Liposuction

We are all predisposed to storing fat in specific places, some of which don’t shrink with weight loss and workouts. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phuong Pham can give you a sleeker look with liposuction in Newport Beach and Temecula. United Plastic Surgery is a boutique-style practice that serves Orange County and Southern California.

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What areas can liposuction treat?

If you have good skin elasticity and a BMI of 30 or less, Dr. Pham can use liposuction to remove areas of excess fat from many areas of the body, including:

• Abdomen
• Waist (love handles)
• Hips
• Upper arms
• Inner and outer thighs
• Male chest
• Upper back (bra fat)
• Double chin

It’s important to know that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure; it’s a localized treatment Dr. Pham uses to sculpt fat from specific areas.

Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?

While liposuction provides satisfying improvements on its own, it also enhances the results of other plastic surgery procedures. Popular options include:

• Breast augmentation
• Breast lift
• Breast reduction
• Tummy tuck
• Labiaplasty

Many women combine liposuction with breast enhancement and tummy tuck surgery in a procedure called a mommy makeover. This approach provides multiple improvements with just one surgery and recovery period.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Pham will meet with you to talk about the changes you have in mind. He will perform a physical exam and customize a surgical plan to your needs. You will have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss your concerns.

Phuong M. Pham, M.D.

Board-Certified PLASTIC SURGEON

Dr. Pham is an experienced, highly trained board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to superior patient care and surgical outcomes. He is committed to each patient from the initial consult to surgery to a personal phone call after surgery and beyond.

Meet Dr. PhamRequest a Consultation

What happens during liposuction?

Dr. Pham performs liposuction in our private outpatient surgery center. He uses local anesthetic with IV sedation or general anesthetic, depending on your needs and preferences. He typically performs submental liposuction (under the chin) in the office when not combining it with other procedures.  

Dr. Pham prepares the areas of unwanted fat by injecting them with a high volume of tumescent solution (also called wetting solution). This solution contains saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine to control pain, minimize bleeding, and make the fat firm and easier to remove. He then makes tiny incisions near the treatment area and inserts a long, narrow tube called a cannula.

Dr. Pham breaks up the fat with the cannula and suctions it away. When removing fat from larger areas of the body, he may use power-assisted liposuction (PAL) to loosen the fat with a vibrating cannula.

Once all areas are treated, Dr. Pham wraps them in compression bandages. The small incisions are usually left open to allow the fluid to drain.  

How long does it take to heal after liposuction?

Expect treated areas to be sore, swollen, and possibly bruised initially. Wear your compression garment 24/7 as directed to minimize swelling and help treated areas heal smoothly and evenly.

Recovery Timeline

Your recovery will depend on the areas treated and the amount of fat removed. In general, expect the following typical milestones and timeline:

• Bruising fades: 2 to 3 weeks
• Swelling dissipates: 2 to 8 weeks
• Return to work and nonstrenuous activities: 1 to 2 weeks
• Resume strenuous activities: 3 to 4 weeks
• Stop wearing compression garment: 4 to 6 weeks
• Final results: 2 to 6 weeks