Liposuction

Liposuction, performed by Dr. Young Cho in Houston at Integrated Plastic Surgery, is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures today. The technique is used for removing localized deposits of fat. It's not a method of weight loss, but rather a body-slimming procedure that can be performed almost anywhere on the body. 

In addition to body sculpting, liposuction is often used during procedures like breast reduction, tummy tuck, arm lift and body lift, and even facial rejuvenation. 

Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction, which also uses a cannula to remove fat, incorporates the use of a laser and can cause less pain, blood loss and bruising than traditional liposuction and can provide more selective fat removal and increased tissue tightening. When performed by Dr. Cho, the laser probe is inserted through the incision sites and directed toward the skin layer to stimulate the cells.  The two most popular laser liposuction devices on the market is SmartLipo and SlimLipo.  Both devices provide superior results to traditional liposuction techniques, however many SmartLipo devices in Houston find their way to non-plastic surgeon providers and may account for broader spectrum of suboptimal results or adverse outcomes. 

In our Houston practice, we use Palomar's SlimLipo system, a device that uses the most efficient laser technology for melting away persistent fat deposits. Not only is SlimLipo cleared by the FDA for laser-assisted liposuction, it is also the first system specifically optimized for that use.

SlimLipo safely targets only specific fat cells that are to be removed with a laser wavelength designed to break up and "melt" these deposits. In addition to having a precise treatment tip, the SlimLipo system is flexible, making it ideal for maneuvering around the contours of varying body types.  SlimLipo also has the added benefit of tightening the skin in treated areas.  This may enable more patients to downgrade their surgical options to a less invasive solution while obtaining optimal results.  

SlimLipo in Houston may be performed on many areas of the body such as:

• Abdomen
• Flanks
• Bra region
• Back
• Thighs
• Inner knees
• Buttocks
• Upper Arms
• Neck and Chin

Patients who undergo SlimLipo treatments may expect less bruising and blood loss, smaller incisions and fewer contour deformities when compared to traditional liposuction. The results of your SlimLipo treatment in Houston will be slimmer, more beautiful body contours.

How is SlimLipo different from traditional liposuction?

SlimLipo uses focused laser energy to warm and melt fat cells prior to removal. This makes the fat easier to remove ands results in increased patient comfort.

What areas of the body can SlimLipo treat?

SlimLipo can remove fat from nearly all over the body including the midsection, back, thighs, buttocks, upper arms and around the face.

How long is the recovery period after a SlimLipo treatment?

Most patients who have received a SlimLipo treatment can return to their normal routine after one or two days.

Tumescent Liposuction

When Dr. Cho performs traditional liposuction, he will make small incisions in targeted areas. A tumescent solution may be used, which will break up the fat deposits, making them easier to remove. Using a narrow tube called a cannula, Dr. Cho will dislodge and suction out your excess fat. During this procedure, body fluids are lost but they will be replenished with intravenous fluids.

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction

When Dr. Cho performs Ultrasonic liposuction, he will first direct ultrasonic energy at the area of fat to be removed. This eases the removal of the fat, increasing the amount that can be removed and can also increase your comfort during and after the procedure. After the ultrasonic energy has been applied, Dr. Cho will continue the liposuction procedure as described above.

Before Liposuction

To be considered an ideal patient for liposuction in Houston, you should have good skin elasticity, and be at a stable, healthy body weight. The fat you wish to have removed must not be able to be removed though diet and exercise. The surgery itself can last from 45 minutes to two hours and is completed when you are placed under local or general anesthesia.

After Liposuction in Houston

Following your liposuction, you will be advised to walk around shortly after the procedure. You may experience numbness, swelling and discomfort and these may be managed with medication. A compression garment must also be worn for up to three weeks to control swelling and to aid in proper healing. As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle, fat will not return to the treated area.

Possible side effects, which are more likely with large volume fat removal, may include but are not limited to infection, lidocaine toxicity, poor result or contour, delayed healing, clotting, and excessive fluid loss.

We encourage you to contact Dr. Young Cho in Houston at (281) 404-5454 to schedule a consultation to find out how various liposuction techniques he performs at Integrated Plastic Surgery can help you achieve a slimmer physique.