Liposuction in Austin, TX | Body Contouring Surgery

Many of my patients ask me if the fat will return to the area treated with liposuction. I make it a point to tell my patients that while the fat will not return to that specific area, an unhealthy lifestyle may result in weight gain in other areas of the body. Liposuction is not a weight loss surgery; it is a way to help improve areas that are resistant to other, more traditional fat loss methods.

This is a great question, because some of the areas where fat is hardest to lose can be the ones most easily treated with liposuction with minimal recovery. The area that I like to call the anterior axillary fold (AAF) is a rewarding area to treat. This is the stubborn area of fat located in the upper outer area of the breast that bothers patients when they wear certain dresses or tank tops. It takes approximately 30 minutes to treat the AAF using a tiny concealed incision. Another nearby area is the upper arm, in which fullness is removed between the elbow and the armpit. This is a great area to treat in patients with good skin quality. The inner knees at the top of the legs, which may be treated in under 20 minutes, are really rewarding to treat as patients appreciate the contour change after surgery.

In the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon, liposuction is extremely safe. When performed as a standalone procedure, liposuction has a major complication rate of less than 1%. When combined with other surgical procedures, the risk of complications increases, but remains very low. You can minimize your risk of complications by avoiding tobacco products, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following your surgeon’s pre- and post-op instructions closely.

Liposuction and tummy tuck surgery address different things. Liposuction is great for reducing areas of unwanted fat where the skin is firm and elastic. When there is excess, sagging skin and separated abdominal muscles—as is often the case after pregnancy or weight loss—a tummy tuck is the appropriate solution. Liposuction surgery is often performed to enhance the results of a tummy tuck by sculpting the waist and flanks.

Most people find the recovery from liposuction surgery to be fairly mild. Some have even described it as feeling sore, like after a tough workout. Of course, every individual is different, and it can vary depending on the extent and area of your liposuction. Your surgeon will discuss pain management options with you prior to surgery. Most individuals do not require prescription pain medication.

While liposuction is generally safe when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon, all surgical procedures carry some risks. Potential risks include infection, blood clots, uneven contours, or changes in skin sensation. Choosing a skilled surgeon like Dr. Piazza and following all pre- and post-operative instructions can significantly reduce these risks.

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated areas, and if you maintain a stable weight, the results can last indefinitely. However, gaining weight after the procedure may cause fat to accumulate in other areas of the body. A healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise is key to preserving your results.

Yes, there are non-surgical options, such as CoolSculpting® or EMSCULPT NEO®, which can reduce fat and, in some cases, tone muscle. While these treatments are effective for mild to moderate fat reduction, they may not achieve the same transformative results as liposuction for patients with more significant concerns.