Liposuction is an effective method for removing unwanted fat from specific body areas, helping patients refine and reshape their figures. At Rios Center for Plastic Surgery, we focus on delivering this treatment with precision and care. Dr. Rios, a board-certified surgeon, leads our team and has years of experience in liposuction.
Our facility in Edinburg and McAllen, TX, is not just another clinic; it is an accredited surgery center designed with patient safety and comfort in mind. We adhere to stringent standards to provide a secure and supportive environment for our patients. Opting for liposuction at our center means entrusting your care to experienced hands within a facility that prioritizes your well-being.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical method that removes excess fat from specific body regions to provide shape enhancement and contour refinement. This process involves the use of a cannula and suction technology to extract fat, offering a solution for those areas that do not respond well to diet and exercise alone. While liposuction is not a weight-loss solution, it is very effective at treating stubborn fat deposits and can fit well into a healthy lifestyle.
What Type of Liposuction Do We Offer?
During your research on liposuction surgery, you may have noticed that there are several types of liposuction that use different types of technology. However, Dr. Rios feels that his liposuction with VASER technology delivers the best results for his patients.
Dr. Rios says, “With so-called ‘fat melting’ machines, the process takes several months to a year of multiple treatments to achieve significant results. With liposuction using VASER technology, it’s one treatment, and compared to other liposuction surgery procedures, I think VASER delivers a better result. When you see that result, I think it will motivate you to continue making good health choices like it has with my other patients.”
What Are the Benefits of VASER Liposuction?
- Precision and Selectivity: VASER liposuction surgery stands out for its ability to target fat cells with precision while preserving surrounding tissues. This selectivity allows for detailed shaping and contouring of the body.
- Reduced Trauma: VASER liposuction employs ultrasonic technology, leading to less disruption of the surrounding tissues. As a result, patients often experience less bruising and swelling compared to traditional methods.
- Improved Skin Retraction: Following a traditional liposuction procedure, skin doesn’t always retract to match the new contours. However, with the VASER technique, some skin tightening can be achieved, which leads to smoother outcomes as the skin adapts to the body’s new contours.
- Less Pain and Faster Recovery: VASER liposuction recovery is often shorter because the ultrasound technology allows for gentler and more efficient removal of fat. This can lead to less pain and discomfort for patients and a faster return to routine.
- Effective Fat Removal: A liposuction procedure utilizing VASER technology more efficiently breaks down and removes fat, even from areas that are difficult to treat, for better fat reduction.
- Potential for Fat Transfer: Fat removed during VASER liposuction can often be purified and used in other areas of the body, such as the buttocks to contour or augment the area.
What to Expect From Your Liposuction Surgery
Your liposuction surgery begins with a consultation where Dr. Rios will assess your situation and outline the procedure, tailoring it specifically to you. You’ll receive comprehensive instructions for preparation, including guidelines on diet, medication, and overall health.
On the day of the surgery, after administering anesthesia, small incisions are made to allow for the insertion of the cannula. First, the area is filled with a fluid that contains medications to numb and decrease bleeding. Then the ultrasound energy is used to loosen and break the fat cells apart, which allows for easier and more precise removal while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. The emulsified fat is then gently suctioned out, and the procedure concludes with the closing of incisions, aiming for minimal scarring and optimal shaping of the treated areas.
Choosing Our Liposuction Treatments
“We performed over 200 liposuction surgery procedures last year,” says Dr. Rios. “It’s a great procedure, and what I like about it is that it’s minimally invasive, and that means patients can get back to their normal life a lot quicker. It feels good when I have someone who is a good candidate, and they have a busy schedule, and I can tell them, ‘No this won’t lay you up for too long; you can get back to work. You can get back to your normal life much faster.’”
When deciding where to have your liposuction performed, Dr. Rios suggests that you focus on the experience and results of the surgeon rather than the technology.
“There’s a lot of technology out there, and many times that drives the decision, but really it should be experience. It certainly makes my job easier utilizing VASER technology, but it’s my experience that produces my consistent results. I attend conferences, I stay up with my courses, I am constantly improving my technique, and I’ve been using the VASER system since 2003. I am one of the few who can say that.”
Qualifications Count
“You need to select your practitioner carefully,” warns Dr. Rios. “There are non-aesthetically certified general practitioners, specialists in other fields, and non-plastic surgeons offering Vaser liposuction procedures, but they are just jumping in. They just don’t have the training, experience and knowledge. Anybody can wear a white coat, but not everyone is a plastic surgeon.”
Dr. Rios advises his patients to look for a board-certified plastic surgeon who has hospital privileges for all of their procedures. Hospitals have strict credentialing requirements for surgeons authorized to operate in their facilities, so that is a good measure of the expertise of the doctor performing your liposuction procedure.
“It is just a common-sense safety precaution. Should my patients require extra medical attention, I am able to perform procedures in the hospital. And that consistency of care makes my patients feel comfortable. You should expect your plastic surgeon to have hospital privileges.”
Liposuction FAQs
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
A good candidate for liposuction surgery is someone in good health, close to their ideal weight, who has firm, elastic skin and wants to eliminate stubborn fat deposits. Ideal candidates have realistic expectations and do not view liposuction as a weight-loss method but as a way to refine and contour specific body areas.
What Body Areas Can Be Treated With Liposuction?
Liposuction can be used in many different areas, including but not limited to:
- Stomach Liposuction: Targets and flattens the abdominal area, removing excess fat for a smoother contour.
- Arm Liposuction: Reduces the appearance of “bat wings” by sculpting and toning the upper arms.
- Neck Liposuction: Enhances the jawline and reduces the appearance of a double chin by removing excess neck fat.
- Chin Liposuction: Refines and contours the lower face by eliminating excess fat under the chin.
What Should I Expect From Liposuction Recovery?
Post-liposuction recovery varies among individuals but typically involves wearing compression garments, managing swelling with prescribed methods, and limiting physical activity. Initial recovery is usually a few days, with a return to normal activities within a few weeks, though swelling may persist for a few months.
How Long Does It Take to See Results After Liposuction?
After a liposuction procedure, results can be seen once the swelling subsides, typically within a few weeks, with final outcomes apparent after several months. The results will be more visible once the body fully recovers and the treated area settles into its new shape.
How Should I Prepare for Liposuction?
To prepare for VASER liposuction, patients should follow their surgeon’s advice closely, which may include avoiding certain medications, maintaining a stable weight, and arranging for post-surgery care. Preparing your body and environment for recovery is key to a smooth liposuction process and outcome.
Can You Combine Liposuction With Other Surgeries?
Yes, Dr. Rios also performs VASER liposuction surgery in combination with other procedures. Often, the outcome of one procedure can be enhanced by another, and when it’s safe and indicated, Dr. Rios can combine the procedures into one surgical period and one recovery period. A popular combination procedure is the Mommy Makeover, which usually involves a breast surgery, like a lift or augmentation, and a contouring procedure like liposuction or a tummy tuck. Sometimes all of the above. During your consultation, Dr. Rios will review the treatment options that are right for you.
Enjoy Improved Contours With a Shorter Downtime With VASER Liposuction
Liposuction at the Rios Center for Plastic Surgery offers a solution for those looking to refine their body contours and eliminate stubborn fat in targeted areas. Serving the Edinburg and McAllen, TX, communities, we provide a supportive and professional environment for your cosmetic aims. If you’re considering liposuction, contact us through our online form or call us at (956) 682-3147 to schedule your consultation.