Houston Plastic Surgery Blog

Liposuction is the removal of fat deposits using a stainless steel tube (a cannula) attached to a vacuum mechanism. Plastic surgeon, Dr. Leo Lapuerta, inserts the cannula through small incisions in the skin. The cannula creates small tunnels through the fat that accumulates between the skin and muscle. The vacuum pump works to remove the fat. As the body recovers, these tunnels heal into smoother, flatter skin.

Liposuction can be performed anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly performed on the upper arms, stomach, buttocks, hips, and thighs. It is possible to perform liposuction on the face to create a thinner appearance.

Good candidates for liposuction have already reached their ideal weight. Liposuction does not tend to help patients who are overly obese. Most candidates are average weight, but have very specific areas of the body that could be contoured or reshaped.

Dr. Lapuerta believes liposuction candidates should educate themselves thoroughly before the procedure. It is important to have realistic expectations for liposuction results.

If you would like to know more about liposuction in the Houston, Texas area, please contact Dr. Leo Lapuerta for a consultation.