Liposuction

Conveniently located to serve The Woodlands, Houston, and Shenandoah

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical technique designed to refine body contours by targeting and removing localized fat deposits. Also referred to as “lipoplasty” or “suction lipectomy,” this procedure has evolved significantly in recent years, with modern advancements (such as the tumescent, ultrasound-assisted, and super-wet methods) offering enhanced precision and shorter recovery for many patients.

While not intended as a weight-loss solution, liposuction can be an effective way to address stubborn fat and achieve smoother, more proportionate body lines. Common treatment areas include the midsection, flanks, thighs, arms, knees, and under the chin.

If you’re considering liposuction, our plastic surgeon in The Woodlands will be happy to meet with you to determine whether the procedure may be right for your personal goals. Continue reading or reach out to Dr. Lahiri to learn more!

Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Ideal liposuction candidates are those who are in good health and close to their target weight, but struggle with localized fat deposits that do not respond to lifestyle changes. Candidates should have good skin tone and elasticity, which can help produce smoother, more refined outcomes. Although age alone isn’t a disqualifying factor, older patients may see slightly different effects due to natural changes in skin firmness over time.

It’s important to approach liposuction with realistic expectations. While the procedure can enhance your figure and support your body contouring goals, please be aware that it’s not designed to dramatically alter your overall appearance or serve as a substitute for healthy habits.

Certain health conditions – such as heart or lung disease, poor circulation, diabetes, or a recent surgery near the treatment area – may increase the risk of complications and require special consideration. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Lahiri can determine whether liposuction may suit your needs.

Complementary Procedures to Liposuction

In many cases, liposuction can be performed alongside other surgical enhancements to further improve body proportions and reduce overall recovery time. For example, it may be combined with a tummy tuck to address both excess fat and loose abdominal skin, or paired with a breast augmentation or breast lift to restore youthful contours to the upper body.

If you’re also interested in facial rejuvenation, procedures such as facelift or eyelid surgery may be incorporated into your care, as well. During your consultation, Dr. Lahiri will review all available options with you and create a personalized surgical plan tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and anatomy.

What Does the Liposuction Procedure Involve?

Before undergoing surgery, you’ll meet with Dr. Lahiri for a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, she will assess your health status, examine areas of concern, and evaluate your skin tone. You’ll also receive personalized pre-operative instructions, including guidance on nutrition, smoking cessation, and the use of supplements, medications, and iron. If you’re feeling ill or develop an infection (particularly of the skin), your procedure may need to be delayed.

Although rarely needed, Dr. Lahiri may recommend pre-operative bloodwork as a precaution. As part of your planning, you should also arrange for transportation home and, if necessary, some assistance during the first few days of recovery.

Liposuction may take place in a private surgical suite, an outpatient facility, or a hospital. Smaller-volume procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis. If a larger amount of fat is being removed or liposuction is combined with additional surgeries, an overnight stay may be recommended.

The duration of the procedure can vary depending on the treatment area, amount of fat removed, anesthesia used, and technique selected. Through a small incision, a slender tube (called a cannula) is inserted into the fat layer beneath the skin. This device loosens fat as it moves through the area, allowing for suction via a vacuum or syringe. When multiple areas are treated, Dr. Lahiri will carefully transition between them while working to minimize visible scarring.

Because fluid is removed along with fat, it’s critical to maintain hydration during the procedure. IV fluids are administered throughout surgery and during the early recovery period to support your body’s needs and reduce the risk of complications.

Liposuction Techniques

Advancements in liposuction have led to several technique variations that can enhance precision and promote smoother outcomes. While all patients undergo the core process described above, Dr. Lahiri may recommend one or more of the following methods based on your needs.

Fluid Injection

This method involves introducing a medicated solution into the treatment area before suction begins. The mixture – composed of saline, a local anesthetic (lidocaine), and a vasoconstrictor (epinephrine) – can make fat easier to remove, control bleeding, and reduce post-operative bruising.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction uses a high volume of fluid (often several times the amount of fat being removed) to firm and swell the tissues. This approach can eliminate the need for additional anesthesia in some cases, though it generally extends the length of the procedure. Dr. Lahiri often chooses it for its ability to reduce bleeding and improve comfort.

Super-Wet Technique

Similar to the tumescent method, the super-wet technique uses a smaller volume of fluid (roughly equal to the fat being removed). It often requires IV sedation or general anesthesia and can be completed in one to two hours.

Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL)

This advanced method employs a specialized cannula that emits ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat before removal. It is particularly beneficial in areas with dense or fibrous tissue, such as the upper back or male chest, and is also useful in secondary procedures where added precision is needed. UAL generally takes longer than traditional liposuction but can offer more refined results in select cases.

Anesthesia Options

The type of anesthesia used will depend on the scope of your procedure and your preferences.
For smaller treatment areas, local anesthesia may be sufficient and is often combined with IV sedation to increase comfort. Regional anesthesia, such as an epidural block, may be appropriate for more extensive cases.

General anesthesia is usually recommended when larger volumes of fat are removed or when liposuction is performed in conjunction with other procedures. In these instances, an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will monitor you throughout surgery.

What Is Recovery Like After Liposuction?

In the initial days following surgery, it’s normal to experience fluid drainage from the incisions. To help manage this, a small drainage tube may be temporarily placed beneath the skin. You may also be fitted with a compression garment to reduce swelling and support your new contours as the body heals. In some cases, antibiotics are prescribed to lower the risk of infection.

While healing is a gradual process, light activity such as walking is typically encouraged early on to improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. Most patients begin feeling better after one to two weeks and are able to return to work within a few days, depending on the extent of the procedure. Stitches usually dissolve or are removed within 7 to 10 days.

More strenuous activities should be postponed for at least four weeks. While bruising and swelling tend to subside significantly after three weeks, some residual swelling may persist for several months. Dr. Lahiri will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and determine whether any additional treatment may be needed.

Some discomfort, stiffness, or temporary numbness is to be expected (even with modern techniques that can reduce post-operative pain). Medications can help manage symptoms, though you may still feel sore or fatigued for several days. If you experience any unusual symptoms (e.g. excessive bleeding or a sudden increase in pain), contact our office right away.

Emotional ups and downs during recovery are also common, especially in the first few weeks. These should resolve as healing progresses and your results begin to take shape.

Scarring and Surface Irregularities

Liposuction incisions are typically small and placed in discreet areas to minimize visible scarring. That said, mild surface irregularities – such as asymmetry, skin laxity, or changes in pigmentation – can occasionally occur, particularly in patients with reduced skin elasticity. While these are often minor, some individuals may benefit from a secondary procedure to optimize their final result.

What Are the Typical Results of Liposuction?

When performed on the right candidate, liposuction can produce noticeable enhancements in body contour. Many individuals find that their clothing fits more comfortably and that they feel more confident in their appearance. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle – including regular exercise and balanced nutrition – can help preserve your results over time.

Initial changes in shape are often visible shortly after surgery, though swelling may temporarily obscure the final outcome. As healing progresses over the following weeks, the treated areas should become more defined. Most swelling resolves within four to six weeks, and the final contour is usually apparent around the three-month mark, once residual swelling has subsided.

What Risks Are Associated With Liposuction?

When performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, liposuction is generally considered safe. That said, as with any surgical procedure, complications are possible. Patient selection, surgical technique, and the use of an accredited facility all play important roles in minimizing complications. Risks may increase when multiple treatment areas are addressed simultaneously or when a larger volume of fat is removed, which can also extend operating time.

Potential risks and complications may include:

• Infection or delayed wound healing
• Fat or blood clots, which can migrate to the lungs and cause serious complications
• Excessive fluid loss leading to dehydration or fluid accumulation requiring drainage
• Friction burns, nerve damage, or skin injury
• Organ perforation, though extremely rare
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia or medications

Additionally, certain modern techniques carry specific considerations:

• Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL): The heat generated during the process may cause skin or tissue injury. Although UAL has been used successfully in many patients, the long-term effects of ultrasound energy on the body are still being studied.
• Tumescent and Super-Wet Techniques: The anesthetic solution used contains lidocaine and epinephrine. If too much fluid is administered or the lidocaine concentration is too high, complications such as lidocaine toxicity or fluid accumulation in the lungs may occur.

Dr. Lahiri takes every precaution to minimize surgical risk, performing procedures in a controlled environment with a focus on patient safety and post-operative care. If you have any questions about the risks mentioned above, don’t hesitate to contact us!

How Should I Choose a Liposuction Surgeon?

Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important steps in planning your liposuction journey. At minimum, your provider should have accredited surgical training and specialized experience in body contouring. Even when procedures are performed in an office-based setting, it’s essential that your surgeon holds privileges to perform liposuction at a reputable, accredited hospital.

If you are considering large-volume liposuction (generally defined as more than five liters or 5,000 ccs of fat), your surgeon must demonstrate advanced skill and experience with this level of care. It’s also vital to discuss what kind of aftercare will be provided, as more extensive procedures often require attentive follow-up. Don’t hesitate to ask how your surgeon has helped other patients with similar goals, and what kinds of results they achieved.

Given the wide array of techniques and technologies available today, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by options. A well-qualified plastic surgeon can help you navigate this process and recommend an approach that fits your unique needs. This kind of decision-making, known as surgical judgment, is cultivated through years of education, hands-on experience, and patient care. It also plays a crucial role in preventing complications, responding to challenges during surgery, and managing recovery.

As you research providers, be sure to review their credentials. Dr. Sabrina Lahiri is certified by both the American Board of Surgery (ABS) and the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a distinction that reflects comprehensive training and rigorous examination. Board certification by the ABPS requires graduation from an accredited medical school, a minimum of five years of surgical residency (including at least two years of plastic surgery), and the successful completion of extensive written and oral exams.

Dr. Lahiri is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and an active member of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and The Aesthetic Society®. Her commitment to safety, ongoing education, and a compassionate experience for each patient are key reasons why individuals across The Woodlands and greater Houston area trust her with their aesthetic goals.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The overall price of liposuction depends on several variables, including pre-operative evaluations, surgical fees, facility charges, anesthesia, and post-procedure garments. Other cost-determining factors include the number of areas treated, the techniques selected, and the duration of surgery.

You’ll receive a personalized quote at the time of your consultation with Dr. Lahiri, based on your unique treatment plan. For patients interested in flexible financing, our practice works with CareCredit®, a reputable third-party lender that offers monthly payment plans to qualified patients. If you have any questions about fees or financing, we’re happy to assist.

Ready to learn more about your body contouring options? Contact our team to book a personal consultation and get started on your liposuction journey.