Los Angeles Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

Which parts of my body can have liposuction?
Most part of the body that are prone to excess fat can undergo liposuction with good results. In women, some of the most common areas treated include the inner and outer thighs, knees, abdomen, and the ãbra side areaä which is the outside part of the breasts near the underarm. In men, the most common areas treated include the abdomen, chest (gynecomastia), and flanks or ãlove handles.ä Both men and women often benefit from chin and neck liposuction, a procedure we have refined called Rodeo Drive Chin Rejuvenation.

After I have liposuction, will fat go to other parts of my body?
No. Liposuction removes fat where it is out of proportion to the rest of the body. If you do not gain weight after liposuction by overeating, you will not gain fat in other parts of your body. If you do gain some weight, after liposuction your body will stay in proportion. If you never had liposuction and gained weight, the fat likely would go to your full areas (often the thighs in women and ãlove handlesä or flanks in men) and would worsen the disproportion you originally had.

Is there much pain after liposuction?
Usually not. As part of the procedure, fluid is injected into the fat. This fluid is called ãtumescent solution.ä The fluid serves to loosen the fat and make it easier to remove. It has a medicine to tighten the blood vessels to limit bleeding. And it has a local anesthetic that serves to greatly minimize discomfort following the procedure. Most patients also note minimal discomfort because of our successful Minimal Pain Program.

After I have liposuction, will the fat come back?
If you keep your weight stable, the fat will not come back. When we are born, we already have all the fat cells we are ever going to have. We do not grow more fat cells. Therefore, when fat is removed by liposuction, the fat cells do not come back. However, our existing fat cells (or those remaining after liposuction) can get bigger. (We do not remove all of the fat cells in a given area during liposuction because this would result on ãskin on boneä which does not look good.) So if you do not gain weight overall after liposuction, the fat will not come back. If you overeat, you will gain weight, including in the areas where you had liposuction because the remaining fat cells will get bigger. The results from liposuction can be permanent, so long as you do not overeat and gain weight overall.

What is tumescent liposuction?
In the tumescent technique, areas of excess fat are injected with a large amount of anesthetic fluid before liposuction is performed. The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm. The expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the fat is removed. This technique can reduce post operative bruising, swelling, and pain. Learn more about tumescent liposuction.

After liposuction, when can I go back to work?
Returning to work depends on how much liposuction is done. Sometimes people go back to work after just a few days. With larger procedures, it might be more comfortable to take a week off from work. Your plastic surgeon will advise you about the likely timing of return to work prior to the procedure so you can make appropriate plans.

After liposuction, when can I start to exercise again?
In most cases you can resume exercise within about a week of your liposuction procedure. However, your plastic surgeon might direct you toward some sorts of exercises and away from others, depending on which parts of your body were treated. Your doctor will work with you before and after your procedure to guide you back into exercise quickly while also allowing your body to heal such that you get the best possible result from your liposuction.

Might I be better off with a tummy tuck instead of liposuction?
People who have some extra fat but reasonably tight skin tend to do very well with liposuction. People with loose or hanging skin tend to do better with a tummy tuck. Learn more about a tummy tuck.

How can I get more information about liposuction?
You can read more details of the liposuction procedure by clicking here. You can view before and after liposuction pictures in our photo gallery. For more information about liposuction in Los Angeles, please contact us.

After liposuction, how will I know what to expect and what I should and should not do?
At Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery, we provide you with clear written instructions for you to follow during your recovery. This way, you know exactly what to expect and what you should and should not do during your recovery. To view liposuction post-operative instructions, click here.

Rodeo Drive Liposuction provides liposuction in Los Angeles, California.

For more information about los angeles plastic surgeons contact Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgeon at 310-550-6300 or email us.