Liposuction & Body Contouring

Dr Fortes performs tumescent and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) to remove stubborn localised fat deposits from the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, arms, chest, back, and neck. The tumescent technique infuses dilute anaesthetic and vasoconstrictive solution before fat removal via precision cannulas, reducing blood loss and improving contour smoothness. Treated areas are commonly combined in a single session; liposuction is frequently performed alongside tummy tuck and Brazilian butt lift. A compression garment is worn for six weeks post-operatively, with most patients returning to desk work within five to seven days.

Liposuction at Dr Paul Fortes MD Plastic Surgery Houston uses the tumescent technique as the primary method of fat removal, consistently delivering smooth, predictable body contouring results. Tumescent liposuction involves the infiltration of a large volume of dilute lidocaine and epinephrine solution into the target subcutaneous fat compartment before aspiration. Epinephrine causes local vasoconstriction, substantially reducing intraoperative blood loss compared to non-tumescent approaches, while lidocaine provides local anaesthesia that augments the general or sedation anaesthesia and contributes to post-operative pain management. Fat is then aspirated through small-diameter cannulas — typically 3–4 mm for body zones and 2–3 mm for more delicate areas — inserted through incisions of only a few millimetres placed within natural skin folds or inconspicuous locations. Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) is employed for denser or fibrous fat areas such as the upper back or male chest (gynaecomastia), where sound wave energy first emulsifies the fat before aspiration, allowing for more precise removal with less mechanical trauma to surrounding tissue. Dr Fortes treats a comprehensive range of anatomical zones: the abdomen (both above and below the navel), the flanks and love handles, the lateral and posterior hip, the inner and outer thighs, the knee, the upper arm and brachial roll, the back and bra-line area, the chest and male chest, and the submental (under-chin) area. Published price estimates by area at Dr Fortes's practice are: abdomen $4,000–$7,000; flanks $3,500–$5,500; inner and outer thighs $3,500–$6,000; arms $3,000–$4,500; neck and chin $2,500–$4,000; male chest (gynaecomastia) $4,000–$6,000; and additional areas $2,000–$3,000 each. All-inclusive pricing covers surgeon fee, anaesthesia, facility, compression garment, and post-operative follow-up appointments. Liposuction is frequently combined with abdominoplasty (lipo-tuck) for comprehensive abdominal body contouring, and with Brazilian butt lift (BBL) where harvested fat is transferred to the buttocks for natural augmentation. Recovery involves wearing a compression garment for six weeks; most patients return to desk work within five to seven days and resume full physical activity at two to four weeks. Final contour is visible at three to six months as post-operative swelling fully resolves. CoolSculpting non-surgical fat reduction is also available at the practice for patients seeking a non-invasive alternative.