Will I Still Have Loose Skin After Liposuction?

When you first think of liposuction, you may think of slimming down your contours and getting the smooth, sexy physique you've been dreaming of. While it is certainly possible to reduce stubborn fat with liposuction surgery, it is important for patients to understand that loose skin may not tighten with lipo and — oftentimes — can actually become more pronounced. Still, there are solutions for addressing both fat and wrinkled skin simultaneously. Not only that, but certain patients may, in fact, enjoy tighter skin and slimmer lines after liposuction. Here, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales of Morales Plastic Surgery in Houston, TX reviews how liposuction can impact skin laxity — both positively and negatively —– and offers suggestions for patients who may wish to address loose skin and stubborn fat alike.

What happens during liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical fat removal procedure that involves suctioning out excess fat cells from various areas of the body that do not respond to diet and/or exercise in the expected way. During liposuction surgery, Dr. Morales makes a small incision near the treatment area and inserts a handheld cannula beneath the skin. Dr. Morales then dislodges the fat cells manually and extracts them.

Will loose skin tighten up after liposuction?

Although many people envision liposuction as an all-in-one solution for slimming their body contours, it is important to have realistic expectations for the procedure and to understand that liposuction — for most people — may not result in skin tightening. Even though liposuction can be used to remove excess fat and technically reduce inches in a certain area, the skin may not necessarily "snap back" to the newly slimmed figure. In fact, some patients may find that their loose skin, wrinkles, or stretch marks may actually be exacerbated after liposuction. These patients may include those who:

• Are older
• Have experienced significant weight fluctuation
• Have pronounced skin laxity or wrinkles
• Have had children

Younger patients with good skin elasticity, on the other hand, can typically achieve optimal results with liposuction.

How do I avoid loose skin after liposuction?

Following a thorough consultation and skin assessment, Dr. Morales will determine whether you may be at risk for increased skin sagging after liposuction. If so, Dr. Morales may recommend a more comprehensive body contouring procedure consisting of liposuction fat removal and skin tightening (or skin removal). For example, patients who would like to slim down their midsection and have specific concerns about stubborn belly fat and loose stomach skin may be candidates for a tummy tuck combined with skin removal to reduce fat pockets and address skin laxity that could otherwise become worse with liposuction alone. At Morales Plastic Surgery, we are committed to helping patients understand what results may be realistic for them and finding innovative, customizable treatment plans that can best help you achieve the complete, natural, youthful-looking results you want.

Address loose skin and stubborn fat for the most compelling body contouring treatment possible in Houston, TX

If you are young and healthy with taut skin, liposuction may certainly help to slim your figure with smooth, natural-looking results. For those men and women who are older or have stretched, wrinkled skin already, however, it is essential to understand how liposuction fat removal can actually worsen skin laxity. At Morales Plastic Surgery, Houston, TX board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Rolando Morales is highly knowledgeable in the nuances of how liposuction and skin laxity are related and can help patients choose a body contouring procedure that best aligns with their unique needs and goals. To learn more about slimming down and firming up with fat removal, skin tightening, and other options for body contouring surgery, call us to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Morales today.