Houston Liposuction

I utilize the tumescent technique of liposuction. This involves injection of the areas to be suctioned with normal saline combined with a local anesthetic, for post operative pain control, and dilute solutions of adrenalin, for control of bleeding. This technique allows minimal blood loss and post operative bruising while correcting the areas of excess fat deposits.

The procedure of liposuction is not a procedure for weight loss. It is intended to remove localized areas of fat deposition that has failed to respond to diet or exercise treatment.

Typically, in the male patient, this is the abdominal wall and "love handle" region along the sides and flanks of the abdomen. Ladies frequently request additional suction of the inside and outside regions of the thighs as well as the inside areas of the knees.

Liposuction is frequently used under the neck for correction of localized fat deposits frequently seen in this region. Other select areas on the face and body respond well to conservative removal of fat with the liposuction technique.

In addition to tumescent liposuction I also do UAL, ultrasonic assisted liposuction, for removal of fat in certain areas of the body.

Liposuction is usually done under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis.

Houston Breast Reduction

This is the procedure I perform for reduction of enlarged breasts. Women requesting a Reduction Mammoplasty usually complain of back and neck discomfort, resulting from the constant pull and weight of the enlarged breasts. Other complaints relate to a recurrent rash under the breast, difficulty in obtaining properly fitting clothing, the inability to exercise, and generalized breast discomfort.

I perform this procedure on patients aged sixteen through seventy. We do this under general anesthesia with an overnight stay in the hospital.

This procedure is one that returns one of the highest patient satisfaction responses that we see. Patients constantly express how happy they are to be a "more normal" size and be relieved of the discomfort they had experienced from their enlarged breasts.

Houston Facial Resurfacing

Several procedures are available for improvement of facial skin. These vary from the more simple office applied face peels and pharmaceuticals to the more invasive CO2 laser resurfacing.

I utilize the CO2 laser for the vast majority of my facial resurfacing. This has almost completely replaced my utilization of dermabrasion and the old Phenol peels. The control of the depth of the treatment with the CO2 laser leads to a predictable result with minimal postoperative recovery time. The resulting improvement in face skin texture is excellent and leads to a high level of patient satisfaction.

Houston Laser Skin Resurfacing

We use the CO2 laser for our facial resurfacing. I have found this to give excellent results, in selected patients, in removal and modification of facial wrinkles, tightening of loose skin, and in removal of skin irregularities such as increased pigmentation.

This procedure requires the use of outpatient surgical facilities. The recovery time is related to the depth of skin resurfacing needed. This is very patient specific.

I feel that this procedure replaces the use of dermabrasion, except in certain cases, in my practice. The degree of safety is excellent if the proper technique is utilized. I was one of the first Plastic Surgeons in Houston to use the CO2 laser for facial resurfacing and I feel our results reflect this experience.

Houston Chemical Peel

Chemical peels are excellent for superficial facial wrinkles and as the initial step in reversing the process of aging on the face and skin, in general. These peels range from the more mild Alpha Hydroxy Acid Peels that are easily performed in the office to the more complex Phenol peels that are performed in the operating room. The latter, the Phenol Peel, is rarely used since the CO2 laser has replaced this in my hands, and with a much more predictable result.

In our office, in addition to the Alpha Hydroxy Peels, we do the Trichloroacetic Acid Peels. There are two strengths to this peel, an 11% and a 16%, that we utilize for peeling. Recovery time is a matter of a few days and the results have been very good for skin rejuvenation.

Our office carries a wide range of skin care products for the face and body. These products contain different strengths of Glycolic Acid, the selected Alpha Hydroxy Acid we use, to assist in proper superficial skin removal and appropriate hydration of the skin. Long term skin care is outlined for each patient with the selection of the appropriate night cream, containing the acids, along with the select strength of moisturizer for skin hydration. This service is one our patients love and with the assistance of my office nurse, Mimi Franco, we give personal care on the selection and follow-up on the use of these products.