Liposuction at a Glance
*Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your experience may vary.
Dr. Michael Ablavsky
Ablavsky Plastic Surgery
19222 Stonehue Suite 104
San Antonio, TX 78258
Phone: (210) 942-6672
Monday–Friday : 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Liposuction
What Is Liposuction?
Just about everyone has certain trouble spots where unwanted fat tends to accumulate, no matter how much they exercise or watch what they eat. Women and men concerned about stubborn bulges get liposuction at our San Antonio, TX, practice, where Dr. Michael Ablavsky uses the versatile treatment to target areas such as the abdomen, neck, and back.
Liposuction
Before & After Photos
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Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Is Liposuction Right for You?
If you’re considering liposuction, the first thing to know is it’s not designed to be a weight loss procedure. Good liposuction candidates are already in good overall health and are at or near the weight they want to maintain. It’s also important that they have firm skin that retains most of its elasticity, so it will “shrink to fit” the treatment area’s new contours.
Dr. Ablavsky can perform liposuction in most areas of the body. These areas include:
- Neck
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Back
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Thighs
- Knees
- Ankles
Multiple areas can be treated during a single operation.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost in San Antonio?
The cost of liposuction varies depending on the area or areas treated. At our practice, a liposuction procedure starts at $6,255 per area. At our San Antonio plastic surgery practice, we provide patients with detailed price quotes after their free consultations.
Meet
Dr. Ablavsky
Dr. Ablavsky is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon whose patients trust him for beautiful, natural-looking results from face, breast, and body procedures. He listens closely to his patients' concerns and takes the time to answer their questions with honesty and compassion.
Meet Dr. Ablavsky Request Your ConsultationI highly recommend Dr. Ablavsky for any plastic surgery procedure
K.C.
How Is Liposuction Performed?
Even though you may learn about multiple liposuction techniques when you research the procedure, the surgeon performing the procedure is more important than the type of liposuction being used. Dr. Ablavsky uses tumescent liposuction, which is effective and safe.
During the procedure, Dr. Ablavsky makes small incisions through which he saturates the treatment area with a solution that includes a local anesthetic and epinephrine (a drug that constricts blood vessels). This solution:
- Makes it easier to remove the fat
- Minimizes bleeding, swelling, and bruising
- Numbs the area during and after the surgery
After saturating the treatment area, Dr. Ablavsky inserts a thin tube called a cannula, breaks up the fatty tissue, and then suctions it from the body. The surgery concludes with closing the small incisions and applying dressings. Compression garments worn during recovery help reduce swelling, enhance the healing process, and optimize your results.
What Is Recovery Like After Liposuction?
Walking is encouraged immediately after surgery to help with circulation. Patients are allowed to shower as early as 1 day postoperatively, and are encouraged to keep the compression garments on as much as possible. Initial postoperative visits are scheduled for 1 day postoperatively and then 5 to 7 days postoperatively.
You should avoid any strenuous activities for several weeks or until Dr. Ablavsky removes restrictions on exercising. Patients begin to see contour changes early in the recovery process, but it often takes more than a month for residual swelling to resolve, when you can then see your final results.
Combining Liposuction With Other Procedures
Liposuction is commonly included during tummy tuck surgery. Additionally, it’s usually combined with a tummy tuck and breast enhancement surgery, such as a breast lift with or without implants, as part of a mommy makeover. You can discuss your options with Dr. Ablavsky during your consultation.
Liposuction FAQ
Is it worth getting liposuction?
Liposuction reduces specific areas of fat that patients cannot lessen on their own. For people frustrated by these trouble spots, this benefit makes the procedure worth having.
Will the fat come back eventually?
Fat cells do not grow back after they are removed; however, the remaining fat cells can enlarge with future weight gain. To maintain your improved contours, avoid significant weight changes, eat right, and exercise consistently.
How many sizes can you go down with liposuction?
Most patients don’t notice much of a reduction in clothing size after liposuction; they look better in their clothes because the fat is gone where it matters most.
Should I lose weight before liposuction?
You should be at or near your goal weight before liposuction because it is meant for spot treating, not weight loss.
Does liposuction surgery tighten loose skin?
No. Liposuction may actually make loose skin look worse. If skin laxity is an issue, Dr. Ablavsky might recommend a skin tightening procedure such as a thigh lift as well.
How painful is this surgery?
Treated areas are typically sore after liposuction, similar to an intense workout, but not painful. Discomfort is usually controlled with prescription pain medication, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen and is only needed for about a week.
Why is surgical body sculpting better than nonsurgical options?
Surgical fat removal with liposuction is more precise and effective than nonsurgical treatments. In most cases, liposuction is a “one and done” procedure where nonsurgical treatments often require multiple sessions.
Request Your Free Consultation
If you’re looking for a plastic surgeon in San Antonio to perform liposuction, request a free consultation with Dr. Ablavsky using the online form, or call our practice at (210) 942-6672 to schedule an appointment.