Plus-Size Liposuction

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Houston, TX

Plus-Size Liposuction Mark Hennessy, M.D Downsize Liposuction Center of Houston

Plus size liposuction is a procedure that focuses on removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body for plus-sized patients.

Sometimes, no matter how hard a person tries to eat healthy and adopt a consistent exercise routine, they are still left with stubborn body fat that can only be addressed through interventions like liposuction. While many surgeons require patients to be a certain BMI before undergoing liposuction, experienced surgeons like Dr. Hennessy are able to offer this as a safe, viable treatment option for plus-size individuals.

Mark Hennessy, M.D, and the team at Downsize Liposuction Center of Houston are among Texas’s leading liposuction experts. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Hennessy has helped numerous patients refine their physiques with safe, attentive, patient-centered care and expertise.

To schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Hennessy, contact Downsize Liposuction Center of Houston online or by calling (832) 278-1147.

About Plus Size Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States. (1) One variation of liposuction is plus-size liposuction, which is a body contouring procedure that removes excess fat in patients with higher body mass indices (BMIs), usually targeting multiple large-volume areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, back, and arms. (2)

While liposuction reduces body fat in specific areas of the body, it is not considered a weight loss treatment. Many surgeons will not perform liposuction on patients with a BMI over 30 to avoid complications. However, highly experienced liposuction specialists surgeons—like Dr. Hennessy—are able to perform this procedure safely for patients who exceed this BMI limit. (3) Dr. Hennessy is one of the few surgeons in the Houston area with the level of experience required to perform plus-size liposuction!

Dr. Hennessy performs this procedure using only local anesthesia with the tumescent liposuction technique, which minimizes surgical risks, enhances patient comfort, and reduces downtime. This specialized method enables patients to undergo effective fat reduction without the complications often associated with general anesthesia.

It is worth noting that while this treatment can help plus-sized patients effectively get rid of stubborn body fat, this can result in loose skin for some patients following treatment. As such, patients with inelastic skin or who are seeking a completely flat abdomen following their liposuction treatment with Dr. Hennessey often also pursue an abdominoplasty, perhaps better known as a tummy tuck. This treatment is designed to remove excess skin from the abdomen as well as tighten the underlying muscles, ultimately complementing the results of plus-sized liposuction.

About Weight Loss with GLP-1s

More and more patients are successfully losing weight with GLP-1 medications. However, this means that more and more patients are also dealing with the unwanted side effects of rapid weight loss—some patients who use GLP-1s experience something that has been colloquially named ‘Ozempic Face’, or a loss of facial volume that results in a sagging, gaunt look. Volume loss can even affect the intimate regions. Patients who want to retain a youthful, healthy look in the face and other areas may want to consider liposuction if they would rather sculpt targeted areas instead.

Benefits

Under Dr. Hennessy’s expertise, our patients see improvements through:

  • Targeted Fat Removal: This procedure allows precise targeting of fat deposits, enabling sculpting of troublesome areas.
  • Enhanced Body Contours: Patients often experience a more contoured silhouette that enhances their overall figure.
  • Boost in Self-esteem: Removing excess fat can significantly improve one’s body image and confidence.
  • Improved Clothing Fit: A more sculpted body can lead to better-fitting clothes and greater comfort when dressing.
  • Long-lasting Results: Once fat is removed, these results can be maintained with a healthy lifestyle.
  • Less Recovery Time: Many patients find that recovery from liposuction requires less time than invasive procedures, especially when Dr. Hennessy’s tumescent method is employed.
  • Customization: Each liposuction procedure is tailored to the individual, leading to personalized treatment plans that meet specific aesthetic desires.

Ideal Candidates

Several factors will determine whether or not you are eligible for plus-size liposuction. Typically, eligible candidates are those who:

  • Have a BMI of 30 or higher.
  • Seek a targeted reduction of subcutaneous fat.
  • Have realistic expectations for their results.
  • Are in overall good health despite a higher weight.
  • Do not smoke or are willing to quit nicotine for a period before and after the procedure.
  • Understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure but a body contouring tool.
  • Are committed to maintaining results through long-term healthy habits.

Candidates for a Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction

Some patients are more eligible for a tummy tuck than they are for liposuction. Liposuction is best for patients who have excess stubborn fat in the abdominal region. Meanwhile, a tummy tuck is best for patients who are dealing with a lot of loose or hanging skin on the abdomen. These procedures can be combined for optimal results!

Personal Consultation

All procedures at the Downsize Liposuction Center of Houston begin with a comprehensive one-on-one consultation with Dr. Hennessy. During this appointment, he will review your health history, examine your proportions and fat distribution, and identify the key areas where fat removal can produce the most effective results. He will explain how the plus-size liposuction procedure works, what to expect before and after, and the timeline for recovery and results. Based on this discussion, Dr. Hennessy will create a fully personalized treatment plan that is tailored uniquely to your body and overall goals.

To schedule this personal consultation, contact Downsize Liposuction Center of Houston online or by calling (832) 278-1147.

Preparation

Dr. Hennessy and his staff will provide a personalized set of preparation guidelines before your plus-size liposuction procedure. You may be asked to stop certain medications and supplements with blood-thinning properties, avoid alcohol, refrain from using nicotine, stay well hydrated, and plan time off from work or physical activities. You should also arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after your procedure. These instructions and any others you receive are designed to support a smooth and safe surgical experience from start to finish.

Procedure

Your plus-size liposuction treatment begins by administering local anesthesia to the treatment areas, allowing you to remain comfortable throughout the process. Dr. Hennessy performs all of his liposuction treatments with the patient awake to reduce the risks and downtime associated with general anesthesia. He will then inject a tumescent solution, which contains an anesthetic, a vasoconstrictor, and saline. This helps to further numb the areas, constrict blood vessels, and swell fat cells to make them easier to remove. Following this, Dr. Hennessy will create small, well-hidden incisions through which he inserts a cannula to suction away excess fat. His refined technique ensures that the fat is removed evenly and sculpted to create smooth, natural-looking contours. The entire process typically takes one to three hours, and you can expect to return home the same day.

Recovery

The recovery process differs for each individual, but Dr. Hennessy’s patients usually can return to light activities within 48 hours. Most patients will experience some soreness, swelling, and bruising following plus-size liposuction, but these side effects generally subside quickly. You should expect to abstain from strenuous activities until otherwise cleared. Dr. Hennessy will provide you with any necessary guidelines for the recovery process, and he and his team will remain available to answer your questions and support your recovery every step of the way.

Results

Plus-Size Liposuction Mark Hennessy, M.D Downsize Liposuction Center of Houston

Dr. Hennessy’s patients often notice some positive results immediately in the form of reduced body fat, but final results typically take three to six months to fully develop as swelling resolves and the body adjusts to its new shape. Patients often report a significant boost in confidence and physical comfort. Because Dr. Hennessy focuses exclusively on liposuction, he brings expert-level precision and consistency to every procedure, helping ensure a satisfying outcome.

Corresponding Procedures

Many patients seek to enhance their results by combining plus-size liposuction with additional procedures. Common corresponding treatments include Lipo360, jawline liposuction, and cellulite treatments. During your consultation, Dr. Hennessy can help you determine which procedures may best align with your transformation goals.

Abdominoplasty(Tummy Tuck)

While there is no shortage of potential treatments that can enhance the results of your plus-size liposuction treatment, perhaps the most common treatment following plus-sized liposuction is an abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. While liposuction removes excess fat, it does not address loose skin. A tummy tuck addresses this by removing excess skin and tightening the underlying abdominal muscles to complete your transformation from plus size liposuction. Some patients may also be better candidates for a tummy tuck instead of liposuction entirely.

Cost of Plus Size Liposuction in Houston

The price of your plus-size liposuction procedure will depend on a few key factors, including the number of areas treated, the extent of fat removal required, and whether additional procedures are performed at the same time. During your consultation, Dr. Hennessy will provide you with a personalized cost estimate and review available payment and financing options offered to qualifying patients.

Schedule your consultation today to explore your plus-size liposuction possibilities. If you have any questions or would prefer to schedule over the phone, please call or text our Houston office at (832) 278-1147.

FAQ

What makes plus-size liposuction different from standard liposuction?

Plus-size liposuction is tailored for individuals with higher BMIs and is designed to remove larger volumes of fat safely. It can only be performed by highly experienced liposuction specialists—many surgeons do not offer this procedure and require their patients to be a certain BMI before considering liposuction.

Is plus-size liposuction performed under general anesthesia?

Not at Downsize Liposection Center of Houston! Dr. Hennessy performs all of his liposuction procedures under local anesthesia using the tumescent technique for improved safety and reduced risks.

How much fat can be removed during plus-size liposuction?

The amount varies, and Dr. Hennessy will discuss safe removal limits during your consultation based on your body and health.

Can I lose weight from plus-size liposuction?

Patients usually do see a slight weight change because an amount of fat is removed, but liposuction is not a weight-loss method. It is a body sculpting tool that improves contour and proportion. Patients cannot achieve weight loss through this procedure.

Will I need to lose weight before getting liposuction?

Not necessarily. Dr. Hennessy will determine whether you are a good candidate regardless of your starting weight. However, patients who are currently on a weight loss journey should reach their stable goal weight before their procedure. Weight fluctuations after liposuction can impact the final results.

References

  1. Moyer HR, Sisson KM. Liposuction Port-Site Protection: Necessity or Needless Expense? Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum. 2024;6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojae098
  2. Hatan Mortada, Alshenaifi SA, Samawi HA, Marzoug MM, Taghreed Alhumsi, Bander Alaithan. The safety of large-amount liposuction: A retrospective analysis of 28 cases. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery. 2023;16(3):227-231. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.jcas_59_22
  3. Lemperle G, Holmes RE, Cohen SR, Lemperle SM. A Classification of Facial Wrinkles. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2001;108(6):1751-1752. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-200111000-00050