The Liposuction Procedure – How Does Liposuction Work?

As one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries (American Society for Dermatologic Surgery), liposuction is the ideal choice for contouring and shaping problem areas. Dr. Alan Greenberg and the team at North Texas Cosmetic Surgery will explain the benefits of liposuction and how it can work best for you. Dr. Greenberg performs in-office liposuction for patients from Plano and Frisco, using either local anesthesia or tumescent anesthesia to contour the follow areas.

Abdomen
Breasts
Hips
Outer thighs (saddlebags)
Flanks (love handles)
Back
Inner thighs
Inner knees
Upper arms
Submental (chin),(gullet)
Gynecomastia (male breast tissue)

Most patients who visit North Texas Cosmetic Surgery understand that liposuction involves removing fat

from certain parts of the body, but they often don’t know how liposuction actually works.

What is fat?

Everyone has fat; in fact, fat plays an important role in how the body works. Fatty tissue (also known as adipose tissue) stores energy and insulates the body. But sometimes, regardless of how much a person exercises and eats right, fatty deposits can congregate in one or more areas. While liposuction removes fat from problem areas like inner thighs or the abdomen, it doesn’t remove cellulite, a common misconception with many patients.

What happens during liposuction?

Fatty tissue is found under the skin, or subcutaneous. There are two layers of subcutaneous fat: deep and superficial. During a liposuction procedure, Dr. Greenberg will make a tiny incision and insert a hollow, stainless-steel tube called a cannula into the deep fat layer. Working on this layer is safer than working on the superficial layer, because there is less risk of injuring the skin.

Before he begins the liposuction, Dr. Greenberg will first numb the fatty tissue in the operative area with local anesthesia or tumescent anesthesia. The tumescent solution is mix of a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and other medication, which causes the tissue to plump and tighten (tumescent means ‘swollen’). This effect gives cosmetic surgeons more accuracy and control with less blood loss and postoperative pain. As the cannula moves, it breaks up fat cells, so the unwanted fat can be suctioned out.

The entire procedure can be performed in office at North Texas Cosmetic Surgery with fewer risks, a faster recovery and decreased costs. Each patient is different, and the time it takes to perform the liposuction is dependent upon the patient’s needs.

What can you expect after liposuction?

After liposuction, Dr. Greenberg will prescribe pain medication to help keep you comfortable during recovery. You’ll wear an elastic support garment to protect the affected area and limit strenuous physical activity for a couple of weeks post procedure. Expect to return to work within 48 hours afterwards.

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, and if you gain weight after the procedure, it usually will not concentrate in the area that was treated. However, it is important to note that liposuction will not prevent you from gaining weight. To keep your new shape and new weight after liposuction, you must follow a proper diet and exercise plan.

In your consultation, Dr. Greenberg will help you understand the advantages and limitations and whether or not you would benefit from liposuction. For more information and directions to our Frisco office, from Plano and Dallas, contact us.