About Our Liposuction and Liposculpting Procedures
Liposuction, often used with other plastic/cosmetic surgery procedures, removes pockets of fat from troublesome areas such as the thighs, hips, stomach, love handles, and upper arms. Body contouring with liposculpting at the Plastic Surgery Institute of California is designed to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body, reshaping the silhouette.
Board-certified plastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeons Dr. Mazin Al Hakeem and Dr. Eric C. Hu are regarded as expert providers of body contouring with liposuction in Orange County.
View various before and after images in our gallery.
How Do Liposuction & Liposculpting Work?
Liposuction was first performed in 1974, and its use significantly improved over previously used surgical body contouring techniques. Over the last few decades, many advances have been made in liposuction procedures, making it one of the world’s safest and most popular body contouring surgeries.
Liposuction uses specialized cannulas to remove excess fat from specific body areas through small incisions. Liposculpting is a refinement of traditional liposuction, emphasizing fat removal and the artistic reshaping of the body’s contours. The procedure aims to smooth transitions between treated and untreated areas, creating a more sculpted and defined appearance.
Common Treatment Areas
- Abdomen and flanks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Hips and buttocks
- Upper arms
- Back and bra line
- Neck and chin
- Calves and ankles
Who Is a Good Liposuction Candidate?
The ideal candidates for liposuction and liposculpting are individuals with good overall health and realistic expectations. Ideal candidates for liposuction meet specific criteria that contribute to successful outcomes:
- Maintain stable body weight within 30% of the ideal range
- Demonstrate good skin elasticity
- Present localized fat deposits resistant to lifestyle changes
- Possess realistic expectations about surgical results
- Commit to maintaining results through healthy habits
- Show no significant medical contraindications
Age alone does not disqualify candidates, though skin quality and overall health status influence results. Patients who have experienced significant weight loss may benefit from combining liposuction with other body contouring procedures.
Liposuction & Liposculpting Techniques
At the Plastic Surgery Institute of California, our surgeons employ various contemporary liposuction techniques. These methods aim to deliver effective fat removal and body contouring for our Orange County, Inland Empire, and Los Angeles patients.
Traditional Tumescent Liposuction
This common technique involves injecting a sterile solution, containing saline, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (a drug that constricts blood vessels), into the treatment area. This solution numbs the area, reduces blood loss, and makes fat removal more manageable.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
PAL utilizes a specialized cannula that moves rapidly back and forth, breaking up fat cells more efficiently. This technique can reduce the physical effort required for the surgeon, potentially leading to a more precise outcome and reduced procedure time.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
UAL, which includes popular technologies like VASER®, employs ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat cells before they are suctioned out. This method is often beneficial for areas with dense, fibrous fat, allowing for smoother fat removal and potentially improved skin retraction.
Your Liposuction Consultation in Orange County
A liposuction consultation is the first step toward the sculpted contours you’ve envisioned. The board-certified experts at the Plastic Surgery Institute of California, renowned for their surgical expertise and personalized approach, will listen to your needs and tailor a strategy to achieve your aesthetic goals.
What to Expect During Liposuction and Liposculpting
The process begins with small strategically placed incisions, through which a thin tube called a cannula is gently introduced. Targeted fat cells are carefully extracted, allowing for the harmonious restoration of your body’s natural lines. During liposculpting, your plastic surgeon uses specialized techniques to remove unwanted fat and enhance curves, symmetry, and proportions.
Recovery After Liposuction
During the recovery period following liposuction, swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort are to be expected, but these gradually diminish over a week or so. A compression garment will be recommended to minimize downtime and support your newly contoured shape.
While individual experiences vary, most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to work within a week. As your body heals, you’ll witness the gradual unveiling of your sculpted results, which continue to refine over several weeks.
What Is the Cost of Liposuction?
At the Plastic Surgery Institute of California, we recognize that each person’s journey is unique. The cost of liposuction varies based on factors such as the areas being treated, the amount of fat to be removed, and the individual’s specific goals. We are pleased to offer our patients financing options from CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit to make your procedure more accessible.
Why Choose Plastic Surgery Institute of California
Dr. Mazin Al-Hakeem and Dr. Eric C. Hu are board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive training and experience in body contouring procedures. Their combined knowledge provides a high standard of surgical care and aesthetic judgment. Our surgeons dedicate time to understanding your specific goals and developing a tailored treatment plan to address your needs.
Our surgical facility adheres to safety standards and is equipped with modern technology, supporting optimal surgical outcomes and patient comfort. Located to serve Orange County, Inland Empire, and Los Angeles, our practice offers accessible expert care for patients seeking liposuction and other cosmetic procedures.
Liposuction & Liposculpting Surgery FAQs
Can liposuction be performed alongside other surgeries?
How long do the results of liposuction last?
Will liposuction leave noticeable scars?
Can men undergo liposuction?
How much fat can be safely removed during liposuction?
Learn More Today
Arrange your consultation regarding liposuction in Orange County. The expert surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Institute of California look forward to meeting with you to answer your questions—contact us today to get started.
Dr. Mazin Al-Hakeem
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
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