Liposuction
Excess fat deposits in specific areas of your body that do not respond to diet and exercise can be reduced with liposuction (lipoplasty) at our Fort Worth plastic surgery practice. Over the years, this popular aesthetic procedure has helped numerous women and men attain a slimmer, more toned physique with natural-looking results.
Quick Facts About Liposuction
- Procedure:
- Approximately 1-3 hours
- Anesthesia:
- Local or general anesthesia
- Recovery:
- About 1-2 weeks (for office jobs and non-strenuous activities)
- Post-op Visits:
- 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months
- Cost:
- About $5,000 for a single area on average
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgery that uses suction to remove excess fat cells in trouble areas around the body. By targeting this stubborn fat, patients can achieve a more sculpted and toned-looking physique. Although liposuction can help contour the body, the procedure is not intended for weight loss, and patients should be at or near their goal weight to achieve the best possible results. Liposuction is continuously one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed every year.
Dr. Kurkjian utilizes an advanced liposuction technique that is focused on achieving smooth contours and providing enhanced results. This involves fat separation, removal, and redistribution, which helps to contour trouble areas while minimizing contour irregularities.
Developing a Personalized Liposuction Plan
To ensure you receive optimal results from your liposuction surgery, our board-certified plastic surgeon—Dr. Jon Kurkjian—will conduct a thorough consultation process to plan for your procedure. During this time, he will examine your area(s) of concern, the laxity of affected skin, and the amount of accumulated fatty tissue. He will then review your medical history to ensure there are no health and/or safety issues.
During his plastic surgery residency in Dallas and aesthetic surgery fellowship in New York City, Dr. Kurkjian received extensive training from pioneers in the field of liposuction. He will review the liposuction process with you and work with you to determine the ideal surgical plan for your goals.
Overall, liposuction can be an exceptional method to improve your body proportions and contours. With an in-depth knowledge in traditional and advanced liposuction techniques, Dr. Kurkjian can provide customized treatment that helps you effectively achieve your body sculpting goals.
Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?
Ideal candidates for liposuction surgery are typically those with isolated areas of excess fat, who have excellent skin tone or tissue elasticity. You should be in generally good health, not have any underlying medical conditions, and have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or below. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution, and it is also not an effective treatment for cellulite. Dr. Kurkjian can help you understand what you can realistically expect from liposuction during your consultation.
“I did a lot of research before getting my breast augmentation and liposuction done. I read reviews for months. Dr. Kurkjian’s were pretty amazing so I made a consultation appointment with him. I was just straight up impressed by Dr. K and ALL of his staff. He listened to everything I wanted and helped me understand what was right for me. Very knowledgeable and realistic about what would and wouldn’t work out. I set up my surgery and it went perfectly. He did everything that I asked for and the results fantastic!!! Everyone has been super nice and helpful every step of the way. I will be going back to him if I ever want anything else done in the future and would recommend him to anyone!!”
What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?
Liposuction surgery performed by Dr. Kurkjian can be an ideal procedure to reduce stubborn fat pockets in:
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Legs
- Knees
- Ankles
- Arms
- Neck
Due to the simplicity and efficacy of treatment, liposuction can often be an excellent complement to tummy tuck surgery, thigh lift surgery, and various other aesthetic procedures. As an additional benefit, since these fat cells have been eradicated, the results achieved with liposuction can be long lasting when a nutritious diet and well-balanced lifestyle is maintained after treatment.
What Does the Liposuction Procedure Involve?
On the day of your scheduled liposuction surgery, you will be given either local or general anesthesia depending on the extent of your procedure. Once this has taken effect, small incisions will be made near the target area(s). The fat removal process will begin with the insertion of a small basket-tip cannula without suction. This cannula is then used to separate the fat cells before they are removed via a suction device, reducing unnecessary trauma to the area. Dr. Kurkjian will then carefully guide a smaller power-assisted cannula using suction to remove excess fatty tissue. Lastly, the basket-tip cannula is reintroduced without suction in order to equalize the remaining fat, thus helping to create a smooth and natural appearance.
Once the optimal amount of fat reduction has been achieved, the incisions will be closed, and you will begin your recovery. The entire process takes about one to three hours on average, which will greatly vary based on the size and number of areas being treated.
Is Liposuction Safe?
Liposuction is considered safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced with the procedure. Although serious side effects are rare when liposuction is completed by a qualified professional, there is always some degree of risk when undergoing any surgery. Possible complications that can occur following liposuction include bleeding, changes in skin sensation, infection, and scarring. Dr. Kurkjian will go over the risks of liposuction in detail with you before your surgery to ensure you can make an informed decision about your care.
What Can I Expect After Liposuction?
Following liposuction, some degree of bruising and/or swelling can often be expected, but these symptoms should fade relatively quickly. No drains are used by Dr. Kurkjian when liposuction is performed alone without excisional techniques, though you will need to wear compression garments immediately after surgery to help facilitate healing. Depending on the number of areas treated, the volume of fat removed, and the specific technique employed, you may be able to return to work within three to seven days after liposuction.
Our practice provides comprehensive care to ensure your postoperative experience is as quick and uneventful as possible. You will be given detailed instructions regarding your diet and activity to optimize your recovery after liposuction, and Dr. Kurkjian and our team are always happy to provide advice and assistance for anything you may need along the way.
When Will I See My Liposuction Results?
You may begin to see improvement in your body shape immediately after liposuction, but it can take several weeks to see your final results. The majority of post-operative swelling takes about six weeks to subside, and as this occurs, you can gradually enjoy your new sculpted appearance.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
The average cost of liposuction surgery for a single body area is $5,000, which includes the surgeon’s fee. This number will greatly vary based on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, and how many body areas are being treated. In addition, the expertise of your surgeon will impact your total cost, as well as the geographic location of their practice.
To help you budget for your liposuction procedure, our team will provide you with a detailed cost quote. If you would like to learn how you can divide your total cost into smaller, more manageable payments, we invite you to visit our plastic surgery financing page.
Contact Our Practice
If you would like more information about tummy tuck surgery, or if you wish to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kurkjian, please feel free to contact us today.
