Liposuction in Los Angeles
Who Can Benefit From Liposuction?
Good Skin Elasticity
If loose skin is present, Dr. Kao may recommend combining liposuction with a body contouring procedure, such as a tummy tuck, for a smoother result.
Skin Laxity
When skin laxity is present, Dr. Kao may recommend combining liposuction with a tummy tuck or another body contouring procedure to create a flatter, smoother, more sculpted result.
Multiple Treatment Areas
Liposuction can be used to refine several areas during the same procedure, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, back, knees, ankles, arms, chest, neck, and jowls.
Treating multiple areas can help create better overall balance and proportion instead of focusing on one isolated pocket of fat. Dr. Kao customizes each liposuction plan based on your anatomy, goals, and skin quality.
Liposuction Options
Standalone Procedure
Fat Loosening
Before fat is removed, a tumescent solution is used to help loosen the fat, reduce bleeding, and make the liposuction process more precise.
This step helps Dr. Kao sculpt the treatment area more smoothly while supporting a safer, more controlled fat removal process.
Incisions
Dr. Kao uses a 3.7mm or smaller cannula, which allows him to use smaller incision sites. Incisions are discreetly hidden along natural skin folds and moles.
Removal Process
After the fat has been loosened, Dr. Kao inserts a thin cannula through small, carefully placed incisions to remove targeted fat in controlled layers.
He sculpts the treatment area gradually, paying close attention to the surrounding contours and overall body proportions. This measured approach helps reduce the risk of irregularities while creating a smoother, more natural-looking result.
The incisions are then closed or allowed to drain as appropriate, and a compression garment may be applied to support the treated area during the initial stages of recovery.
Liposuction With Body Contouring
Reasons
Liposuction can improve body shape by removing stubborn fat, but it cannot correct loose skin or weakened abdominal muscles. When these concerns are present, Dr. Kao may recommend combining liposuction with a body contouring procedure, such as a tummy tuck or Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique, to address the full contour of the midsection.
By treating excess fat, skin laxity, and muscle separation together, a combined approach can create a flatter abdomen, a more defined waistline, and smoother, more balanced proportions than liposuction alone.
Tummy Tuck
A tummy tuck may be recommended when stubborn abdominal fat is accompanied by loose skin, stretched tissue, or weakened abdominal muscles that liposuction alone cannot correct.
Dr. Kao may combine liposuction with a tummy tuck to refine the abdomen, waist, hips, and flanks while removing excess skin and improving abdominal contour.
The appropriate approach depends on your skin elasticity, abdominal anatomy, fat distribution, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Kao will determine whether liposuction alone or a combined body-contouring procedure is more appropriate during your consultation.
Liposuction for Fat Transfer
Transfer Areas
Fat transfer may be used to restore volume, soften contours, or enhance shape in areas such as the face, breasts, and buttocks.
Because the procedure uses your own fat, it can create natural-looking enhancement while also slimming the donor area through liposuction.
Benefits
Liposuction can improve body shape, reduce stubborn fat, and create better balance between different areas of the body.
When used for fat transfer, it offers the added benefit of enhancing another area with your body’s own natural tissue.
Procedure
Fat is removed using a gentle liposuction technique designed to help preserve the harvested fat cells. The collected fat is then carefully processed to separate healthy fat cells from excess fluid and other material.
Dr. Kao strategically transfers the purified fat into the selected treatment area to restore volume, soften contours, or enhance shape. The amount and placement of the transferred fat are customized to the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Because some transferred fat may naturally be reabsorbed during healing, Dr. Kao will explain what to expect and how the final results may develop over time.
Concerns
Recovery
Liposuction recovery varies depending on the areas treated, the amount of fat removed, and whether the procedure is combined with another body-contouring surgery. Bruising, swelling, tenderness, and temporary numbness are common during the early stages of healing.
Dr. Kao may recommend wearing a compression garment to help control swelling and support the treated areas as they heal. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery, while strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided until Dr. Kao confirms that it is safe to resume them. In some cases, lymphatic massage after liposuction may also be recommended to support fluid movement and reduce swelling.
Many patients return to desk-based work within approximately one week, although more extensive procedures may require additional recovery time. Swelling gradually improves over the following weeks, with the treated areas continuing to refine as the tissues settle. Final liposuction results may take several months to become fully visible.
Dr. Kao provides each patient with personalized aftercare instructions and monitors their healing during follow-up appointments.
Scars
Liposuction requires small incisions so that a thin surgical instrument called a cannula can be inserted beneath the skin. Dr. Kao places these incisions strategically whenever possible so they are discreet and easier to conceal.
The resulting scars are typically small and may appear pink or slightly raised during the early stages of healing. Over time, they generally soften and fade, although the final appearance varies based on skin type, genetics, the treatment area, and how the incision heals.
Following Dr. Kao’s postoperative instructions, protecting the incisions from sun exposure, and avoiding unnecessary tension on the healing skin can help support optimal scar maturation.
Cost
The cost of liposuction varies based on the number and size of the areas treated, the complexity of the procedure, the type of anesthesia used, and whether liposuction is combined with another body-contouring surgery.
Your personalized estimate may include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, operating-facility expenses, compression garments, and postoperative care. Because every treatment plan is different, an exact price can only be provided after an in-person consultation with Dr. Kao.
During your consultation, the practice will review your recommended treatment plan, provide a detailed cost breakdown, and discuss available payment or financing options.
Pain
Liposuction is performed with anesthesia, so patients should not feel pain during the procedure. The type of anesthesia used depends on the treatment areas, the extent of surgery, and the individualized surgical plan.
During the first several days of recovery, patients commonly experience soreness, tenderness, swelling, and a tight or bruised sensation in the treated areas. Discomfort is generally most noticeable early in the healing process and gradually improves as swelling subsides.
Dr. Kao may prescribe pain medication or recommend appropriate over-the-counter medication to help manage discomfort. Wearing the recommended compression garment and following all postoperative instructions can also make recovery more comfortable.
Patients should contact the practice if they experience severe pain, rapidly worsening discomfort, or symptoms that do not improve as expected.
Concerns
Liposuction Before-and-After Photos
Liposcution with Body Contouring Videos
YouTube
Liposuction frequently asked questions
For additional information about liposuction, including its goals, procedure steps, recovery, and potential risks, visit the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ liposuction overview.
How do I determine if I have skin laxity?
Skin laxity means the skin has loosened or lost some of its ability to contract smoothly after fat is removed. During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your skin quality, body type, fat distribution, and the amount of loose tissue in the treatment area to determine whether liposuction alone is appropriate or whether another procedure may create a smoother, more refined result.
Patients with good skin elasticity may do well with liposuction as a standalone procedure because the skin is more likely to tighten naturally after fat removal. Patients with noticeable loose skin, stretch marks, prior pregnancies, weight loss, or abdominal wall weakness may benefit from combining liposuction with a skin-tightening body contouring procedure such as a tummy tuck or Skinny Bikini Tuck™.
Dr. Kao will recommend the best surgical plan based on your anatomy and goals so your results look balanced, natural, and proportional to your body.
Can liposuction improve my breast shape?
Yes. For some patients, liposuction can be used to reduce excess fat in and around the breasts, helping create a lighter, more refined breast shape. This may be helpful for women with larger breasts that feel heavy, lack definition, or appear out of balance with the rest of the body.
Dr. Kao can also use liposuction to improve contour around the breast area, including the upper chest, sides of the breasts, and nearby areas where stubborn fat may affect overall shape. In some cases, liposuction may be combined with a breast lift or other breast procedure if loose skin, sagging, or nipple position also needs to be addressed.
During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your breast tissue, skin quality, and cosmetic goals to determine whether liposuction alone is appropriate or whether a combined breast contouring approach would provide a better result.
How important are compression garments during recovery?
Compression garments are an important part of liposuction recovery because they help control swelling, reduce fluid buildup, and support the treated areas as your body heals.
Compression also helps the skin conform more smoothly to the newly sculpted contours. This can be especially helpful after fat removal because the skin and underlying tissues need time and support as they settle into their new shape.
Wearing the garment as directed may help promote a smoother, more even result and can make the treated areas feel more supported during the early stages of recovery.
Dr. Kao will provide specific instructions for how long and how often to wear your compression garment based on the areas treated, the amount of fat removed, your skin quality, and whether liposuction was performed alone or combined with another procedure, such as a tummy tuck or Brazilian Butt Lift.
Is Lymphatic Massage recommended after Liposuction?
Lymphatic massage may be recommended after liposuction to help reduce swelling, encourage fluid movement, and support a smoother recovery. After liposuction, the body naturally responds with inflammation and temporary fluid retention. Gentle lymphatic massage can help move excess fluid through the lymphatic system so the treated areas feel less firm, swollen, or congested during healing.
While lymphatic massage does not replace compression garments or post-operative instructions, it can be a helpful part of the recovery process for many patients. Dr. Kao may recommend it based on the areas treated, the amount of fat removed, your swelling pattern, and whether liposuction was performed alone or combined with another procedure such as a tummy tuck or Brazilian Butt Lift.
Patients should only begin lymphatic massage when cleared by Dr. Kao and should work with a provider experienced in post-surgical care. To learn more about why this step may matter, read our guide on what happens if you don’t get lymphatic massage after liposuction.
Can Liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Liposuction is commonly combined with other body contouring procedures when a patient needs both fat reduction and improved shape. For example, Dr. Kao may combine liposuction with a tummy tuck when there is loose abdominal skin, weakened abdominal muscles, or excess fat around the waist and hips.
Liposuction may also be used as part of a Brazilian Butt Lift, where fat is removed from areas such as the abdomen, waist, back, or thighs and then transferred to enhance the buttocks. In some cases, liposuction can also support stem cell fat transfer for patients who want natural volume enhancement using their own fat.
During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your anatomy, skin quality, treatment goals, and recovery needs to determine whether liposuction alone or a combined approach will provide the best result.
Does Liposuction hurt?
Liposuction is performed with anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. After surgery, it is normal to experience soreness, swelling, bruising, tightness, and tenderness in the treated areas. Most patients describe the feeling as deep muscle soreness rather than sharp pain.
Dr. Kao provides detailed recovery instructions and may prescribe oral pain medication to help manage discomfort during the early healing period. Wearing your compression garment as directed can also help reduce swelling and support smoother healing after liposuction.
If liposuction is combined with another procedure, such as a tummy tuck or Brazilian Butt Lift, your recovery may involve additional soreness and a slightly longer healing timeline. Dr. Kao will review what to expect based on your personalized surgical plan.
When can I return to work after Liposuction?
Most patients can return to work about one week after liposuction, depending on the number of areas treated, the amount of fat removed, and the type of work they do. Patients with desk jobs may feel ready sooner, while those with physically demanding jobs may need more time before returning safely.
Swelling, bruising, and soreness are expected during the early recovery period. Dr. Kao will provide specific instructions for activity, compression garments, and follow-up care so your body can heal properly and your contours can continue to refine.
If your liposuction is combined with another procedure, such as a tummy tuck, Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique, or Brazilian Butt Lift, your return-to-work timeline may be longer.
When can I exercise after Liposuction?
Most patients should avoid strenuous exercise for about three to four weeks after liposuction. Light walking is usually encouraged early in recovery to support circulation, but intense workouts, heavy lifting, running, and core exercises should wait until Dr. Kao clears you.
Your exact timeline will depend on the areas treated, how your body is healing, and whether your liposuction was performed alone or combined with another body contouring procedure. Patients who combine liposuction with a tummy tuck, Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique, or Brazilian Butt Lift may need a longer recovery period before resuming full exercise.
Returning to activity too soon can increase swelling, discomfort, and the risk of delayed healing, so it is important to follow your personalized post-operative instructions.
How much does Liposuction cost?
The cost of liposuction varies depending on the number of areas treated, the amount of fat being removed, the complexity of the procedure, anesthesia fees, surgical facility fees, and whether liposuction is combined with another procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your anatomy, skin quality, goals, and treatment areas before creating a personalized surgical plan. After that evaluation, Kao Plastic Surgery can provide a detailed cost estimate based on your specific procedure.
For patients who need more complete body contouring, liposuction may be recommended with procedures such as a tummy tuck, Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique, or Brazilian Butt Lift, which can affect the total cost.
Will fat come back after Liposuction?
Liposuction permanently removes targeted fat cells from the treated area, but it does not prevent future weight gain. If you maintain a stable weight after surgery, your results can be long lasting. However, if you gain weight, the remaining fat cells in the treated and untreated areas can still enlarge. This is why Dr. Kao encourages patients to view liposuction as a body contouring procedure, not a substitute for healthy habits.
During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your treatment areas, skin quality, and overall goals to determine whether liposuction alone is appropriate or whether it should be combined with another procedure, such as a tummy tuck, for a smoother and more sculpted result.
Can Liposuction tighten loose skin?
Liposuction is designed to remove stubborn fat, not tighten loose skin. Patients with firm, elastic skin often see smoother contours after fat removal because the skin can naturally contract around the newly sculpted shape. However, if you already have significant skin laxity, liposuction alone may leave behind loose or uneven skin.
During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your skin quality, fat distribution, and overall body contour to determine whether liposuction alone is appropriate or whether you may benefit from combining it with a skin-tightening procedure, such as a tummy tuck or the Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique.
Can Liposuction be combined with a Tummy Tuck?
Yes. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck when a patient has both stubborn fat and loose abdominal skin or muscle laxity. Liposuction can help refine areas such as the hips, waist, flanks, and lower abdomen, while a tummy tuck addresses stretched abdominal muscles and excess skin for a flatter, smoother midsection.
For patients who want more comprehensive waistline sculpting, Dr. Kao may also discuss advanced body contouring options such as the Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique. During your consultation, he will evaluate your skin quality, abdominal wall, fat distribution, and goals to determine whether liposuction alone or liposuction combined with a tummy tuck is the better approach.
Is Liposuction a weight loss procedure?
No. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is a body contouring treatment designed to remove stubborn pockets of fat that do not respond well to diet and exercise. The best candidates are usually near a stable, healthy weight but have specific areas they want to refine, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, back, chest, neck, or jowls.
For patients with loose skin, stretched abdominal muscles, or more significant contour concerns, Dr. Kao may recommend combining liposuction with another body contouring procedure, such as a tummy tuck or Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique, to create a smoother and more sculpted result.
What areas of the body can Liposuction treat?
Liposuction can treat many areas where stubborn fat tends to collect, including the abdomen, hips, flanks, thighs, buttocks, back, knees, ankles, arms, chest, breasts, neck, and jowls. The goal is not simply to remove fat, but to improve overall body proportion and create smoother, more balanced contours.
During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your anatomy, skin elasticity, and fat distribution to determine which treatment areas are appropriate. In some cases, liposuction may be performed alone, while other patients may benefit from combining it with procedures such as a tummy tuck, Brazilian Butt Lift, or fat transfer.
How long does swelling last after Liposuction?
Swelling is normal after liposuction and usually improves gradually over several weeks. Many patients begin to see early contour changes within the first few weeks, but residual swelling can take several months to fully resolve depending on the treatment areas, the amount of fat removed, and how your body heals.
Dr. Kao may recommend compression garments, activity restrictions, and, when appropriate, lymphatic massage after liposuction to help reduce swelling and support a smoother recovery. You can also review more details about the general healing timeline in this article on liposuction recovery.
What's the difference between Liposuction and a Tummy Tuck?
Liposuction removes stubborn fat from targeted areas, while a tummy tuck addresses loose abdominal skin and stretched or separated abdominal muscles. If your main concern is localized fat and your skin has good elasticity, liposuction may be enough to create a slimmer, more defined contour.
If you have loose skin, hanging tissue, or abdominal muscle laxity from pregnancy, weight changes, or aging, Dr. Kao may recommend a tummy tuck or Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique. Many patients benefit from combining liposuction with tummy tuck surgery because liposuction can refine the waist, hips, and flanks while the tummy tuck tightens and smooths the abdomen.
Will I have scars after Liposuction?
Liposuction does require small incisions, so some scarring is possible. However, these incisions are typically very small and are placed as discreetly as possible in natural folds, creases, or less noticeable areas when appropriate. Over time, most liposuction scars fade and become much less visible.
Dr. Kao uses careful incision placement and meticulous technique to help minimize visible scarring while sculpting the treated areas. If you are concerned about scarring, he can review your treatment plan during consultation and explain where incisions may be placed for your specific liposuction procedure. You can also read more about this topic in Kao Plastic Surgery’s guide: Does Liposuction Leave Scars?
Why choose Dr. Kao for liposuction in Los Angeles?
Patients choose Dr. Kao for liposuction in Los Angeles because his approach focuses on detailed body sculpting, balance, and natural-looking contours rather than simple fat removal. Liposuction requires an artistic understanding of proportion, skin quality, fat distribution, and how one treatment area affects the surrounding body shape.
At Kao Plastic Surgery, Dr. Kao customizes each liposuction treatment plan based on the patient’s anatomy and goals. He may also recommend combining liposuction with procedures such as a tummy tuck, Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique, or fat transfer when a more complete transformation is needed.
What happens if I gain weight after Liposuction?
If you gain weight after liposuction, the remaining fat cells in treated and untreated areas can still enlarge. Liposuction permanently removes targeted fat cells, but it does not stop the body from storing new fat if your weight increases. Maintaining a stable weight after liposuction helps preserve your results long term.
Dr. Kao encourages patients to view liposuction as a body contouring procedure rather than a weight loss solution. Patients who maintain healthy habits after surgery typically enjoy the most stable, long-lasting improvement in their shape.
Can Liposuction treat love handles?
Yes. Liposuction can be an excellent option for treating love handles, also called the flanks. This area is a common concern because fat along the waist and hips can be resistant to diet and exercise. Removing fat from the flanks can help create a slimmer waistline and improve the overall contour between the abdomen, hips, and back.
For some patients, Dr. Kao may combine flank liposuction with abdominal liposuction, a tummy tuck, or the Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique for more comprehensive waistline sculpting.
Who is not a good candidate for Liposuction?
Liposuction may not be the right choice for patients who are significantly above their goal weight, have poor skin elasticity, have uncontrolled medical conditions, or are looking for major weight loss rather than body contouring. Patients with significant loose skin may need a skin-removal procedure instead of, or in addition to, liposuction.
During your consultation, Dr. Kao will evaluate your health, skin quality, fat distribution, and goals to determine whether liposuction is appropriate or whether another option may create a better result.
What type of Anesthesia is used during liposuction?
The type of anesthesia used for liposuction depends on the size and number of treatment areas, the amount of fat being removed, and whether liposuction is combined with another procedure. Options may include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia.
Dr. Kao will recommend the most appropriate anesthesia approach based on your individualized surgical plan, medical history, and safety needs.