Liposuction in Fort Worth

In patients with good skin quality and elasticity, the skin will contract down to reveal the new contour created by removing the excess fat. In some cases I see patients who ask for liposuction when the more appropriate procedure to perform is a tummy tuck. In patients with extensive stretch marks or loose skin, liposuction of the underlying fat will very likely result in excess skin due to the poor skin quality and inability of that skin to “bounce back” after liposuction. Liposuction in Fort Worth may be used as an adjunct in these patients during a tummy tuck for optimal contour.

This will vary depending on the size of the patient, their aesthetic goals, and the amount of fat in each location. While liposuction is not meant for weight loss or obesity, most patients will notice significant improvement in their body contour. General recommendations for safety include limiting the total fat removal to 5 liters of fluid (approximately 11 pounds). Patients who are closer to their ideal body weight will get better results with decreased complications compared to overweight and obese individuals.

Fort Worth liposuction removes fat below the skin to improve contour. It does not improve excess skin or stretch marks. An abdominoplasty procedure does several things:

• Removes some fat from the midsection
• Removes excess, loose/stretched-out skin
• Tightens the abdominal muscles which helps flatten the abdomen when viewed from the side and helps narrow the waist when viewed from the front.
• Redistributes the skin from the upper abdomen to the lower abdomen. This tightens the skin and helps thin the fat layer of the abdomen as well.

A tummy tuck will reverse the changes of pregnancy and weight loss, while liposuction is useful for removing fat from isolated areas. In order to get a good result with liposuction, the patient should be close to an ideal weight and have good skin tone. If liposuction is performed in an area without good skin tone (lots of stretch marks), the patient will very likely be left with loose skin that does not contract or shrink down.

Yes, the fat cells that are removed during liposuction do not come back. If a patient gains weight, however, the remaining fat cells or fat cells in other locations will expand and become larger. Patients who maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen after surgery will maintain their results for years.

Cellulite is caused by fibrous, scar-like bands of tissue that connect the skin to the deeper layers of fat. The result is dimpling as the fat cells expand between the bands. Liposuction may improve the appearance by reducing the tightness of the fibrous bands. Cellulite is very difficult to treat and may require other treatments to dissolve the scar bands.

Most patients can return to a desk job within 2-3 days after surgery. Patients with very strenuous jobs will need at least 3-4 weeks to recover.

For an isolated liposuction procedure in the DFW Metroplex, most patients can resume their workouts at 3-4 weeks postoperatively. If liposuction has been combined with a tummy tuck or mommy makeover, you recovery will be longer and the return to strenuous exercise will be slower.

You will notice some improvement immediately after surgery; however, typical bruising and swelling will camouflage your final contour for several months. It is important to wear the compression garment as instructed by Dr. Steele to facilitate resolution of your swelling and skin contraction. You will gradually notice improvement as the swelling goes away, but it will take 3-6 months to see the final result.

The cost of the procedure can vary on a number of factors. As an experienced Fort Worth liposuction surgeon, Dr. Steele will meet with you in his office to discuss all options and pricing.