Body

Sculpt Your Body, Refine Your Shape

A Surgical Solution for Stubborn Fat

Permanently remove unwanted fat deposits for a more contoured, proportionate body — a contouring procedure, not a weight-loss solution.

Liposuction at a Glance

  • Overview

    Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes localized, stubborn fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is a body contouring procedure — designed to create a more defined silhouette by targeting and removing unwanted fatty tissue — rather than a weight-loss solution.

  • Recovery

    Swelling and bruising are expected and gradually subside over several weeks. A compression garment is typically worn to aid in healing. Most patients return to work and light activities within one to two weeks, with a full return to normal activities in four to six weeks.

  • Results

    Results are long-lasting and become fully visible as the swelling resolves. Once the fat cells are removed, they do not return, providing a permanent improvement to your body's contour as long as a stable weight is maintained.

Liposuction

Am I a Good Candidate?

You are an excellent candidate for liposuction if you are at or near your ideal body weight but are bothered by localized, stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. Liposuction is ideal for contouring specific areas — the abdomen, hips, thighs, or arms — but it is not a solution for obesity. The best candidates for this procedure have good skin elasticity and are in good overall health. During your consultation, we will assess your specific needs and create a surgical plan tailored to help you achieve a more sculpted appearance.

What Do Scars Look Like?

Liposuction requires small incisions to access the fat. Our surgeons are skilled in placing these incisions in discreet, inconspicuous locations — natural skin folds or creases. The incisions are very small (typically a few millimeters), and with proper care, the resulting scars are minimal and fade over time to become virtually unnoticeable.

More Details About Liposuction

How Liposuction Works

The Surgical Process

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation or under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes a few small, well-placed incisions and inserts a thin, hollow tube called a cannula, which is used to gently suction out the excess fatty tissue. The procedure is precise and allows the surgeon to carefully sculpt the body to achieve the desired contour.

A Contouring Procedure, Not a Weight-Loss Solution

It is important to understand that liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss solution. It is designed to address stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise. While it can provide a dramatic improvement to your body’s contour, it is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. The best results are seen in patients who are at or near their ideal body weight and who are committed to a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Surgeon's Notes

Jane Namkung, MD

The two most common misunderstandings about liposuction

First: liposuction is not weight loss. Patients sometimes come in 30+ pounds over their goal weight expecting liposuction to be the answer, and I have to redirect them. Liposuction can safely remove about 4–5 liters of fat in a single session — meaningful for contouring, but not for someone who needs significant weight loss. Second: liposuction doesn't fix loose skin. If your skin has lost elasticity from pregnancy or significant weight changes, removing fat underneath can actually make the skin look looser. That's where a tummy tuck or body lift becomes the right answer. Liposuction is the right tool for the right patient — close to ideal weight, with localized fat resistant to exercise, and with skin that can retract after the volume change.

Liposuction

Liposuction Recovery & Results Timeline

Please remember this is just a guide for Liposuction recovery. Every individual and recovery is unique. Your surgeon will provide you with personalized instructions and recovery times after your procedure.

1

Day 1 – 3

You will experience soreness, swelling, and bruising in the treated area. A compression garment will be worn to help reduce swelling and support your new contour.

2

1 – 2 Weeks

The majority of the soreness will have subsided, and you can typically return to work and light, non-strenuous activities.

3

4 – 6 Weeks

Most of the swelling and bruising will have resolved. You can gradually return to a full exercise routine.

4

3 – 6 Months

All residual swelling will have completely resolved, and the final results of your liposuction will be fully apparent and stable.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Schedule a consultation to discuss Liposuction with our board-certified surgeons.