Liposuction In Beverly Hills
Many people are frustrated to find that no amount of diet and exercise can eliminate stubborn fat deposits. This unwanted fat tends to resist any efforts to burn it, standing in the way between patients and reaching their health and body goals. At Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc, Dr. Chiu is proud to offer patients tailored options for liposuction in Beverly Hills. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Chiu’s mission is to help patients discover their best selves, unlock greater confidence, and look the way they want.
About Liposuction
Most people have some knowledge about liposuction, but the procedure is more complex than mere fat removal. Liposuction is among the group of surgeries called body contouring procedures. These plastic surgeries aim to sculpt specific areas of the body, usually by targeting pockets of fat and excess skin. When performing liposuction, Dr. Chiu maintains a focus on patient safety while helping them eliminate unwanted fat for a more toned body. The procedure works by dissolving and suctioning out fat through a special medical device, carefully sculpting each part of the body you want to address. Common body areas for liposuction include:
- Abdomen (belly fat)
- Flanks
- Thighs
- Hips and Buttocks
- Arms
- Neck
- Back
While liposuction of belly fat is not a weight loss procedure, it has been shown to have health benefits as well as improve the physical appearance. Still, patients can benefit more from the procedure if they are within about 30 pounds (13.6 kg) of their target weight. However, this can vary. The idea is to help patients reach the end of their weight loss journey through a consistently effective surgical method. Additionally, patients can readily combine liposuction with other procedures, further improving results. Combination options typically are:
- Tummy Tuck
- Mommy Makeover
- Breast Augmentation or Lift
- Brazilian Butt Lift
- Thigh Lift
- And more
Benefits of Liposuction
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Improve body contours and silhouette
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Eliminate stubborn, unwanted fat (particularly belly fat)
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Consistent results
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Easy-to-combine procedures
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Surgical option to complete a patient’s weight loss journey
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May provide long term health benefits
What Is the Process Like for Liposuction?
The Initial Consultation
Patients begin with an initial consultation for liposuction with Dr. Chiu. This key first step builds the foundation for a procedure that is safe and delivers results aligned with your goals. During this one-on-one meeting, you are at the center. You will receive full information and are free to ask as many questions as you want. Dr. Chiu will also conduct an exam and go over your medical history. The goal of the consultation is to help match you with procedure options that will safely help you reach your goals. Even if liposuction is not your ideal solution, Dr. Chiu can explore other options with you or provide information about when liposuction may be suitable for you in the future.
Preparing for the Procedure
If liposuction is right for you, then we will schedule a day for your procedure. While preparing for your liposuction procedure is essential, it is also easy. For most patients, preparing will only involve a few steps. These can vary from one patient to the next, depending on their situation, but can include:
- Maintain your current weight through a healthy lifestyle
- Get any lab tests completed (if needed)
- Put a pause on smoking for at least a month before surgery
- Stop certain medications (if recommended by Dr. Chiu)
- Schedule time off work
- Plan for someone to drive you home from surgery
- Ask any questions you might have
The Day of the Procedure
Patients will first receive general anesthesia to have a pain-free procedure. We always work with a board-certified anesthesiologist to promote patient safety and effective anesthesia. Dr. Chiu will then move step by step through your procedure plan, eliminating targeted fat deposits in specific areas to create a distinct body contour. The length of the procedure depends on the amount of area to be treated and any complexities, such as contouring and reshaping. Following it you can return home with your planned driver. Your procedure will be longer if you are combining liposuction with other surgeries.
Recovering from Liposuction
Recovering from liposuction is typically straightforward. However, it is usually broken down into several phases.
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The First Week
Swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the surgical sites is normal. Avoid all physical activity and focus on rest and healing. Follow all post-procedure instructions and take medication as noted.
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The Second Week
Patients may have a follow-up with Dr. Chiu and return to very light activity (moving about the house) and work by the end of the week. Avoid strenuous activity and continue to adhere to post-procedure aftercare. Swelling and bruising should significantly fade.
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Third to Fourth Weeks
Light physical activity (going for walks) is fine. However, anything that strains the surgical areas should be avoided entirely. Initial swelling and bruising should all have faded by this point.
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Beyond
Most swelling and bruising should resolve, and patients can gradually return to their full routines. However, be careful during strenuous activity until all swelling has faded.
What Are the Results Like?
Body contouring procedures like liposuction can produce consistent results when performed by the right plastic surgeon. While the target fat is removed during the procedure, patients will usually start enjoying their results once the swelling has faded. For most people, initial swelling fades enough within a couple of weeks for them to really begin seeing the benefits of the procedure. Residual swelling can take a little longer to resolve, though it should not impact how well your results look. Still, your final results are ready once all swelling has faded, usually within a couple of months.
The excess fat removed is permanently gone. However, patients will still need to keep up their healthy lifestyle to avoid future weight changes. While weight fluctuations are different for everyone, diet and exercise are often the best ways to maintain a stable weight. Additionally, avoiding excess alcohol, smoking, and other harmful factors can overall improve health and the results of plastic surgeries like liposuction. Dr. Chiu can provide additional recommendations for maintaining your results for years to come.
Book Your Consultation
Dr. Chiu is proud to be performing liposuction near you for patients in Beverly Hills and the surrounding areas. Start your journey to finally completing your weight loss journey by booking your consultation for liposuction at Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc. Call our office or use our online form to take that first step.