Liposuction in Beverly Hills, CA

Overview

Liposuction, also known as “lipoplasty,” is a popular plastic surgery procedure in the Beverly Hills area that removes excess fat from areas of the body that are difficult to target with diet and exercise. This procedure restores a more slender, attractive physique.

Liposuction Treatable Areas

Liposuction is a very versatile procedure that can be used to remove stubborn fat from almost any area of the body.

Neck and Cheeks

Excess fat below the jaw and in the neck can create a double chin, and too much fat in the cheeks can make even a thin person appear much heavier. Liposuction can restore a smoother profile to the neck and cheeks and improve definition in the face and along the jawline.

Arms

The accumulation of fat in the upper arms can lead to embarrassing flab that hangs and jiggles with every movement, making many feel self-conscious when wearing clothing that exposes this area. Liposuction can remove this excess fat to restore more slender arms with better definition.

Abdomen and Waist

The midsection is one of the most difficult areas to rid of stubborn fat. Liposuction produces a slimmer waistline and flatter abdomen by eliminating this resistant fat for good.

Back and Flanks

Many men have extra fat on their backs and sides just above their waists, and women commonly have unnecessary fat along their bra line. Liposuction can reduce this fat to achieve a smooth back and reduce stubborn “love handles.”

Buttocks

Fat deposits that gather in the buttocks can cause permanent sagging and loss of a pleasant butt shape. Liposuction will restore a firmer, rounder contour to the buttocks to improve the overall appearance of the butt.

Hips and Thighs

Excessive fat in the hips and thighs can cause unsightly “saddlebags” to develop, often resulting in discomfort and embarrassment. Liposuction can provide a slimmer appearance and sculpt your hips and thighs to help make your body bikini-ready and boost your confidence.

Knees and Ankles

Excess fat accumulation in the lower legs can result in flabby knees and “cankles,” causing many to hide their legs even during the warmer summer months. Liposuction can effectively rid these areas of unwanted fat and sculpt the legs into a thinner and more defined shape.

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Tumescent Liposuction: An Improved Approach to Fat Removal

Tumescent liposuction is an improvement over traditional liposuction because it injects tumescent fluid into the treatment area to help break apart the fat. This also makes it easier to suction fat out from the body. Furthermore, because this liquid contains numbing agents like lidocaine, patients do not need to undergo general anesthesia. On average, patients who choose tumescent liposuction see better results and experience less swelling, bleeding, bruising and discomfort.

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Complementary and Alternative Procedures

While liposuction can remove excess fat cells, it does not address loose skin. You may find that your skin stretched to accommodate your larger frame and is now no longer elastic enough to retract to fit the new shape of your body. If you would like to improve the elasticity of your skin to further improve your body contours, you may be a good candidate for non-surgical skin tightening treatment like Ultherapy.

Some patients at Enhance® Medical Center also prefer a less-invasive procedure for fat reduction: CoolSculpting. This treatment uses cold temperatures to freeze excess fat cells, which are later permanently and safely expelled from the body. A single CoolSculpting session removes 20 to 25% of fat cells from a treatment area, and the procedure can be repeated periodically to achieve your desired results. The recovery for CoolSculpting is tamer than for liposuction.

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Liposuction - What to Expect

Liposuction is one of the most rewarding procedures for patients who want to improve their physique, and the entire process from preparation to recovery is really quite simple.

Before Your Liposuction

Before the procedure, it is recommended that you do the following:

  • Do not take any anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) for at least two weeks
  • Refrain from smoking for at least two weeks
  • Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least one week
  • Shower the morning of surgery, but do not apply any lotions or other moisturizers
  • Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure

While Undergoing Liposuction

Liposuction is usually performed on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia. With a specialized suctioning device, excess fat deposits are permanently extracted through small incisions using a thin hollow tube called a cannula.

After Shedding All of That Unwanted Fat

After your liposuction surgery is complete, it is best to follow these guidelines to ensure you have the safest and most effective recovery:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Wear compression garments to help reduce swelling
  • Take prescribed medication
  • Limit physical activity
  • Schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon

Dr Charles S. Lee will provide you with more detailed instructions to follow for after the procedure.

Your Transformation Is Complete!

After a couple of weeks, swelling and bruising will subside and the contours of your body will be noticeably slimmer and more defined. The results of liposuction are generally permanent, and patients can maintain their results by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen.

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Liposuction FAQ

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

Ideal candidates for liposuction are close to their ideal weight with stubborn areas of fat that have been difficult to reduce with diet and exercise. Beverly Hills Liposuction candidates are in good overall health and do not have any pre-existing health conditions. It is important to have realistic expectations of the procedure and to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. To find out if you are the right candidate for liposuction, schedule a visit with Dr. Charles S. Lee today to see what liposuction could do for you.

Will liposuction improve the appearance of cellulite?

Although liposuction reduces excess fat and usually provides the skin with a smoother appearance, it is not considered a viable treatment for cellulite.

How long will the results of liposuction last?

Liposuction permanently reduces the number of fat cells. However, the remaining fat cells in the treated area(s) can still increase in size with weight gain. Therefore, maintaining a stable weight by following a healthy diet and exercise regimen will preserve the results.

What’s the cost of lipo in Beverly Hills?

The total cost of liposuction depends on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat extracted.

Is liposuction covered by health insurance?

Health insurance providers do not typically cover the cost of liposuction because it is considered a cosmetic procedure.

Can I lose a lot of weight with liposuction?

Liposuction is not intended to help you lose a significant amount of weight. Instead, it is a body contouring procedure that is most effective for patients who are at or near their goal weight. By targeting stubborn deposits of fat, you can get rid of the unwanted flab that has impeded your aesthetic goals. In terms of weight, the average patient only loses a few pounds. To achieve dramatic weight loss, you should commit to a diet and exercise plan or perhaps consult with a bariatric surgeon.

How soon can I enjoy my liposuction results?

You may notice that your physique looks sleeker upon completion of the surgery, but it is too early to judge your outcome. Allow time for swelling to subside and the bruising to fade to see your new contours. Full results are generally visible within two to six months.   

What happens if I put on weight after having liposuction?

Maintaining a steady weight is the best way to enjoy your results indefinitely. While gaining a modest amount of weight after liposuction probably won’t alter your contours, a more significant weight fluctuation can negatively affect the appearance of your body. Following a weight gain, excess calories get stored in other areas that have more fat cells, which can create abnormal proportions. 

Is it appropriate to have liposuction on the face?

It is both safe and effective to have liposuction performed on the chin and neck to tone these features. If you are interested in reducing a double chin without undergoing surgery, you should ask the professionals at Enhance® Medical Center about Kybella, an injectable treatment with proven results.

What is the difference between liposuction and tummy tuck surgery?

A tummy tuck, also called abdominoplasty, is a type of cosmetic surgery that can achieve an improved appearance of the abdomen. During the procedure, excess fat and skin in the abdomen are removed. The underlying abdominal muscles are also tightened. The remaining skin is repositioned to create an aesthetic result.

Liposuction is used to remove targeted pockets of (often stubborn) fat from areas of the body. Unlike tummy tuck surgery which focuses on the abdomen only, liposuction can be used on most areas with fat deposits, such as the thighs or arms. Additionally, liposuction can be used on the abdomen to remove excess fat and help create a more sculpted abdominal appearance. 

If you are looking to achieve a more toned midsection, you may want to know which procedure can produce the best results for you. A consultation with Dr. Lee can help you understand more about each procedure before determining which one is right for you.

Will I need more than one round of liposuction treatment?

Liposuction is a targeted treatment option that can provide impressive results. It is important to note that liposuction is a cosmetic surgery; therefore, your desired results can often be achieved after undergoing the procedure once. It is important to discuss your cosmetic goals with Dr. Lee, including the desired treatment areas, plans to lose or gain a significant amount of weight following surgery, and overall post-surgical expectations. Dr. Lee will work with you to craft a plan that is best for your needs.

Will I have scarring after liposuction?

Liposuction scars are caused by the small incisions through which the cannula is inserted to remove the unwanted fat. They are necessary for the procedure and can fade over time. Dr. Lee understands that some patients may feel uncomfortable having liposuction if there is a risk of significant scarring, which is why he takes every opportunity to minimize scarring when possible.

Will others be able to tell I’ve had work done?

You can expect a natural yet noticeable difference in your body following liposuction. Liposuction is a customizable procedure that can be used on a number of treatment areas on the body. Depending on the specific treatment area, liposuction can result in a more toned, contoured appearance. For example, arms that are treated with liposuction may look smaller and more defined, while abdominal liposuction can remove unwanted fat and can result in a flatter tummy and a waistline that looks trimmer and shapelier. Thanks to the results this procedure is able to achieve, friends and family may notice a positive difference in your appearance —  without necessarily being aware that you have had liposuction.

Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?

Liposuction can be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with other procedures. Many patients that visit Dr. Lee seek have more than one cosmetic concern that they want to address. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee to discuss combining procedures for your desired results.

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