Liposuction
Houston plastic surgeon Christopher K. Livingston at Livingston Plastic Surgery is a popular liposuction doctor throughout Texas. Dr. Livingston has impressive credentials and years of experience in his field.
For some patients, localized fat deposits can be difficult, if not impossible, to improve regardless of their physical activity level and eating habits. Therefore, to assist patients in permanently removing stubborn fat and sculpting their figures, Houston liposuction specialist, Dr. Christopher Livingston, offers traditional and ultrasonic fat removal.
If you have localized fat deposits that are resistant to a healthy diet and regular physical activity, liposuction is an efficient way to minimize body bulges that are resistant to exercise.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Livingston performs liposuction surgery as one of several surgical body contouring procedures available at Livingston Plastic Surgery, alongside broader plastic and reconstructive surgery services for patients throughout the Houston area.
“The most important part of plastic surgery is achieving a youthful, refreshed look, with minimal downtime.”
Chris Livingston, MD
As one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S., liposuction treatment is designed to remove stubborn fat from various problem areas all over the body, creating smooth curves and a better-defined physique. Liposuction is not intended to alleviate obesity or achieve significant weight loss. The goal is to improve upon patients’ natural body contours and is ideal for those within 30 percent of their healthy weight range and with a BMI less than 32. Patients should also have firm, elastic skin to easily adjust to your body’s new contour. If you have loose or stretched skin caused by aging, weight loss, or pregnancy, additional treatment may be necessary to create ideal results.
If you are in good physical condition and follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen, you can achieve your cosmetic goals with fat removal surgery.
To further reduce risks associated with surgery and promote satisfactory results, patients should meet the additional qualifications:
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, and it does not treat obesity; it will not remove a large amount of excess fat from patients who have a significant amount of weight to lose, but rather it refines stubborn pockets of fat cells, fatty tissue, and fat tissue that remain after significant weight loss or a lifetime of diet and exercise. If you are close to your goal weight and want to remove unwanted fat, excess skin, and extra skin from specific areas, body contouring with liposuction can help remove excess fat for good, since fat cells removed during surgery do not return even if a patient’s weight fluctuates later. Patients considering any nonsurgical option for losing weight, whether through diet, exercise, or bariatric surgery, should reach a stable weight before scheduling body contouring surgery for the best results.
During your consultation with our liposuction surgeon, the two of you will discuss the following:
Dr. Livingston is a great surgeon. He is very knowledgeable and answers all questions thoroughly. I had two surgeries with him and I am very pleased with the results. I would definitely recommend him to friends and family.
– Androula (Google Reviews)
Fat removal creates smooth skin through a variety of techniques, providing patients with improved curves on areas of the body and face such as the:
By thoroughly evaluating your body and concerns, including areas like the upper arms, Dr. Livingston will be able to determine which method to utilize and the exact areas that need contouring to aid you in your journey toward a new figure.
Dr. Livingston customizes his approach for every patient based on their goals, degree of subcutaneous fat, and desired outcome. Traditional liposuction uses a thin, hollow suction device to manually break up and remove fat cells from beneath the skin and achieve lasting fat reduction, while tumescent liposuction, the technique described above, infuses the area with a specialized fluid to reduce bleeding, minimize bruising, and control pain during recovery. Most liposuction techniques can be performed using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of treatment.
Ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL) uses ultrasound energy and ultrasound waves to liquefy fat cells before they are suctioned out, which can make it easier to treat denser, fibrous tissue. Laser assisted liposuction works in a similar way, using targeted heat to break down subcutaneous adipose tissue and encourage skin tightening as the area heals. Power assisted liposuction (PAL) relies on a mechanized cannula that vibrates rapidly, allowing Dr. Livingston to remove fat efficiently with less strain on surrounding tissue than manual suction assisted liposuction, also known as suction assisted lipectomy. Ultrasound assisted liposuction UAL and power assisted liposuction PAL are both considered minimally invasive options for patients seeking a more targeted approach.
Each of these liposuction techniques is considered minimally invasive when compared to more extensive surgical body contouring, and most patients are candidates for one or more of these approaches. For patients seeking correction across several areas of the body at once, Dr. Livingston may recommend large volume liposuction, performed safely in an accredited surgical facility. During your consultation, he will explain which liposuction procedure, or combination of techniques, is right for your body and goals.
There are certain criteria you should consider before choosing a plastic surgeon. These include:
Because liposuction is a surgical procedure, patients should choose a board certified plastic surgeon with specific training in body contouring. Dr. Livingston is board certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and his experience spans reconstructive surgery, aesthetic surgery, and aesthetic plastic surgery in addition to cosmetic surgery and cosmetic procedures like liposuction. This breadth of training, rather than a narrower focus such as dermatologic surgery alone, allows him to plan plastic surgery procedures, including each liposuction procedure, that address both the aesthetic and functional needs of each patient. Dr. Livingston has extensive experience performing body contouring procedures for patients throughout Houston.
Christopher K. Livingston, M.D., F.A.C.S., P.A. provides optimal results at Livingston Plastic Surgery and draws patients from The Woodlands, Sugar Land, and Pearland area seeking his expertise. Dr. Livingston has years of experience in his field. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), as well as a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Also, our doctor is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center – the Division of Plastic Surgery and Department of Otolaryngology, as well as a plastic surgery consultant for cosmetic procedures on WebMD.com.
Real results, real confidence. Browse Dr. Chris Livingston’s before and after plastic surgery gallery at Livingston Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX! Whether you are researching liposuction or another cosmetic surgery procedure, our gallery reflects the natural-looking results Dr. Livingston strives for with every patient.
After treatment, you may experience tenderness, bruising, and swelling in the treatment areas. These effects will resolve with time. Oral pain blockers we prescribe before surgery will control any after-surgery pain. Dr. Livingston will make available comprehensive post-surgery instructions for you to follow.
You should rest for a few days after your procedure. Light walking is encouraged to ensure good blood circulation, but there should be no strenuous movements, bending, or lifting. Dr. Livingston will meet with you after surgery to monitor the healing process and clear your ability to return to work when applicable.
It’s important that your incisions avoid excessive force or abrasion during your recovery. Dr. Livingston will provide specific instructions on incision care. You should not rush to return to your daily activities. Recovery is unique to every patient, and it is important to listen to your body before returning to your normal lifestyle.
Your new shape can be permanent and long-lasting if the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle and eating consistent diet and exercise habits. You can view before and after photos and watch some of Dr. Livingston’s videos in the media gallery to learn more about his practice and the procedures that he offers.
As with any surgical procedure, liposuction carries some risk, though serious complications are rare when performed by an experienced surgical team. Possible risks include blood clots, deep vein thrombosis, and, in rare cases, fat embolism, which is why Dr. Livingston carefully screens patients for underlying health conditions before surgery and provides guidance to help control pain and reduce risk during recovery. Most patients do not require surgery to correct minor recovery concerns, and gentle movement in the days following your procedure helps promote healthy blood flow through the blood vessels and reduce swelling. Full recovery from liposuction can take up to six weeks, depending on the number of areas addressed and whether the procedure was combined with other procedures like a tummy tuck.
Depending on the extent of treatment, your procedure lasts from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours.
For a single liposuction procedure, three to four areas can be done concurrently. Treatments are rarely completed in multiple sessions, but if necessary, they can be done within 48 hours apart.
Although combining multiple surgical procedures is not always recommended in many cases, fat removal is used in concert with other procedures like tummy tuck, mommy makeover, and butt lift to provide optimal results.
During the consultation, Dr. Livingston will thoroughly assess your body contour, answer all of your questions and discuss what results might realistically be expected. A surgical plan will be designed and discussed, and schedule your surgery will be scheduled.
Once a decision is made to move forward, we schedule a pre-op appointment with you approximately ten days before the procedure. The visit will include instructions, medical evaluations, and allow you to ask additional questions.
Dr. Livingston will remove sufficient fat volume for a natural and proportionate result. The amount will depend on your unique anatomy and situation. The goal is to remove just the right amount to achieve the right results, not to remove as much fat as possible.
Most patients experience some pain, tenderness, or soreness for the first couple of days after liposuction, often described as a burning sensation in the treated areas. This discomfort typically improves quickly and can be managed with the pain medication Dr. Livingston prescribes.
Yes. Compression garments are typically recommended after liposuction to reduce swelling and help the skin adapt smoothly to its new contours. Most patients wear their compression garment for several weeks following surgery to support the healing process and achieve the best possible results.
Depending on the extent of your procedure, surgical drains may be required to remove excess fluid or blood that collects at the surgical site. Dr. Livingston will let you know if drains are necessary for your treatment plan and provide instructions for their care.
Bruising typically resolves within one to two weeks, while swelling can persist for several weeks after liposuction as your body continues to heal. Wearing your compression garment as directed can help speed this process along.
You will typically get the best results from a plastic surgeon affiliated with a major medical center, so it is worth confirming these credentials before scheduling surgery. When meeting with a prospective plastic surgeon for your consultation, ask about their experience and qualifications performing liposuction, including how many procedures they have completed and what board certifications they hold.
Not everyone is a good candidate. Patients with suspected body dysmorphic disorder should not proceed with surgery until they have been properly evaluated by a mental health professional. Dr. Livingston and his team are attentive to each patient’s motivations and expectations during the consultation process to help ensure liposuction is the right choice.
Optimal results are realized from six months to a year, but you should see improvements after one month. Usually, after three weeks most of the swelling has subsided, and body appearance is better than before the surgery. Expectations will be discussed before surgery.
Dr. Livingston recommends each patient walk lightly the day after surgery to promote healing. Regular exercise routines can resume after a week or two although mild exercise can be implemented before that.