What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed by Dr. Vu of Aesthetix Plastic Surgery in Huntington Beach. He often combines the procedure with other elective plastic surgeries to give Huntington Beach and Orange County patients optimal results. For example, liposuction is commonly combined with a tummy tuck in which excess skin is removed, and separated abdominal muscles are repaired. Many women choose to include a breast augmentation as part of a mommy makeover. It’s all about looking and feeling your best.
Benefits of Liposuction
The obvious benefit of this procedure is the reduction of fat in problem areas. In some cases, such as a buttock augmentation, the fat that’s harvested during liposuction is processed and then injected into areas where you want more volume and curves. For cosmetic purposes, this surgery offers Southern Californians the confidence they need at work and play. We live in a city with one of the most beautiful beaches on the West Coast, and we spend a lot of time outdoors in bikinis, shorts, and flip-flops, so liposuction has tremendous emotional benefits. Liposuction can be performed on many areas, including:
- Chin
- Arms
- Thighs
- Sides/Flanks
- Abdomen
- Breasts – both men and women
Typically, liposuction is considered a cosmetic surgery procedure, but it’s also used to treat lymphedema, a chronic condition in which excess fluid accumulates in affected tissue. The procedure can significantly reduce swelling and pain for those with lymphedema. In these cases, it’s possible that your health care insurance plan will cover all or a portion of your procedure.
Liposuction Before & After Photos
Is Liposuction Right For You?
Because Dr. Vu’s first concern is your overall health and well-being, he carefully screens each of his potential liposuction candidates to ensure that they:
- Are in good overall health and can pass a pre-operative appointment with their primary care physician.
- Are non-smokers, as smoking can complicate plastic surgery and lengthen recovery times.
- Have realistic expectations for their surgery.
- Are at or near their goal weight, because liposuction isn’t a weight loss surgery.
- Are in good psychological health.
While it’s possible you’ll be cleared for surgery if you have a pre-existing condition, certain diseases make it difficult to achieve optimal results. These diseases include diabetes, compromised immune systems, poor blood circulation, and lung disease. Not only can these conditions negate your results, but they can unnecessarily put you at risk for serious health complications. Even if you’re initially declined as a patient, it’s possible, depending on the reason you were rejected, that you’ll be accepted in the future.
Dr. Vu encourages all declined candidates to stay in touch with his practice to provide status updates, which may make you a candidate for liposuction in the future. For example, if you were declined because you were a smoker, but have since quit, you may be reconsidered. If you were turned down because your diabetes wasn’t under control, but it is now, it may be possible that Dr. Vu can safely consider you as a candidate. Please keep in mind that Dr. Vu wants to help you and boost your self-confidence, but he prioritizes the well-being and safety of all his patients in Huntington Beach.
Types of Liposuction Procedures
Depending on Dr. Vu’s recommendations or his Huntington Beach and Orange County patients’ personal preferences, the following procedures may be performed:
Dry Liposuction
As the name implies, this procedure is completed without any fluid being injected. However, this is also why this procedure is not commonly recommended. The absence of liquid before fat removal may lead to excessive bleeding and bruising, so it’s reserved for special cases.
Wet Liposuction
In this procedure, a small amount of liquid is injected into the designated area. The liquid is of less volume than the amount of fat that is to be removed, and keeps bruising to a minimum. Loosened fat cells are suctioned out.
Super Wet Liposuction
In this procedure, the liquid used is of the same amount as the amount to be removed. Huntington Beach and Orange County patients may be required to have a separate anesthetic.
Tumescent Liposuction
This is one of the most commonly performed procedures today. During the surgery, several liters of saline solution are injected under the skin with a local anesthetic and epinephrine. This is done in the area that is to be suctioned. The fat is extracted through tubes. There is a reason why liquid is pumped into the skin. It is done to allow the surgeon to maneuver the cannula (the thin suction device used to remove the fat).
What Is Liposuction Surgery Like?
Many of Dr. Vu’s elective plastic surgery patients have never had surgery. For this reason, they’re understandably curious and/or anxious about what it will entail. We have outlined what a typical liposuction procedure entails.
On your surgery day, you’ll arrive at the facility having fasted for at least 12 hours. Fasting is important because it allows for an empty stomach before receiving general anesthesia, which is used to induce sleep. Shortly after you arrive, you’ll be wheeled into a preoperative room where you’ll be prepped for surgery and have your vital signs monitored.
Before he begins, Dr. Vu marks out where the treatment will take place. Before and after photos are often taken to compare the results. Many Huntington Beach and Orange County patients are put under general anesthetic and might be injected with an epidural in the fluid-filled space around the spine. This is done to numb the lower area, such as the abdomen and legs. The entire procedure typically lasts between one and four hours. If the surgery is to be done in very small areas, the procedure may involve a local anesthetic.
Once you’re numbed and under the effects of anesthesia, Dr. Vu will begin. He makes small incisions in your treatment area and then inserts the cannula. The fat is suctioned out with this thin, tube-like instrument using gentle up and down motions.
After surgery, you’ll be transferred to a recovery room where you’ll awaken from general anesthesia and have your vital signs monitored to confirm it’s safe for you to come home. Once the nurses and medical staff agree you’re ready to leave, you’ll be given your post-operative instructions and released into the care of a friend or family member who can drive you home.
Liposuction Recovery & Aftercare
Healing after liposuction is a gradual process, but taking time to rest and following aftercare instructions can make recovery smoother and more comfortable. In the first few days, relaxing and avoiding strenuous movements allow your body to adjust. Light walking is encouraged to promote circulation, but more intense activities should wait.
A compression garment may be worn for several weeks to help with swelling and support the treated areas as they settle into their new shape. Mild soreness or bruising is normal but can be easily managed with pain medication. Most patients return to work within a week, though recovery time may vary depending on the extent of the treatment.
Dr. Vu provides detailed aftercare instructions and ongoing support to help you feel at ease throughout the healing process. If you have any questions, his team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Liposuction Cost in Huntington Beach
Liposuction is a personalized procedure, and pricing varies based on the treatment plan. Several factors influence the total cost, including:
- Surgeon’s Experience – A board-certified plastic surgeon with specialized training may have higher fees, reflecting skill and precision.
- Liposuction Technique – Traditional liposuction is generally more affordable than ultrasound-assisted or laser-assisted techniques, which require advanced equipment and expertise.
- Treatment Area – The price depends on the number and size of areas treated. Combining multiple areas in one session can be more cost-effective.
- Anesthesia – Costs vary based on the type of anesthesia used and the length of surgery.
- Location – Pricing in Huntington Beach and Orange County reflects local medical costs.
During your consultation, Dr. Vu, our board-certified plastic surgeon, will provide a detailed breakdown of pricing and discuss your options to help you make an informed decision.
Achieve Lasting Definition and Balance
Ready to explore how liposuction can transform your appearance? Meet with Dr. Vu to discuss your goals, explore your options, and discover how he can help you achieve the goals you desire.
Contact Aesthetix Plastic Surgery at (714) 848-1133 or schedule a consultation online today to start your journey toward achieving enhanced definition and lasting confidence.
