to remove undesirable, fatty tissue in order to contour and reshape the body. Some of the areas that liposuction can treat are the neck, arms, hips, abdomen, back, thighs, knees and ankles. Having a good skin tone can increase the success rate of liposuction. Be aware that liposuction is not a treatment for obesity.
Although irregular body contours caused by fat can be enhanced by this procedure, it cannot correct body contours that are irregular for different reasons (i.e. a protuberant abdominal wall after pregnancy or overly stretched skin). However, when liposuction is combined with other cosmetic procedures such as an abdominoplasty or a tummy tuck, liposuction can correct these other deformities with excellent results.
How is a Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction is usually done under light general anesthesia on an outpatient basis in our surgery center. Occasionally, smaller areas can be liposuctioned under local anesthesia or sedation or “twilight” anesthesia. Austin liposuction specialist, Dr. Tjelmeland makes very small (less than 1/4 inch), discreet incisions near the areas to be treated.
A tumescent solution is infused into the fatty tissue to be removed to facilitate the fat removal and to minimize the bruising. A small cannula is then used to suction and remove the fat. A typical procedure may take 1 – 3 hrs or more, depending on how many areas are needed for treatment.
Some patients will benefit from ultrasonic assisted liposuction with the VASER Liposelection® system. The VASER Liposelection® system uses ultrasonic energy to emulsify or liquefy the fatty tissue to allow easier and less traumatic removal of fatty tissue. This can result in less bruising, less pain, quicker recovery and most importantly a smoother more even contour of the liposuction area.
Patients wanting liposuction of the arms, abdomen, back and flanks are usually good candidates, as these areas are more fibrous making the fat removal more difficult. Also, all patients that have had previous liposuction will greatly benefit from the VASER as scarring from previous liposuction procedures makes the removal of fatty tissue more difficult.
Upon evaluation, Dr. Tjelmeland will let you know if you will benefit from this type of liposuction.
What is the Recovery Process Like?
Recovery from liposuction is relatively simple. You can expect a decent amount of swelling and bruising in the two weeks following your procedure. You will wear special garments to minimize the swelling and sicomfort, apply pressure to the surgical area and provide support while you’re healing. These garments also assist in retraction and smoothing of the skin.
You will be ready to return to office work in 3-5 days and more active employment at approximately 10-14 days. Usually vigorous exercise can be resumed at 4 weeks.
Results are usually recognizable immediately, but may be masked by swelling in the treated areas. The results will continue to improve for 6 months after your procedure.
Are you concerned by the stubborn fat, despite a strict regimen of diet and exercise? If so, Kelly E. Tjelmeland, M.D. is a highly skilled, board-certified liposuction specialist that can help. Liposuction surgery (“lipoplasty”) is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. This body contouring technique is frequently performed by Austin liposuction surgeon Dr. Tjelmeland at Meridian Plastic Surgery Center.
Dr. Tjelmeland is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). At our private ambulatory plastic surgery center in Austin, Dr. Tjelmeland dedicates his time to each and every patient. He helps them achieve exceptional results when undergoing liposuction plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures.
Additional Information About Liposuction
Also known as “suction-assisted lipectomy,” liposuction is designed to surgically remove excess fat deposits from the abdomen, hips or thighs. This, in turn, can significantly enhance your figure.
To receive optimal results, you may also consider Dr. Tjelmeland as your tummy tuck surgeon. A tummy tuck, or “abdominoplasty,” will tighten the patient’s abdominal muscles and help to produce a flatter stomach.
Our experienced cosmetic surgery surgeon of Austin, Texas upholds patient care by understanding the personal goals of each individual.
Our liposuction patients may make ideal candidates for this body sculpting procedure based on their:
- Amount of excess fat deposits
- Expectations and goals
- Medical history
- Physical condition
- Skin elasticity
When performing liposuction and tummy tuck together, Dr. Tjelmeland utilizes the harmonic scalpel, which offers patients less pain, swelling, and bruising, as well as a quicker recovery.
At our plastic surgery center of Austin, ultrasonic liposuction or VASER liposelection are often used for removing fat of the flanks and back. Dr. Tjelmeland can also perform facial liposuction for patients who would like to achieve a more defined facial contour.
Other Resources Related to Liposuction
Blog: How Does Coolsculpting Compare to Liposuction
Am I good candidate for liposuction?
Ideal candidates for liposuction are those who are of normal weight and possess firm, elastic skin; yet, they have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. No matter the procedure you’re considering, an individual seeking plastic surgery should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in his or her expectations.
To learn more about options in cosmetic liposuction in Austin, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Tjelmeland. Before your visit, feel free to view liposuction before and after photos, featuring some of our patients’ results.
Excellence in Liposuction in Austin, TX
Austin residents can contact Dr. Tjelmeland’s practice by calling (512) 617-7500 or filling out our online form.
