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A Liposuction Expert Weighs in on the Procedure

Have you ever wondered how you could possibly get rid of that stubborn fat that just won’t go away, even after consistent healthy eating and exercise? Liposuction, sometimes called “lipo,” is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of fat and reshaping of the body in specific areas. Though it’s not meant to cure obesity or to make up for a lack of healthy eating and exercise, it is capable of improving body proportions and restructuring certain parts of the body. A liposuction expert, like Dr. Stephanie Teotia, can use this cosmetic procedure to improve patients’ thighs, hips, buttocks, abdominal area, upper arms, back, chest area, calves, ankles, and the chin/cheek/neck area.

Select a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

If you’re considering a liposuction procedure, the first thing you need is a reputable plastic surgeon that has experience in the area you are looking to have treated. Dr. Stephanie Teotia is board certified in plastic surgery, and has produced results that represent her patients’ aesthetic desires. Upon meeting with Dr. Teotia, she will help you determine if you are an acceptable candidate for this procedure.

Important Points to Consider

Before having any liposuction procedure done, you need to consider a few significant points. In order to avoid sagging or loose skin after the fat is removed, it’s important that you are at or close to your ideal weight. You should quit smoking if you currently smoke so that your healing will be complication-free. You will be assessed for any other critical health problems that could affect healing, such as issues with circulation, heart disease, diabetes, or an impaired immune system.


⇒⇒⇒Know your health history⇐⇐⇐


Dr. Teotia will go over all of these points with you, but it’s helpful to know your health history before going in for your initial consultation appointment. The actual liposuction procedure will require local anesthesia, meaning you won’t feel any pain, but will remain awake. Prior to the procedure, the areas that are being treated will be clearly marked.

There are several different types of liposuction procedures. They all utilize a cannula (thin tube), which attaches to a vacuum that draws the fat from the body. The cannula will be inserted into small incisions and moved back and forth in a controlled motion to loosen the fat, which is then removed from the body.

Tumescent liposuction

A common liposuction technique is called tumescent liposuction, in which a sterile solution is inserted into the target area. The solution is a mixture of salt, diluted lidocaine and epinephrine. This solution causes the fat cells to become swollen and firm, or ‘tumescent.’ The purpose of the solution is to allow the fat to be pulled from the body more easily while creating less blood loss and discomfort.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

Some surgeons utilize sound waves via ultrasound to break up the excess fat prior to removal. This is known as ultrasound-assisted liposuction. This method ruptures the fat cell walls and liquefies the fat, facilitating easier suction removal which ideally leads to a shorter procedure time.

Power Assisted Liposuction

The preferred method of liposuction offered at Dr. Stephanie Teotia’s office is power-assisted liposuction. Sometimes, this method is referred to as suction-assisted liposuction, or “power lipo.” When performing power assisted liposuction, Dr. Teotia uses a special cannula that emits tiny, rapid vibrations. These vibrations help to break up the excess fat cells to allow for them to be easily removed. Power assisted liposuction is preferred by Dr. Teotia because it allows her to remove a lot of fat in less time.

Recovery time

Designed to control the amount of discomfort, blood, and swelling post-surgery, today’s advanced liposuction techniques allow patients to heal much faster. As long as a qualified, board certified plastic surgeon is performing the surgery, recovery time should not be an issue. Dr. Teotia may prescribe you prescription pain medication, but over-the-counter medications are also generally effective. You may also be required to wear a compression garment after your procedure to lessen swelling and promote the best skin contraction during your healing phase. Whether or not you’ll wear a compression garment depends on the body part you’re targeting.

Though liposuction removes fat cells from the body, it’s crucial to continue to eat healthy and stay active (after you’ve been cleared to begin exercising again) to maintain a stable weight. If weight is gained back, the fat cells can accumulate in other sections of the body, making it vital to do your best to maintain your new look. With a trustworthy and experienced Dallas plastic surgeon, liposuction is an exceptional way to reshape certain areas of your body and eliminate excess fat.