Allen & Plano Liposuction
At the Allen, Texas offices of Dr. Charles Slack (about 25 miles north of Dallas near Plano) liposuction is offered for individuals who have stubborn, localized fat that doesn't respond to dieting or exercise. Dr. Slack uses liposuction to safely and permanently remove fat deposits in the:
- abdomen
- "love handles"
- thighs
- hips
- buttocks
- arms
- neck
- chin
- cheeks
- male breast excess
- back rolls
Liposuction Might Be Right for You
Liposuction can also be combined with another procedure such as facelift, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), or breast reduction. An extensive initial consultation with Allen & Plano plastic surgeon Dr. Slack is the starting point to discuss your liposuction questions. Although liposuction is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedures, it is not without risk — as is the case for every surgical procedure — and Dr. Slack wants to make sure that you are comfortable with any procedure that the two of you feel are appropriate for your situation and will meet your expectations.
Who Is a Good Candidate For Liposuction?
A healthy individual with the following may be a good candidate for liposuction:
- One or more deposits of fat that are out of proportion with the rest of the body and can't be eliminated with diet and exercise,
- in areas with minimal amounts of excess skin and good skin elasticity.
- weight gain
- pregnancy
- lifestyle factors
- aging
- hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
- infection
- changes in sensation
- scarring
- allergic reaction
It's important to keep in mind that liposuction removes only fat; it does not remove skin. Thus, a body area with too much excess skin may need more than liposuction — it may require a surgical removal of the excess skin. A physical examination by Dr. Slack will address this issue, and he will explain your full range of options (including whether liposuction is the right alternative for you).
Preparing for Liposuction
Of course, Dr. Slack and his staff will provide you with complete pre-surgery instructions and guidance, but for individuals who smoke regularly it's never too soon to consider quitting; the many downsides of smoking include its negative effect on the body's healing after any type of surgery, including liposuction.
Liposuction procedures can be done with general anesthesia or with local anesthesia and sedation, depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient's needs. Talk with Dr. Slack about your feelings regarding anesthesia.
Every patient's vital signs are under constant monitoring during a liposuction procedure. The length of the liposuction procedure varies greatly, depending on the body site.
The Liposuction Procedure
After the anesthesia has taken effect, a small incision is made at the site of the fat deposit, in an unobtrusive place whenever possible. A cannula (a very thin, hollow needle) is inserted through the incision, under the skin, and the fat deposit is sucked out through the cannula with a vacuum pump, then through a tube to a collection receptacle.
For large areas, a number of incisions are made and a significant amount of fat can be removed in one session. For some body sites, the liposuction can be used in a circumferential manner, thinning out an area. The incisions may leave small scars, but these will fade with time, usually becoming barely visible.
After a Liposuction Surgery
The treated area may be sore and swollen for a few days. For some extensive liposuction cases, one or more incisions are temporarily left open with a drain inserted to remove fluid and residual fat. Once the swelling has gone down, the results of the liposuction are apparent, and the appearance of the treated area will continue to improve over the coming weeks and months. The healing process is gradual, and the results of the liposuction are essentially permanent — although they can be reversed by:
A liposuction patient can usually go home the same day as the procedure. For the first few days after undergoing liposuction, the patient should rest and not engage in any strenuous physical activity. A compression garment may be given to wear temporarily. Dr. Slack and his staff will provide full post-liposuction instructions.
Liposuction Risks
The risks of liposuction are complications that are rather infrequent. However, as Dr. Slack explains in person to each potential patient, the possible risks of any surgery include:
Schedule a Liposuction Consultation
Allen & Plano liposuction expert Dr. Charles Slack is certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is very knowledgeable and skilled regarding liposuction. If you feel that Liposuction may be appropriate for you, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Slack at his Allen, Texas offices to discuss your goals and concerns. He looks forward to speaking with you.
Allen & Plano Liposuction by Dr. Slack