Liposuction has helped countless patients at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates address stubborn fat and contour a figure they feel confident in. But while liposuction targets excess fat, it can often leave behind loose, sagging skin—especially in large treatment areas.
To remedy this issue, our triple board-certified surgeons pair liposuction with Renuvion skin tightening. This procedure combination helps patients refine their results, creating sculpted curves without skin laxity.
Continue reading to learn why many of our patients undergo Renuvion and liposuction near Norman, OK. Ready to create your personalized plan? Become one of our over 27,000 satisfied patients by giving our team a call or scheduling your consultation online.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that uses a cannula equipped with vacuum suction to remove unwanted fat deposits. Also known as “lipo” or a “lipolasty,” liposuction permanently removes fat cells to reshape your treatment area.
Though liposuction cannot substitute for a healthy diet or exercise, we recommend the procedure to patients who have been unsuccessful in eliminating stubborn fat pockets using traditional weight loss methods alone.
Our patients use liposuction near Norman, OK, to target fat in the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Love handles
- Face
- Neck
- Jawline
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Upper arms
The best candidates for liposuction are those who have specific areas of fat they want to target, but are otherwise in good health. This includes patients who can maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle long after their procedure.
What causes skin laxity after liposuction?
After liposuction, the skin molds itself to the new shape of the treated areas. But if your skin is thin or has lost elasticity, it may appear loose or hang off the body, lacking the resilience needed to fully conform to your figure.
Collagen is the primary protein that dictates skin quality. Considered the “building block” of the body’s tissues, collagen provides the skin with structure and strength. But when collagen production decreases or existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate, it can cause the skin to sag.
Factors that contribute to collagen production include:
- Aging – The body produces less and lower-quality collagen as we get older. While collagen levels decline by approximately 1% every year starting at age 25, this rate increases significantly in the years following menopause.
- Sun exposure – Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays causes collagen to break down more rapidly.
- Poor eating habits – Consuming too much sugar and refined carbohydrates weakens collagen fibers, causing them to become dry and brittle.
- Smoking – Nicotine interferes with the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This damages collagen and creates wrinkles.
Along with skin laxity, Liposuction near Norman cannot treat any imperfections on the skin’s surface, including cellulite and stretch marks.
Renuvion for Skin Laxity
With Renuvion skin tightening at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, loose skin after liposuction doesn’t have to be a part of your story.
Through a small incision your surgeon makes in the treatment area, the Renuvion device delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy and helium plasma under the skin. These energies create enough heat to contract the skin’s fibro-septal network for a tighter appearance.
Our surgeons frequently combine Renuvion skin tightening and liposuction in a single procedure to rejuvenate the treatment area without leaving sagging skin behind. This combination best suits patients with minimal skin laxity. We recommend more extensive procedures, like excess skin removal surgery, to patients with more significant losses in skin elasticity.
The CSA Procedure Process
Our triple board-certified surgeons want to help you minimize stubborn fat pockets without facing loose skin afterward. We value patient education above all else, which is why we ensure you have a thorough understanding of the treatment process from start to finish.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you can expect when you undergo Renuvion skin tightening and liposuction near Norman, OK.
Initial Consultation With One of Our Surgeons
At the start of your journey at Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, you first schedule a consultation to learn more about your procedure options. During this appointment, you have the opportunity to meet one of our nationally recognized surgeons to discuss your aesthetic goals.
At this time, your surgeon asks you about your areas of concern and how you want to look after surgery. They may also ask about previous weight loss attempts to ensure you can maintain a stable weight before and after your procedure. As always, be sure to alert your surgeon about your medical history and any medications you take to help avoid unforeseen complications.
After gathering information on your unique aesthetic needs, your surgeon helps you create a procedure plan. With this plan, we outline the areas you’d like to address with liposuction and whether you’d like to include Renuvion skin tightening as well.
Preparing for Surgery
In the weeks leading up to your procedure, you must stop smoking and avoid alcohol consumption. These substances contribute to poor wound healing and can compromise your results.
We recommend stocking up on gauze, healthy snacks, and loose clothing to prepare for your procedure. Setting up a comfortable rest area with easy access to the bathroom can also make for a smoother recovery process.
Be sure to arrange for a ride home from the hospital after surgery. If possible, we request having that person stay with you throughout your first day of recovery to assist with various tasks.
In the days before your surgery, shower with Hibiclens, or an antibacterial soap, to reduce your risk of infection. We also recommend wearing loose clothing to your procedure that allows for easy access to your desired treatment area. If you haven’t already, bring any necessary paperwork as well.
Liposuction + Renuvion
To begin your procedure, your surgeon administers general anesthesia or IV sedation according to your procedure plan. General anesthesia keeps you unconscious for the duration of your procedure, while IV sedation puts you in a drowsy, sleep-like state. Your chosen form of anesthesia largely depends on the size of your treatment area.
Your surgeon then makes an incision to insert a liposuction cannula underneath your skin. This allows them to break up portions of stubborn fat before removing them from the body via vacuum suction.
After removing the fat, your surgeon inserts the Renuvion probe into the same incision. The device emits RF energy and helium plasma, gently heating the tissues just beneath the skin. This creates a contracting and tightening effect.
Once your surgeon finishes, they close your incisions off with sutures. They also apply bandages and place a compression garment over your treatment area.
The entire surgery process can take 1 to 4 hours to complete. The length of your procedure depends on the size of your treatment area and your unique concerns.
Making a Full Recovery
After your procedure for Renuvion skin tightening and liposuction near Norman, OK, a member of our team moves you to a recovery room. Here, we monitor you for complications as you wake up from anesthesia.
You may experience mild discomfort and swelling in the days after your procedure. We recommend taking all medications and wearing your compression garments as directed by your surgeon. You should also take this time to rest and avoid strenuous physical activity.
Be sure to attend all check-in appointments with your surgeon. These follow-ups help ensure you’re healing properly and that you feel satisfied with your results.
Achieve Stunning Contours
As swelling and fluid retention go down, most patients see beautiful curves and tighter skin within the weeks after surgery. In some cases, it can take up to 3 to 6 months to see your results from liposuction and Renuvion skin tightening.
Most patients only need one procedure to achieve the sculpted figure they desire. That said, although liposuction permanently removes fat cells, it cannot prevent future fat cell growth. You must continue following a healthy diet and exercise regimen to maintain your results.
Answering Frequently Asked Questions
Still searching for answers before committing to Renuvion and liposuction near Norman? Here are a few more details to inform your treatment decision.
Will I have scars after my procedure?
You may have scars after your liposuction and Renuvion procedure, but our surgeons strategically place incisions in discrete areas to make them appear less visible.
These scars continue to fade throughout the recovery process. We also provide patients with a scar care guide to help minimize their appearance.
Are these procedures a substitute for a tummy tuck?
Liposuction and Renuvion can sometimes serve as a substitute for more invasive procedures like a tummy tuck, but this depends on your unique aesthetic preferences and surgical needs. We may recommend this procedure combination as opposed to a tummy tuck if a patient has less severe skin laxity and unwanted fat.
Your surgeon provides surgical recommendations based on the details from your initial consultation.
How soon after my procedure can I start exercising?
We encourage patients to take time off from their workout routines immediately after surgery. That said, activities like light walking can help promote circulation as your treatment site continues to heal.
We recommend avoiding strenuous physical activity, like running or weight lifting, until 2 to 4 weeks after your procedure.
Create Stunning Results at CSA
Though liposuction near Norman, OK, targets unwanted fat, the skin laxity often left behind can leave patients feeling self-conscious. At Cosmetic Surgery Affiliates, our surgeons take an all-encompassing approach to liposuction, pairing the procedure with Renuvion skin tightening to address the body from every angle.
Sculpt a figure you can love for years. Give our team a call to learn more about your options.
Want to learn more about skin toning or a breast augmentation? Visit our blog for additional information.
