Who is a Good Candidate?

Individuals who are close to their ideal body weight who have stubborn areas of fat can often benefit from liposuction. Candidates for liposuction should have good skin elasticity as well as be healthy individuals who are nonsmokers. It is important to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss solution but helps to contour the body once you are at a stable, healthy weight. A consultation with Dr. Homas or Dr. Brostrom can help to determine if this is the right procedure for you.

The Procedure

For the liposuction procedure, small incisions will be made where a hollow tube, called a cannula, will be inserted. Using a back and forth motion, the cannula will break up excess fat. Once the excess fat is broken up and loose, it is suctioned out of the body. This procedure can be used to target pockets of fat in many parts of the body. 

Our doctors prefer to perform liposuction using the tumescent liposuction technique. This technique involves injecting a wetting solution of IV fluid mixed with a local anesthetic at the start of the surgery. This allows for liposuction to be done largely under local anesthesia and minimizes blood loss and post-surgical pain.

Recovery

Following liposuction, you will need to wear special compression garments on the treated areas. This will help to reduce swelling and helps the skin to re-drape over the underlying tissues. Bruising and swelling will occur but should disappear within three weeks. Any discomfort can be treated with pain medication. It is important that patients avoid any strenuous activity for at least 6 weeks post-surgery. Healing is gradual, so it may be several months before you will be able to see the results of your surgery. Be sure to follow Dr. Homas’ or Dr. Brostrom’s post-surgical instructions for safe liposuction recovery.

If you are interested in liposuction for a slimmer body silhouette, contact our San Antonio office today to schedule your initial consultation.