Is Liposuction Painful?

During the liposuction procedure, anesthesia is used so that you are pain-free. After the procedure, mild to moderate discomfort can be expected from swelling and bruising, but most of these symptoms can be resolved through pain medication.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Typically, you will return to the office a week after surgery to monitor recovery. The number of follow-up appointments you will need for liposuction depends on your individual needs and the complexity of the procedure. Dr. Sato will always let you know when she wants to see you next.

How Long Until I See Results?

The full results of liposuction vary depending on the individual, but once the swelling diminishes, you should start to see visible changes in your body shape and contours within a few weeks after the procedure. Living a healthy and active lifestyle is important to maintain results from liposuction.

What Will the Scarring Look Like?

Liposuction only requires tiny incisions for the insertion of the thin cannula, so the scars are also tiny and round in shape and appearance. They will start red, fade to pink, and finally to your skin color.

When Can I Exercise Again After My Liposuction?

You can start walking right away, but any strenuous exercise, especially high-intensity cardiovascular exercise, will have to wait four to six weeks.

Can I Combine Liposuction with Other Procedures?

Yes, indeed! Most of our patients who have received liposuction in Houston have planned to combine it with other body contouring procedures like a thigh lift or a tummy tuck. Patients are recommended to share their ideas for combined procedures with Dr. Sato so that she can best guide them toward an efficient and healthy plan.

What Are the Risks Associated with Liposuction?

Even though liposuction is a tried and tested procedure, every patient is different, so there are still some potential risks and side effects that can occur, which include but are not limited to: Blood clots Bruising Cardiac and pulmonary complications Change in skin sensation that may persist Damage to deeper tissues Fluid retention Infection Irregular contours or asymmetries Rippling or loose skin, worsening of cellulite Risks from anesthesia Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted liposuction technique If you observe any of these side effects or anything unusual, please contact our office immediately so that we may help you.

How Do I Find the Best Houston Liposuction Plastic Surgeon Near Me?

We recommend that you look for a board-certified plastic surgeon for liposuction in Houston. It is also recommended to check the surgeon’s qualifications, any hospital practices they have had, their research experience, and how long their practice has been running. Further, read past patient reviews to get an idea of their trustworthiness as well as collaboration with patients toward their health goals. If everything seems encouraging, as your final check, schedule an in-person appointment to see how you feel in terms of comfort level and respect upon your visit. It is your body and your health, and you have the final and ultimate say on how you want to proceed. Give yourself that space to make the right choice.

Houston, TX

In Houston

Liposuction

Introduction to Liposuction

Our bodies tend to store pockets of “stubborn fat” that refuse to go away the old-fashioned way – a proper diet and routine exercise – which can be incredibly frustrating for those actively trying to slim down. For those looking for a permanent solution to achieving a better-contoured body, liposuction is a fantastic way to eliminate those stubborn pockets of fat from areas all around your body. In Houston, TX, Dr. Erika Sato brings years of experience and skill to each Houston liposuction procedure she conducts to provide the best results possible.

Before + After

Liposuction Results

Liposuction B&A

View Results

Achieve Balance

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a highly sought-after cosmetic procedure that suctions off unwanted fat cells from the body using a cannula. The cannula vacuums excess fat cells out of the body through minor circular access points created by tiny, round incisions. With recent advancements in technology, liposuction can also be carried out in highly sensitive areas such as the neck and chin. Most patients focus on the major areas of the body, such as the thighs, hips, abdomen, arms, and legs. In some cases, liposuction of the abdomen will create a small amount of excess skin. As a result, many patients will also opt for a tummy tuck along with liposuction so that they can have an overall tightened and slimmed abdominal contour.

Woman in dark lingerie standing against a wall in low light, her eyes cast downward in a serene expression - Liposuction in Houston, TX

Tailored Solutions For Every Profile

Types of Liposuctions We Offer:

VASER

VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to break down the fat cells so that the cannula can easily suction them. The process is just like traditional wet liposuction, with this step added before the suctioning begins.

MicroAire

MicroAire liposuction is liposuction with more advanced tools that are patient and process-friendly. It uses a smaller cannula, a more powerful suction pump, and a unique reciprocating motion that helps to break up the fat cells for easier suctioning. As a result, MicroAire liposuction results in a less traumatic procedure and a quicker recovery time.

Liposuction For Men

We offer liposuction to our male patients. Men traditionally focus on different body parts compared to women. The most popular areas in men are the neck, chest, abdomen, and love handles. Additionally, male fat is surrounded by more fibrous tissue, which makes it harder to remove, sometimes requiring different tools and expertise. At the practice of Erika Sato, M.D., our surgical staff, tools, and breadth of experience also cater to male liposuction.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Our patients who have received liposuction in Houston comment positively about the long-lasting effects and the boost in their self-esteem. This minimally invasive treatment’s collection of merits involves:

It gets rid of stubborn fat cells
Improves body proportions
May improve well-being by lessening BMI
Minor scarring
Recovery time is short
The next go-to after diet and exercise has hit a ceiling with results
Treats medical issues such as gynecomastia, lipodystrophy syndrome, and more
Trims and slims the body
Various target areas possible

Who Are the Best Candidates for Liposuction?

You may be a candidate for liposuction if you are healthy and over the age of 18. Dr. Sato performs liposuction on patients younger than 18, but this is done on a patient-to-patient basis. Dr. Sato will examine you and review your medical history to determine whether liposuction is right for you. She will discuss each liposuction option she provides and what she thinks is best for your aesthetic goals.

Let’s Get Started

What’s the first step?

During your liposuction consultation in Houston with Dr. Erika Sato, she will learn more about which areas of your body concern you so you can form a specific plan.

Patients must have realistic expectations, as liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure but contours the body for a slimmer, more balanced appearance. Review liposuction before-and-after photos to develop realistic expectations. Images contain nudity—viewer discretion is advised.

What to Expect on the Day of Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure performed in our in-office operating room under IV sedation and a local anesthetic or under general anesthesia in an ambulatory surgery center.
If a very large volume (greater than 5L of lipoaspirate) of liposuction is planned, then this might require general anesthesia in a facility with overnight capabilities.

Dr. Sato will make several tiny incisions and inject a local anesthetic into the area to help expand and firm the fat, making it easier and safer to remove. A cannula is then inserted through the incisions to suction out the fat.

The most popular technique is tumescent liposuction, which uses a saline solution mixed with medication to minimize post-operative bruising, swelling, pain, and blood loss.
Power-assisted or laser-assisted liposuction can be advantageous in many cases because it breaks down particularly fibrous fatty tissue, such as repeat liposuction sites.

In most instances, liposuction takes 1-2 hours, but it can take longer if you wish to treat multiple areas.

Liposuction Recovery

Our Houston liposuction patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated area. Compression garments, which help promote healing, should be worn for 4-6 weeks.

Houston liposuction patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which usually takes a few days.

Exercise and other strenuous activities can be resumed immediately as long as the compression garment is worn during the exercise or activity. This can lead to chaffing, so patients must protect their skin appropriately.

Dr. Sato will provide you with full instructions to make your recovery period as comfortable as possible.

It can take three to six months for all of the post-operative swelling and bruising to resolve. However, pleasant results may be seen in about six to eight weeks.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Houston, TX?

The cost of Liposuction in Houston varies depending on the details of the surgery. Pricing for fat removal will be based on the size and number of treatment areas, the amount of fat to be removed, and the time required to perform the surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Sato?

Dr. Sato should be your choice for your liposuction in Houston because she is committed to providing excellence in care while treating every patient like family. Furthermore, she is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. She performs the latest treatments in aesthetic surgery as well as nonsurgical rejuvenation. Dr. Sato is also affiliated with the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the Texas Medical Association (TMA), and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS).

Liposuction FAQ’S

Even though liposuction is a tried and tested procedure, every patient is different, so there are still some potential risks and side effects that can occur, which include but are not limited to:
- Blood clots
- Bruising
- Cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Change in skin sensation that may persist
- Damage to deeper tissues
- Fluid retention
- Infection
- Irregular contours or asymmetries
- Rippling or loose skin, worsening of cellulite
- Risks from anesthesia
- Thermal burn or heat injury from ultrasound with the ultrasound-assisted liposuction technique
If you observe any of these side effects or anything unusual, please contact our office immediately so that we may help you.
We recommend that you look for a board-certified plastic surgeon for liposuction in Houston. It is also recommended to check the surgeon’s qualifications, any hospital practices they have had, their research experience, and how long their practice has been running. Further, read past patient reviews to get an idea of their trustworthiness as well as collaboration with patients toward their health goals. If everything seems encouraging, as your final check, schedule an in-person appointment to see how you feel in terms of comfort level and respect upon your visit. It is your body and your health, and you have the final and ultimate say on how you want to proceed. Give yourself that space to make the right choice.

#dr.erikasato

@dr.erikasato

Patient Reviews

“Dr. Sato is the most amazing surgeon and person!”

Dr. Sato is the most amazing surgeon and person! From the initial consultation through the entire surgery process she has been nothing but honest, supportive, encouraging, realistic, and my results have been nothing but amazing. Her staff are also some of the sweetest people! I would not go to anyone else and will recommend her to everyone!!

— Allison D

Schedule a consultation

Contact Dr. Erika Sato’s office to find out more about liposuction in Houston. During a consultation, she will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Schedule a Consultation