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Baumholtz Plastic Surgery
4083 De Zavala Rd
Shavano Park, TX 78249
Phone: 210-880-3708

Liposuction

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Liposuction is one of the cosmetic surgical procedures among both men and women. It removes stubborn pockets of fatty tissue in the belly, flanks, “love handles”, back, arms, neck, breasts (including male breasts), thighs, and other areas to reveal a slimmer, sleeker profile. Often performed as an outpatient procedure, liposuction is popular among men and women who are close to their goal weight and want to refine and improve their results.

Liposuction is also popular among people who are fit and physically active but have isolated areas of fat that haven’t responded to diet and exercise. As a top-rated plastic surgeon, Dr. Baumholtz is proficient in performing liposuction in San Antonio patients wanting a way to look slimmer and feel more confident. Liposuction is not weight-loss surgery (also bariatric surgery). It’s part of a collection of body contouring procedures (or sometimes body sculpting).

How should I prepare for liposuction?

If you’re considering having liposuction in San Antonio, your first step is to schedule a consultation and evaluation with Dr. Baumholtz. During the office visit, the medical staff will ask you to provide a complete medical history, including information about chronic diseases you, your parents, or your grandparents have had, any surgeries you’ve had, and any medications or supplements you may be taking, as well as any allergies you have. Dr. Baumholtz will discuss your concerns and what you hope to achieve with your procedure, and he’ll also perform a physical exam to determine the best approach for your liposuction procedure.

During your consultation, you will need to point out – literally – the areas that are bothering you most so Dr. Baumholtz can design a treatment specifically for your needs. Before your appointment, it can help to look at yourself carefully in the mirror so you’ll be able to show the specific areas and issues you’d like to have addressed. Depending on your treatment goals and other factors, Dr. Baumholtz also may recommend additional procedures, like a breast liftbreast reduction or breast augmentation, a tummy tuck or complete body contouring, and he will take photos during your visit to help guide your treatment.

What if I’m overweight?

If you’re very overweight, Dr. Baumholtz may suggest losing weight prior to your procedure. If you’re a woman, you should also discuss whether you plan to become pregnant in the future since pregnancy and weight gain can have an effect on the long-term results of your liposuction procedure. Patients who are already at or near their ideal weight are the best candidates for liposuction.

Six weeks prior to your surgery, you’ll need to stop smoking and stop taking aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and Dr. Baumholtz may provide other pre-surgical guidelines based on your needs. You may need blood tests, an EKG, or other tests. You’ll also need to arrange to have someone drive you home after your liposuction procedure, and because you’ll be sore and taking pain medication, you should have someone stay with you the first night after your surgery as well.

Can I have more than one area treated during one procedure?

Yes, Dr. Baumholtz can perform liposuction on multiple areas in a single surgical session. Your time in surgery will be longer, and your recovery time and experience will also vary. For instance, people who have a single, smaller area treated generally will have less discomfort and a faster return to full activity compared to someone who has several larger areas treated. 

Dr. Baumholtz will review your options during your initial consultation visit. For most patients, liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure. However, for patients who need or want larger amounts of fat removed, an overnight hospital stay may be required in order to monitor the patient and provide observation during the initial stages of recovery. The surgeon may stage or divide multiple surgical procedures over different days in some cases.

What happens during a liposuction procedure?

The plastic surgeon often performs liposuction in San Antonio on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia or, less commonly, with sedation and local anesthetics to keep the patient comfortable throughout the procedure. When you arrive for your surgery, the medical staff will take your vital signs and you’ll meet with Dr. Baumholtz to go over your procedure once more. He may use a special marker to make marks on your skin to guide your procedure, and he’ll be able to answer any last-minute questions you may have about the procedure or your recovery. The medical staff will then give you medication to help you relax before the procedure begins.

The surgeon performs liposuction using a tube-shaped instrument, a cannula. The surgeon inserts the cannula into the treatment area through a small incision and the liposuction machine creates the suction that actually draws the fat out. The specialized tip of the cannula also helps dislodge the fat to remove it more easily. Depending on the size of the area of the treatment, the surgeon may make more than one incision. Before the procedure begins and fat is suctioned out through the cannula, a special fluid will be administered to the treatment site to help reduce bleeding and post-procedure discomfort.

How long does the procedure take?

Most liposuction procedures take under two hours, but if there are many areas of treatment, it can take longer. Dr. Baumholtz will be able to give you an idea of how long your procedure will take following your initial consultation and evaluation. Once your procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incisions and apply a special compression garment to reduce swelling and help the skin “shrink” to fit your new contours. Occasionally this garment is given at a post-operative visit depending on the amount of swelling anticipated. Then the medical staff will take you to a recovery area for a little while for observation and monitoring before discharging you.

What will my recovery be like?

To some extent, your recovery will depend on how many areas you’ve had treated and how much fat has been removed. In general, you can expect soreness, bruising, and redness in the treatment area. You’ll probably want to take some painkillers to help you stay comfortable. Use the medications prescribed to you and don’t take aspirin or other NSAIDs which can cause bleeding and additional swelling in the area. You may have some drainage from the incision sites for a few days, and in some cases, Dr. Baumholtz may insert a drain to prevent fluids from building up and causing pressure and discomfort.

During the first week, you’ll need to rest, but you’ll still need to walk around to prevent blood clots. If you can, try to elevate the treatment area to reduce swelling. Your compression garment will help reduce swelling as well, and you’ll need to wear it for several weeks. Most of the swelling from your procedure will disappear within three to four weeks, but some residual swelling can persist for months. Bruising is typical and usually resolves within a week or two. You’ll be able to go back to work within a week or so and resume most of your activities within a couple of weeks. You’ll need to avoid strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks or longer if additional procedures are performed. You should also limit your time in the sun to prevent scarring.

More questions

When will I see my results?

Because it can take some time for swelling to resolve, it can be a few months before you see your final results. Any scars from your procedure will be small, and they’ll continue to fade over time. Avoiding sun exposure during recovery will help scars fade more completely.

How long will the results of my liposuction last?

Liposuction removes fat cells, which means the results of your procedure are permanent. You can still gain weight in other areas of your body, including the areas around your treatment site. Maintaining a healthy weight is the best way to prolong your results and prevent additional fat deposition that can detract from your slim appearance.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

Undergoing liposuction in San Antonio can be a very good option for men and women who have stubborn areas of fat that just don’t respond to diet and exercise. You’ll get the best results if your skin is still elastic. You will also be able to contract well to your new contours and be within 20 pounds or so of your ideal weight.

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If you’re thinking about having liposuction in San Antonio, it’s very important to select a skilled surgeon with plenty of experience in performing the procedure. Dr. Baumholtz is a board-certified plastic surgeon with in-depth expertise in liposuction procedures, tailoring every procedure to the specific needs and goals of the patient for the highest levels of satisfaction. Liposuction can be used alone or in combination with other procedures, making it a very versatile option. 

To find out if it’s a good choice for your needs, call the office and schedule an office visit today!

To learn more about the Baumholtz Plastic Surgery treatments and procedures performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Michael Baumholtz please contact us.

Dr. Baumholtz receives patients from San Antonio, Shavano Park, Texas and surrounding areas.

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irma gamboa
My tummy tuck journey began about 3 1/2 months ago when I had my 1st office visit with Dr. Baumholtz. Dr. Baumholtz listened to what I wanted had done, he gave me his professional opinion and his recommendations and said “yes we can do it”, never pressured me to move forward with procedure, he told me when your ready you let me know. Dr. Baumholtz is an amazing Plastic Surgeon. I’m exactly 10 weeks post op - tummy tuck today, 3/18/22, I could not had asked for more, my results are amazing and could not be any happier. Dr. Baumholtz and his staff to date have gone above and beyond with my after care, they are always their for you and you are not left alone. Renee works with Dr. Baumholtz, she is very knowledgeable and always has an answer for you. Also, where I had my surgery was at emerge plastic surgery specialty center, awesome nurses and staff, always very attentive to me before and after surgery, facility was amazing. Thank you Dr. Baumholtz, you are awesome and thank for all you have done for me, I feel like I’m on top of the world. Anyone trying to get any plastic surgery procedure, go see Dr. Baumholtz, He WILL take care of you, he is awesome. 10 weeks ago today, 3/18/22, I’m amazed and beyond thankful, I’m just so happy with my tummy tuck.
Krystal Ausmus
Krystal Ausmus
The entire staff is amazing and everyone at the surgical center is attentive, kind, and very professional. Such a great experience!
Merlinda Valdez
Merlinda Valdez
There are so many reasons why I am extremely happy with Dr. B's work; one word keeps popping up is AMAZING. Dr. B performed a breast reduction and it's been several years that I have not felt this AMAZING physically and mentally. Dr. B thank you and your staff (especially Renee) for providing the most AMAZING service with honesty, availability, and making me feel safe. I would recommend all day everyday. TOP NOTCH SERVICE.
Kriezl Gutierrez
Kriezl Gutierrez
Dr. B and his team made my experience very comfortable. I was well informed even with my own research and they are available to you pretty much 24/7. Anytime I had a question , I was able to get an answer within the same day. I’m very happy and pleased with my results!
Valerie Zamora
Valerie Zamora
Super happy with my results! Doc was super nice & loved the 3D imaging to see what my possible results could be! 10/10
veronica duran
veronica duran
I couldn’t be any happier with my results!! The entire process was such an amazing & positive experience and one I will never forget. I was treated like a person rather than a number. Everyone, from the staff at Dr. Baumholtz’s office to the staff at the surgical center were so comforting and reassuring. Renee and Katherine at the office have been more than great, and the surgical center staff were so professional and caring. All my questions & concerns were addressed and I felt like part of a family. Thank you to all who were involved on my journey!!
Emma Cantu
Emma Cantu
Mommy Make-Over. Tummy Tuck/Breast Lift Best Plastic Surgeon! Dr. Baumholtz is highly regarded as an excellent surgeon among his peers in the medical community. Every expectation of my procedure was met and exceeded. After meeting different surgeons , I chose Dr. Baumholtz because he was the MOST honest about managing my expectations, and of course because of the fact that he is a highly skilled board certified surgeon! Trust your surgeon - Thank you Dr. Baumholtz and staff !
Lisa Rivera
Lisa Rivera
Dr.B is amazing. He will answer any questions you have, he will not pressure you to make a decision your not ready to make. Going to Dr B was the best decision I made! My results are beyond what I ever imagined! Dr B has the best bedside manner! I was nervous about my breast augmentation but he put me at ease and made me feel comfortable! I would recommend him to anyone! (Which I already have) Staff is also very professional and friendly! I love Dr B and his staff!
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