Liposuction

Liposuction-Newport-Beach

Despite how much you watch what you eat and how frequently you exercise, you might still be bothered by pockets of fat that prevent you from feeling fully confident in how you look.

Dr. Karen Leong is proud to offer the latest methods to safely eliminate fat from areas of concern on your body.

What is Liposuction?

Surgical liposuction is a body contouring procedure that reduces fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, or wherever needed to produce a slimmer appearance. This fat removal surgery can be combined to treat several body parts. During your initial visit, Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Dr. Leong will examine the areas of your body you wish to address so you can reach your cosmetic surgery goals. We can also offer you nonsurgical skin tightening treatments with our Thermage radiofrequency energy technology or VelaShape III to assist your skin in appearing tighter and firmer after your liposuction procedure. Our hope at our Newport Beach location is that you look and feel amazing.

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What is Liposculpture?

Dr. Leong makes a distinction between plain liposuction and what it does for you. Liposculpture is more than fat removal; it is the plan she makes with you to shape and sculpt your body. Sometimes, stubborn pockets of fat are nearly impossible to burn off with diet and exercise. It is also difficult to tell your body exactly where and how you want your curves and lines to change with diet and exercise.

With liposculpture, you will work with Dr. Leong to directly map out what you want removed. She offers power liposuction, a procedure to reduce excess body fat in specific places without spending months dieting or exercising and making minimal progress. Today, it is also common to transfer this unwanted fat to the face, breasts, or buttocks to further enhance and sculpt your body.

What Is a Liposuction Treatment Like?

This treatment is performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia or, in select cases, IV sedation. A very small incision is made in a natural crease in the skin, and a cannula is placed inside the opening. A cannula is a special tool that helps loosen the fat as it is being suctioned out. Once the fatty deposits have been eliminated, Dr. Leong will either close the incision or leave it open to drain to reduce swelling and bruising. Depending on the number of areas being treated, your surgery could last 1 – 3 hours.

Your post-op nurse in our dedicated recovery area will help manage any discomfort and care for your incisions until your discharge.

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Recovery and Results After Liposuction

You will wake from your procedure in a compression garment which is critical for reducing swelling and allowing the skin to heal down smooth and tight in the recovery period. You may need to stay at home from liposuction surgery for 1 – 3 weeks, depending on the number of sections treated and the size of the treatment area. It is normal to see swelling and bruising for 1 – 2 weeks, and you can have the sutures removed on day 7 – 10. What is most important after having any surgery is to allow your body time to recover and heal.

When you decide to return to work after your procedure, you should remember to minimize stress and strenuous activity. To build up your strength, stick to walking and light workouts as recommended by Dr. Leong. Keep in mind you may see some changes after six weeks, but it takes 6 – 10 months before your new body shape and contour are attained.

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is a terrific procedure for men and women who are at a healthy weight but have troublesome areas of fat that are difficult to shed with even the most healthy lifestyle. Individuals interested in liposuction should have strong skin because liposuction does not address stretched-out skin or tighten loose or excess skin. It is also important to know that liposuction is not a solution for losing weight. Women having liposuction should be aware that getting pregnant after the procedure could compromise the results. During your initial consultation, Dr. Leong will discuss realistic expectations with a candidate for liposuction.

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Combine Liposuction With Renuvion®

To improve the results of your liposuction, Dr. Leong offers Renuvion®, a skin-tightening procedure that works under the skin to contract collagen fibers and provide immediate results. Renuvion® reduces loose skin and makes the treated area look more defined and contoured. Renuvion® uses a proprietary combination of radiofrequency and cold helium plasma to safely heat and contract the tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions
How much does liposuction cost?

The cost of liposuction will vary based on the technique being used and the number of areas being addressed for fat reduction. The average cost starts at $6,500.00 - $8,000 for the first area. Dr. Leong will develop your personal liposuction surgical plan during your consultation based on your needs and goals. She will also take into consideration your budget. Once your plan is developed, an estimated cost can be discussed.

What about nonsurgical liposuction?

Thanks to modern advancements, there are many nonsurgical options to reduce fat, like UltraShape treatments or Kybella injections (in the chin area only). While these nonsurgical treatments may help reduce small amounts of fat, liposuction is best for most patients.

Liposuction surgery delivers more consistent and dramatic results. Talk to Dr. Leong about nonsurgical options during your consultation. She will go over the benefits and drawbacks of both methods and help you decide which is suitable for your needs and goals.

What about cellulite and loose skin?

Surgical liposuction only addresses excess fat in the body. If you have loose skin, Dr. Leong may suggest combining liposuction with a surgical body lift. Liposuction is often performed with skin tightening surgery, such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift, to produce the best results. For cellulite, there are several nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatment options such as VelaShape III. Tell Dr. Leong about your concerns like loose skin and cellulite so a comprehensive treatment plan can be developed in your consultation.

Will I have scars?

Since liposuction is a surgical procedure, incisions will be made and stitched. This will cause scars, but Dr. Leong does her best to minimize their appearance. This includes making thin incisions in the natural folds of your body or in less visible areas. After your surgery, Dr. Leong or a member of her team will teach you how to care for your incisions so they heal flat and eventually fade.

Will my results last?

Before you have liposuction surgery, it’s essential to be committed to maintaining your results. While liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in your body, you can still gain and lose weight. Dr. Leong recommends that you be at or near your ideal weight before having liposuction. Afterward, it is best to stay within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Pregnancy after liposuction will also alter your results; however, a second surgery or mommy makeover can be performed to refresh your appearance.

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