minimize age

MAXIMIZE BEAUTY

carecredit

LIPOSUCTION SERVICES

Procedures

Liposuction in Shreveport

Exercise and diet can help promote a healthy lifestyle, as well as help you look lean and muscular. For some individuals, however, it does not always remove those stubborn localized fat deposits, also known as LFD’s. Every individual’s fat distribution and body shape are genetically determined, which means for some, no amount of diet and exercise will remove these stubborn fat deposits. Even if the individual is at an adequate body weight, they may still possess areas of excess fat due to genetics and lifestyle choices.

Liposuction is a procedure that works to remove that stubborn fat and unwanted fat cells, thus sculpting the body and doing what diet and exercise alone could not. Next to breast augmentation, liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in the United States today. However, even though liposuction is designed to remove fat, it does not replace or serve as a substitute for a good diet and exercise.

At The Plastic Surgery Center of Louisiana, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Forrest Wall is one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in the area performing body contouring procedures such as liposuction. If you are interested in receiving liposuction in Shreveport or Monroe, give us a call at (318) 221-1629 today to set up an appointment.

liposuction in shreveport and monroe

What is Liposuction?

Lipoplasty plastic surgery, more commonly known as liposuction, is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the United States and across the world. This is because it is a very effective treatment for getting rid of deposits of excess fat cells from specific areas of the body, face, or neck. Liposuction can be used to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the tummy, shape the calves and ankles, or eliminate a double chin.

Liposuction is not intended to treat obesity or the removal of excess skin. It is also not an effective treatment for removing cellulite from the body. However, it is not uncommon for patients to combine liposuction with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck, breast lift, mommy makeover, and lower body lift, among others. 

How Does Liposuction Work?

Before undergoing a liposuction procedure, a qualified anesthesiologist will administer either local or general anesthesia. After the intended treatment areas are prepared by the surgical team, your surgeon will make a tiny incision near the area to be treated. When possible, the incisions are made within the fold or natural creases in the skin to remain inconspicuous and reduce the appearance of scarring.

Your surgeon will then inject a diluted local anesthetic to minimize bleeding before inserting a small hollow tube called a cannula through the incision in order to penetrate the underlying fat. The cannula is connected to a flexible tubing instrument and suction pump, which will be moved the cannula back and forth through the fat, essentially vacuuming the fat out through the tube.

Once the fat is successfully removed, Dr. Wall may insert small drainage tubes into the treated areas to collect any blood or fluid that builds up in the following days post-surgery. 

How does liposuction work

Liposuction Techniques 

There are a few different ways your surgeon may perform liposuction based on the intended treatment area and your specific goals. The techniques available vary, so during your consultation, be sure to ask your doctor for more information about the various fat removal techniques. Below, we’ll list the more common types of liposuction techniques and what the procedure entails:

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is generally the most common liposuction technique performed. During this procedure, your surgeon will -pre-inject a sterilized solution into the treatment area, causing it to swell and stiffen. This solution is composed of salt water, lidocaine (a type of local anesthetic), and small amounts of adrenaline, which causes constriction of the blood vessels. Your surgeon will then continue with the general liposuction technique mentioned above, which uses a cannula to suction fat from the body.

Power-Assisted Liposuction

Power-assisted liposuction uses a vibrating cannula that allows the surgeon to target tougher fatty areas and suction out the cells more quickly and efficiently and with more precision. This technique may be used for patients with larger volumes of fat or if the patient has had previous liposuction procedures performed in the past. 

Laser-Assisted Liposuction

This type of technology utilizes a high-intensity laser fiber to break down and compound or “emulsify” fatty tissue before removing the fat through a cannula.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is a two-step procedure that uses ultrasound waves for energy. During an ultrasound-assisted liposuction procedure, or UAL, your surgeon will insert an ultrasonic energy-emitting rod beneath the surface of your skin. This device works to puncture the fat cell walls and liquify the fat deposits to allow for easier removal. This technique can also be used in conjunction with a traditional liposuction procedure.

liposuction surgery in shreveport la

What is Lipo 360?

Lipo 360 is a 360-degree circumference liposuction technique that targets all parts of the midriff, including the upper and lower abdominal area, the obliques, and the mid-to-lower back. As with any other liposuction treatment, after fat is removed, there is a possibility of loose skin that is left behind. A skin tightening treatment like Morpheus8 may be incorporated as part of your Lipo 360 process.

Where Can Liposuction be Performed?

Liposuction can be used to target and eliminate excess fat in multiple areas of the body. The areas that liposuction can have the greatest effect on areas that are most prone to weight gain, including the:

  • Abdomen and waist areas
  • Love handles
  • Double chin area (chin and neck)
  • Arms
  • Back
  • Hips
  • Buttocks
  • Thighs
  • Ankles
  • Calves
  • Inner knees

Who is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

The ideal candidates for liposuction are patients who have undergone weight loss and mainly want to improve their body shape and contours. This is generally people with stubborn fat deposits that have proven to be “trouble areas”, where exercise and diet seem not to have any effect. Both men and women and patients of any age can undergo the procedure, but those who have greater skin elasticity, are in good health, and have maintained a normal weight will achieve the smoothest end result.

It is also important that the patient has realistic expectations when it comes to their end results and will work to avoid weight gain after liposuction. During your consultation, Dr. Wall can learn more about your body and current state of health to determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction in Shreveport. He will also discuss with you in-depth what to expect from the procedure to ensure your expectations remain realistic.

liposuction in shreveport la

What is Liposuction Recovery Like?

Following the surgery, Dr. Wall may leave your incisions open and insert drains temporarily. These drains will help promote healthy fluid drainage over the first few days of liposuction recovery. You may also need to wear a compression garment during this time of the healing process, which works to reduce swelling.

Swelling, bruising, and pain during this time is also normal. You will likely be prescribed medication to minimize discomfort and swelling as well as to minimize the risk of infection. 

Recovery time varies from patient to patient, depending on the areas treated and many other factors. However, most patients can expect to return to work within a few days and resume normal activity, including light exercise, a few weeks post-op. Your surgeon will provide you with a more accurate time frame for your recovery. 

Potential Risks and Complications of Lipo

This plastic surgery procedure is very common, with thousands of patients undergoing the procedure each year with no major complications. However, the possibility of complications occurring is always associated with surgery. As previously mentioned, pain and discomfort, as well as swelling and bruising, is to be expected following liposuction surgery. Swelling generally subsides within a few weeks, but may vary depending on your unique circumstances. 

In rare cases, the liposuction procedure has caused severe trauma, particularly when multiple or very extensive areas are suctioned at one time. Other possible complications include fluid accumulation and injury to the skin. Sometimes asymmetry or unevenness may require further treatment. Some patients who lose a lot of blood and/or fluids may need an I.V. to replace these fluids. In rare cases, a blood transfusion may also be necessary. Other potential risks and complications include:

  • Infection
  • Numbness
  • Anesthesia problems
  • Contour irregularities
  • Fat embolisms
  • Scars
  • Kidney, heart, and/or lung problems

Any type of surgical procedure presents its own potential risks of medical emergency, and it is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before undergoing a cosmetic surgery of any kind.

liposuction before and after

How Much is Lipo in Shreveport?

The average cost of liposuction is around $4,000 for the procedure alone, but may range anywhere between $3,000 to $7,000 or more, depending on a variety of different things. Keep in mind, however, that this does not make up the entire price. There are a number of factors that make up the final cost of a liposuction procedure in Shreveport, LA. Some things that must be considered include the surgical facility costs, surgeon fees, anesthesia fees, post-surgery medication, equipment and garments, and more. The location of the surgery, your plastic surgeon’s level of experience, and the cost of living in your area also all weigh into the final price. 

For the best estimate of what you can expect to pay for your liposuction surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Forrest Wall at The Plastic Surgery Center today. 

Best Place to Get Liposuction in Shreveport, LA

There are various fat removal techniques, body contouring procedures, and plastic surgery services in general available in Louisiana, and at The Plastic Surgery Center of Shreveport and Monroe, we are skilled at successfully performing a vast array of these procedures, including liposuction. Liposuction can help sculpt your body and assist you in achieving the curves and toned body appearance you’ve always wanted, and it all starts with a consultation with Dr. Forrest Wall. 

Start your journey today by calling The Plastic Surgery Center in Shreveport at (318) 221-1629 for more information about liposuction or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wall to discuss the outcomes you desire and ask any further questions or address any concerns you may have. We will walk you through the entire process, including how the procedure works, what you can expect with recovery, and how much you can expect it to cost you. To reach our Monroe location, give us a call at (318) 812-0182. You can also contact us through our website by completing our online intake form. We look forward to meeting with you!

Meet Your Surgeon

& Get Started Today