Liposuction

Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgery that slims the contours of the body by removing stores of unwanted fat. Sadly, many patients have trouble achieving their ideal body on their own. Despite living a healthy and active lifestyle, patients may not always find their efforts rewarded. Luckily, a liposuction procedure gives patients some added help in removing pesky fat in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, back, and thighs. Liposuction treatments have paved the way for patients to achieve impactful improvements, and when combined with other body contouring technology, the results are truly transformative. Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery offers customized fat reduction procedures to residents in the San Antonio area using personalized treatment plans. Interested patients should schedule an initial appointment to learn more about what’s possible with liposuction. Call (726) 227-6847 to speak with our staff, or fill out a simple contact form online!

About Liposuction

Liposuction has come a long way since surgeons began experimenting with suction to remove fat in the 1970s. Surgeons around the world quickly began developing safer, more effective tools and techniques for aspirating away unwanted fat, and the procedure rapidly improved. Today, liposuction is the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery worldwide. ^[1] At Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery, Dr. Suresh Koneru performs liposuction while also employing other body contouring solutions as part of a comprehensive treatment plan so that patients have every advantage to achieve optimal results.  

Tumescent Fluid

One of the several groundbreaking developments in liposuction was the introduction of tumescent fluid to the liposuction procedure in 1987. Dr. Jeffrey Klein was one of many surgeons eager to perform liposuction without the need for general anesthesia and began experimenting with ways to introduce lidocaine to the area. Tumescent fluid, also known as Klein’s solution,  remains an invaluable tool in liposuction today. Before the procedure begins, the area to be treated is infiltrated with tumescent fluid. As the name suggests, the tumescent fluid contains saline, which causes the fat to become engorged, making it easier to remove. It also contains lidocaine to further numb the area and prevent discomfort after surgery, and perhaps most importantly, epinephrine. This trace amount of adrenaline causes blood vessels to constrict, and less blood loss allows surgeons to remove larger amounts of fat safely. ^[1] 

After the tumescent fluid has taken effect, small incisions are made surrounding the treatment area, and a slim tube called a cannula is inserted into the incisions, where it is maneuvered in a back and forth motion to suction out fat from the body.

PAL Liposuction

The cannulas used to remove fat during liposuction have also undergone dramatic improvements. Early versions of the cannula were sharp, which could end up severing essential tissues, leading to more blood loss and less satisfactory results. Today’s cannulas are blunt, which allows them to pass through subcutaneous tissue safely. The addition of energy-based systems has also led to a safer and simpler procedure. Dr. Koneru performs power-assisted liposuction. This specialized cannula is powered by a tiny motor, which causes the tip to vibrate in a back and forth motion and more effectively loosen and suction away fat. ^[2] This form of liposuction allows Dr. Koneru to remove fat more easily and quickly so that patients can spend less time under anesthesia.  

What Area Can I Get Treated?

Liposuction can be performed on numerous areas of the body. Some of the areas most notorious for storing stubborn body fat are popular choices for liposuction patients, and include:

Benefits

Liposuction helps patients get one step closer to achieving their ideal body aesthetic. When diet and exercise haven’t made an impact on stubborn problem areas, liposuction can remove the fat permanently. Treatment can be customized to the patient’s unique anatomy and desires, so results are natural-looking.

And, one of the chief benefits of a liposuction procedure at Advanced Concepts is Dr. Koneru’s comprehensive approach to body contouring. Fat removal is just the beginning! With the ability to tighten skin, improve swelling during recovery, and achieve an overall reduction in targeted areas, Dr. Koneru offers a premium liposculpture experience that is unparalleled at other practices.

Skin Tightening

After removing fat with liposuction, it’s essential to ensure that skin retracts sufficiently. Dr. Koneru used several energy-based devices to tighten skin after liposuction and avoid any laxity. 

PiXel8-RF is a microneedling system that uses radiofrequency energy to tighten and firm skin. Microneedling stimulates the production of collagen, while the RF energy causes skin to contract. But that’s not all – it’s also an effective way to eliminate stretch marks, strengthen and firm skin, and smooth skin texture.

In other cases, Dr. Koneru may recommend the addition of BodyTite or FaceTite, depending on the areas being treated. These minimally-invasive devices also use RF energy to tighten and firm the skin, but do so from beneath the skin, making it a convenient addition to liposuction, since the same incisions can be used, and Dr. Koneru can further sculpt the treatment area. 

ZWave

Liposuction patients can return to Dr. Koneru’s office in the weeks following their procedure for ZWave sessions. This non-invasive treatment is similar to a massage and is an effective way to help reduce the swelling that occurs during recovery. The Zwave handpiece emits shockwaves that cause further cavitation in the remaining fat. This helps ensure smooth, even results.

ZWave treatment also improves skin firmness and elasticity and can reduce the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite.

UltraLight

UltraLight treatment is another non-surgical energy-based treatment designed to revitalize the skin and uses LED light therapy. This ingenious treatment involves exposing the body to low levels of three distinct types of LED wavelengths. UltraLight helps reduce inflammation and can be used to achieve circumferential reduction.

Ideal Candidates

Advanced Concepts in Plastic Surgery offers liposuction treatments to healthy men and women struggling to lose body fat. In particular, the treatment has restored confidence in women following pregnancy and those who have finished their weight loss journey. Other ideal candidates are:

Personal Consultation with Dr. Koneru

Dr. Suresh Koneru has over 18 years of experience improving people’s lives with aesthetic procedures. He provides residents of the greater San Antonio area and beyond with a comprehensive suite of plastic and reconstructive surgeries.

Your initial meeting with Dr. Koneru is the first step. First, we’ll review your medical history. You’ll have the opportunity to explain the results you wish to gain and ask to raise any concerns you may have. He will then examine the area(s) you want to contour. His meticulous evaluation will determine which body contouring procedure best suits your needs. Finally, if he feels you are a good candidate for liposuction, he will discuss the surgical treatment and the results you can anticipate.

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Koneru by calling the office at (726) 227-6847. Or you can request your appointment online.

Preparation

Patients can ensure a stress-free and quick recovery by following a few instructions before their treatment. Dr. Koneru advises patients to:

We want our patients to feel well-prepared for their treatment. That is why we encourage patients to read our blog posts to get helpful insights on the surgical process and other services we offer.

Procedure

After you’re administered the appropriate anesthesia, Dr. Koneru will inject tumescent fluid to make the fat removal process smoother, minimize bleeding, and numb the treatment area. Then, small incisions measuring a few millimeters ^[1] long are made on the areas being treated. Once has access to the underlying fat, Dr. Koneru will insert a cannula and contour the area. The cannula will safely suction fat away from the body. The process is repeated in each area until the desired contour is achieved. At the end of the treatment, the small incisions are able to heal on their own or may be closed with dissolvable sutures. Compression garments are applied to the treatment areas, and once the effects of the anesthesia have worn off, the patient is able to return home.

Recovery

Liposuction patients will recover from their surgical experience within 1-2 weeks. Dr. Koneru implements FRAPS, or fast recovery after plastic surgery protocol that speeds up recovery and ensures that patients have the most comfortable experience possible. Evidence of mild bruising, swelling, and soreness will be the most prominent during the first few days. Any discomfort can be managed with the pain medications we’ve prescribed. Continue to wear the compression garments as instructed. Additionally, Dr. Koneru may recommend a lymphatic massage and or ZWave sessions two weeks after your treatment. Other energy-based treatments may also be recommended to optimize your results. Following these instructions will help you return to your daily routine as quickly as possible. Strenuous activities should be avoided for the next 4-6 weeks. You’ll be provided with helpful patient resources to help guide your recovery.

Results

You may see a noticeable improvement immediately after your procedure, but your final results will emerge over the next few months, as any lingering swelling and bruising resolves. You can now look forward to a well-deserved slimmer and trimmer body. These results can last for years as long as you are committed to following a healthy and active lifestyle.

Cost of Liposuction in San Antonio

The total cost of your liposuction procedure will depend on the areas you wish to treat and any other procedures that you’ve chosen to include. At your consultation, we will provide you with an accurate estimate of the cost of your treatment. Eligible patients can take advantage of several different financing options to make payments for their procedure more manageable.

FAQ

References

1. Bellini E, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:53-60. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024
2. Heymans O, Castus P, Grandjean FX, Van Zele D. Liposuction: Review of the Techniques, Innovations and Applications. Acta Chirurgica Belgica. 2006;106(6):647-653. doi:10.1080/00015458.2006.11679973