Liposuction

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).

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 lift, breast 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?

How long will the results of my liposuction last?

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

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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.