Liposuction in Austin, TX

Tummy tucks and liposuction often target the lower abdomen, but they are dramatically different procedures. When a patient has one procedure versus the other often comes down to the elasticity of the skin on the abdomen.

A tummy tuck involves one or two incisions. The first incision stretches from hipbone to hipbone, dipping down so that the scar can be covered by underwear or a bikini bottom. The skin is separated from the underlying muscles and support tissue. Often the stomach muscles have become separated, especially when a woman has been pregnant and had a child or children. These muscles are brought back to the center and sutured together. This slims the contour. Then the skin is pulled downward and excess, sagging skin is trimmed. The incision is then closed. For a full tummy tuck, a second incision is made through the navel or adjacent to it. This allows for similar attention to be given to the area above the navel. Tummy tucks involve large scars and lengthy recovery periods.

Liposuction, although technically still surgery, is almost non-invasive in comparison. The incisions used to introduce the cannula to suction out the fat are tiny and usually don’t even require stitches. Liposuction removes pockets of unwanted fat, but doesn’t address separated muscles. It also doesn’t trim away excess sagging skin.

Liposuction is great for patients who only have minimal sagging skin because the skin will need to tighten down to the new slimmer contours. Tummy tucks are better procedures for patients with lots of sagging skin and possibly separated muscles in the abdomen.

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells. They are gone for good. If you don’t gain a ton of weight, you will not build new fat cells and you will maintain your results for the remainder of your life. It’s important to mind your eating and lifestyle choices if you want to truly benefit from your new slimmer contour for the long haul. If you gain weight, the weight doesn’t usually initially build in the areas treated, as many of the fat cells have been removed. But other fat cells can expand and if you gain enough weight new fat cells can be created.Once most patients see their new slimmer contour, they want to make the necessary lifestyle changes to maintain them.

While liposuction results are considered permanent, it is vital that you maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to keep the effects of liposuction. Weight gain can cause fat cells to regrow, and previous results may become less noticeable. However, with diet and exercise, you should be able to keep an improved body shape for many years after your surgery. Because these changes can occur with time, Dr. Andrew Trussler in Austin, TX, often considers patients who are already eating healthy, being active, and fall within their ideal weight range before recommending liposuction as a way to target specific areas of remaining unwanted fat.

Liposuction usually does not improve skin laxity. While liposuction can be used to remove excess fat and sculpt the body, it cannot be used to tighten or lift the skin directly. For patients with concerns about the appearance of loose or sagging skin, Dr. Andrew Trussler, our board-certified plastic surgeon, may recommend a combination of treatments, such as skin tightening. For example, patients who want to address excess fat around the midsection may want to consider the advantages of a tummy tuck, which combines both liposuction and skin removal to achieve a firmer stomach.

Liposuction can be used to treat areas with localized fat deposits, allowing for up to about three liters, or several pounds, of fat to be removed. Although removal of larger amounts of fat is possible, these levels may increase the risk for complications and should only be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Extensive removal of fat may leave behind excess skin, resulting in undesirable results that may require future treatment for skin removal.

Patients should take steps to minimize the risk of complications after liposuction. This includes eating a healthy diet and being active while avoiding extreme exercise for around two weeks after surgery. Additionally, Dr. Andrew Trussler of Austin, TX, may recommend wearing compression garments to reduce swelling and provide support during the healing process. Compression garments should be worn for several weeks following surgery, and any advice given by the doctor should be carefully followed to reduce the risk of complications.

Dr. Andrew Trussler is committed to helping patients achieve their desired body contours. Some patients may require multiple treatments to achieve their desired results, and patients are encouraged to discuss any concerns they have with their doctor. Depending on the individual’s goals, additional liposuction treatments or other body contouring procedures may be recommended to help you achieve your desired look.

Dr. Andrew Trussler of Austin, TX, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with specialty training who can help you in deciding if you are a good fit for liposuction. During a consultation appointment, he can talk to you about what you would like to achieve with this procedure and let you know if it will meet your needs and expectations. Not everyone is a proper candidate for liposuction, so be sure to connect with us to discuss your needs.