Tummy Tuck

Despite being one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in the country, many potential patients still have liposuction misconceptions. There is a lot of misinformation out there surrounding liposuction surgery, and while it is unclear where many of these liposuction misconceptions originated, it is time to set the record straight. 

Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a trusted and respected plastic surgeon who has performed over 20,000 plastic surgeries, with his practice now serving Houston, Pearland, and Katy, Texas. With over 20 years’ experience, Dr. Lapuerta has had to debunk a number of liposuction misconceptions patients have going into the procedure. Below, Dr. Lapuerta clears up 9 misconceptions about liposuction. 

1. Does Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

“Does fat come back after liposuction?” is one of the most common questions we receive during liposuction consultations. The answer is yes and no. Liposuction does not shrink fat cells or displace them; rather, liposuction removes the fat cells entirely so the results are permanent. It is a myth that fat suddenly appears in other areas of the body that did not have liposuction. These cells can grow back to the area that was previously lipoed should the patient gain weight so as long as the patient remains active and maintains a nutritious and balanced diet, they should be able to maintain their new figure and weight following liposuction. 

2. Liposuction Scars Are Very Prominent

This is one of the liposuction misconceptions that is only true if a patient goes to an inexperienced and unskilled plastic surgeon. A talented and accomplished plastic surgeon will do everything possible to minimize the appearance of liposuction scars. The procedure should only involve small incisions where the cannula is inserted, which means that a majority of the time liposuction scars are quite small and will fade over time. For patients who want to minimize the appearance of liposuction scars, it is important to be thorough when choosing a plastic surgeon.

3. Liposuction Is Not Affordable for the Average Person 

Liposuction may have once been a treatment that was reserved for the rich and famous, but that is no longer the case. While the cost of liposuction can vary based on each patient’s needs, typically liposuction will cost between $4,500 and $10,000. Most plastic surgeons offer flexible financing options, allowing patients to find a monthly payment plan that perfectly fits their budget.

During a pre-procedure consultation, the patient will get an exact quote for the procedure. At that point, they can find a financing option that features an easily achievable monthly payment plan.

4. Liposuction Is a Great Way to Lose Weight

Many patients think that liposuction is the solution to shed unwanted weight, giving them an easy way to avoid working out and eating right. Liposuction is not a good way to lose weight—in fact, patients only lose between two and five pounds post-procedure. Liposuction is meant to target and remove pockets of fat in order to change the shape and appearance of the patient’s body. In order to maximize the results of the procedure, most plastic surgeons suggest that patients get within 30% of a healthy weight prior to surgery. Before opting for liposuction, it is ideal to try to lose as much weight toward your goal weight as possible to increase the effectiveness of the procedure. Discuss your weight loss goals with a physician before entering a rigorous program, and seek out support from friends and family as your work toward your goals. 

5. Liposuction Can Remove Cellulite

Areas on the body that have a lot of fatty pockets can form cellulite, so it is natural for patients to think that liposuction can help reduce the appearance of cellulite. While this is one of the liposuction misconceptions that seems to make some logical sense, it is not true.

Cellulite is not caused by the development of a fatty pocket. Instead, cellulite is actually caused by connective tissue under the skin being pushed toward the surface by subcutaneous fat (a.k.a. the “jiggle” we see under the skin). While liposuction removes fatty tissue, it does not impact the skin or connective tissue under the skin, meaning that the causes of cellulite are not addressed during liposuction surgery. If getting rid of cellulite is a priority, there are a number of other treatments that can help remove cellulite, including laser skin resurfacing.

6. Liposuction Hurts

Pain is subjective, but most patients tend to find that liposuction is a relatively minor surgical procedure. While there will be some mild discomfort after the surgery and during the recovery period, the pain is quite manageable. If for any reason the patient feels moderate to intense pain, a skilled plastic surgeon will do everything possible to reduce the pain and keep the patient comfortable. This can include writing the patient a prescription for pain management medication.

7. Liposuction Has a Long Recovery Time

Patients will definitely need some time to recover following liposuction surgery, but the recovery process is by no means lengthy or arduous. Patients should usually plan on taking about a week off work and a month off from exercising and vigorous activity, but compared to other procedures, a week is a fairly swift recovery time. Patients should expect to have swelling, bruising, and general soreness around the affected areas for one to two weeks, but will be able to return to their everyday activities after approval from your plastic surgeon and physician. 

8. Liposuction Is Primarily for Women

This is one of the liposuction misconceptions that could not be farther from the truth. We get male patients coming in for liposuction, as the treatment is great for anyone who is trying to look and feel their best by getting rid of unwanted fat. 

9. Liposuction Will Tighten Sagging Skin

As individuals age, their skin tends to lose elasticity. This lack of elasticity, combined with weight gain or the effects of gravity over time, can result in loose and sagging skin. While liposuction can target these areas to remove excess fat, it will do nothing to change the structure or appearance of the patient’s skin. A second procedure will be needed to tighten sagging skin, and oftentimes surgeons suggest combining the two procedures to maximize results via body contouring.

Clear Up Liposuction Misconceptions During a Consultation

The best way to clear up any liposuction misconceptions is by requesting a liposuction consultation with Dr. Lapuerta. During a consultation, Dr. Lapuerta will clearly communicate to the patient exactly what to expect before, during, and after surgery. Dr. Lapuerta has an excellent reputation in Texas as a surgeon who truly cares about his patients, partnering with them to achieve their goals. If you are interested in learning more about the procedure or would like to request a liposuction consultation, contact Dr. Lapuerta today by calling (713) 489-0169.

In order to make sure you get the best results possible, you need to take tummy tuck recovery seriously. A tummy tuck removes any hanging skin and excess fat around the abdomen, resulting in a trim, toned stomach, and is a popular procedure after major weight loss or pregnancy, helping patients show off their new and fit physique or reclaim their pre-pregnancy body.

The last thing you want to do is complicate your health and new flat tummy by not adhering to the guidelines of a tummy tuck recovery plan. There are certain things you need to avoid during the process to make sure there are no complications, that all sutures heal properly, and you get long-lasting results. Dr. Leo Lapuerta is a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience performing various surgeries, including tummy tucks, helping patients in Houston, Pearland, and Katy, Texas, say “bye-bye” to their belly. Here is his list of exactly what recovering patients need to avoid after a tummy tuck procedure.

Don’t Attempt Recovery Solo

During tummy tuck recovery, you will need help. Even if you are usually an independent person in every phase of your life, you need to let your guard down and ask your support system for help. This can be friends, family, coworkers, or any other individual who cares about you. Tummy tuck recovery involves a lot of rest, and you will not be able to perform a lot of the daily tasks that are a standard part of your everyday life. That is why you need to make arrangements before the procedure to make sure you and your support system are prepared for your recovery.

Don’t Stay Totally Sedentary

Following surgery, you will likely be tired and in some discomfort, and all you will want to do is rest. This will be especially true if your plastic surgeon also utilized liposuction to help you get the best possible results. However, after surgery, it is important to get your blood flowing to avoid the formation of blood clots. You may be asked to walk around as early as the first day of your tummy tuck recovery, with a friend or family member assisting you as you try to get your blood pumping to aid the healing process. No matter what, do not walk around alone, since your balance and strength can be affected for the first couple of days following the surgery.

No Alcohol with Pain Medication

If you are prescribed pain medication to help treat any discomfort, then you need to avoid drinking alcohol. Mixing alcohol with pain medication is always a bad idea, especially if your body is recovering from a surgical procedure and your surgery required the use of anesthesia.

No Nicotine of Any Kind

Nicotine can hurt the healing process. You need to avoid smoking for at least the first six weeks of tummy tuck recovery, as smoking can lead to complications and hinder your ability to fully recover.

Avoid Strenuous Activities and Lifting Heavy Objects

In the early phase of your tummy tuck recovery, you want to avoid putting needless pressure on your incision site. Lifting heaving objects and other strenuous activities—moving any objects over five pounds, bending and twisting for household chores, and other exercises—are huge hindrances that will easily cause pressure. Patients are generally asked to avoid strenuous activities for six weeks following surgery.

Stay Home from Work for Two to Three Weeks

You cannot recover from tummy tuck surgery at work. You need to be at home, comfortable, and relaxed for two to three weeks following surgery. Tummy tuck recovery is different for everyone, and some patients have returned to work in as little as 10 days; however, the typical patient needs to take at least 14 days off to give themselves the time they need to heal.

Keep Your Scar Out of the Sun

Regardless of whether you undergo a full tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck, the incision is strategically made in order to hide the resulting scar from being easily visible. Depending on the skill and expertise of your plastic surgeon, the incision should be made in such a way that it cannot be seen when you are wearing clothing, even if you are in a swimsuit. However, during tummy tuck recovery, it is the patient’s responsibility to do everything possible to help the scar properly heal so that it will fade over time. That means keeping the scar out of the sun, since the sun will make the scar worse via causing inflammation and discoloration. If you are unable to avoid the sun, liberally apply sunscreen and reapply at least every hour.

Don’t Sleep on Your Stomach

If you are a stomach sleeper, you’ll want to practice sleeping in a different position in the weeks leading up to surgery. Until all soreness has gone away, you are advised to avoid sleeping on your stomach. Not only will this help you avoid discomfort while sleeping, but it also will put less stress on your stomach when you try to switch from a lying position to a sitting position. 

Avoid Drastic Weight Gain

Now that you have a firm stomach, you need to avoid any drastic weight fluctuations. A tummy tuck is a long-lasting and effective procedure that removes excess hanging skin from around the belly, but gaining weight will reverse the effects of the procedure. Your skin will stretch back out, resulting in a return of the dreaded loose skin that your tummy tuck surgery removed. In order to make sure the results of your tummy tuck last, try to keep your weight from going above the level it was at when you underwent the procedure. 

Schedule a Tummy Tuck Consultation with Dr. Lapuerta

If you are curious about what the tummy tuck recovery process will be like, schedule a consultation with Dr. Leo Lapuerta. Dr. Lapuerta partners with the patient to clearly communicate everything they need to know, including what to avoid after a tummy tuck. Each patient’s recovery process will be different, so it is important to have a plastic surgeon who is able to explain exactly what tummy tuck recovery will be like on an individual basis. Dr. Lapuerta has earned an excellent reputation as a plastic surgeon who is able to talk to patients in a relatable way, answering any and all questions the patient may have. If you are interested in learning more about the tummy tuck recovery process or would like to request a consultation, contact Dr. Lapuerta today.