While diet and exercise can help in weight loss, some areas of stubborn fat remain resistant. Liposuction, a surgical procedure for fat removal and body contouring, offers a solution to eliminate these stubborn pockets of fat, providing a slimmer, more sculpted physique. Dr. Brian Shafa performs liposuction in Santa Monica, CA. Reach out today for a consultation.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction involves surgically removing excess fat deposits using a small tube called a cannula connected to a vacuum-like suction device. The cannula is inserted beneath the skin through small incisions to dislodge excess fat, which is suctioned out gently. Liposuction may be combined with procedures like a tummy tuck or a customized mommy makeover. The duration of liposuction varies depending on individual needs.
Liposuction Before & After Photos
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What Can I Expect From Liposuction?
If liposuction is deemed suitable for you following an initial consultation with Dr. Brian Shafa at his Santa Monica office, your procedure will be scheduled. Smokers are required to quit for at least two weeks before the surgery. If the procedure is extensive, it's advisable to arrange for transportation home and have someone stay with you overnight.
Before your liposuction in Santa Monica, you will receive an anesthetic for comfort. Dr. Shafa will discuss whether local or general anesthesia is appropriate for you. Small incisions are made to access the areas of excess fat. The cannula is then inserted to remove the fat. After completion, Dr. Shafa closes the incisions, applies bandages, and provides a compression garment to manage swelling.
What Areas Can Be Sculpted With Liposuction?
Modern liposuction techniques allow for sculpting various areas of the face and body, including:
- Neck
- Double chin
- Chest
- Upper arms
- Back
- Buttocks
- Abdomen
- Love handles
- Flanks
- Bra fat
- Thighs
- Knees
- Ankles
Am I A Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Candidates for liposuction should be close to their desired weight and in good health. Liposuction targets extensive fat deposits but does not address cellulite. Non-smokers generally have better outcomes.
Financing & Payment Plans with Dr. Brian Shafa
At Dr. Brian Shafa Plastic Surgery, we offer flexible finance options to make your procedure more affordable:
- Custom payment plans tailored to your budget
- CareCredit® financing – pay over time with low monthly installments
- All major credit cards accepted (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, Discover)
- Cash payments also accepted
Ask us about creating a payment plan that works for you. We're here to help you move forward with confidence.
Liposuction FAQs
What makes liposuction with Dr. Shafa different from other providers?
Dr. Shafa uses a **personalized approach** to liposuction, taking into account your unique body shape, fat distribution, and aesthetic goals. He combines **advanced liposuction techniques** such as **VASER liposuction** for fat removal and **skin tightening**, ensuring smoother results with minimal downtime. Dr. Shafa’s expertise allows for more precise contouring, focusing on achieving natural-looking, balanced outcomes.
What areas of the body can liposuction target, and which ones are best suited for treatment?
Liposuction can target almost any area of the body with stubborn fat deposits, including the **abdomen**, **flanks**, **thighs**, **arms**, **back**, and **chin**. Areas such as the **inner thighs** and **love handles** are particularly responsive to liposuction. Dr. Shafa tailors the treatment to your specific body and concerns, using a combination of techniques to achieve balanced and sculpted results.
How does liposuction help with body contouring, and is it a weight-loss solution?
Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure; it’s designed for **body contouring** by removing localized fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. It helps refine the body's silhouette, creating more defined curves and smoother transitions between areas. Liposuction is ideal for those close to their ideal weight but seeking to address stubborn fat pockets that can’t be targeted by traditional weight loss methods.
How long is the recovery after liposuction, and what can I expect during this period?
Recovery time after liposuction varies by the extent of the procedure, but most patients can return to light activities within 1–2 weeks. Swelling and bruising are common during the first few days, but these symptoms subside as the body heals. Dr. Shafa recommends wearing compression garments for several weeks to reduce swelling and support the body’s new contours. Full recovery typically takes 6–8 weeks, during which patients gradually return to their normal activities.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures for enhanced results?
Yes, liposuction can be safely combined with other body contouring procedures, such as a **tummy tuck**, **Brazilian butt lift**, or **arm lift**, for more comprehensive results. By combining procedures, Dr. Shafa can target multiple areas in one session, creating a more harmonious, sculpted look. He customizes each plan to the patient’s unique needs, ensuring that the results are cohesive and natural.
What is VASER liposuction, and how does it differ from traditional liposuction?
VASER liposuction is an advanced technique that uses ultrasound energy to break up fat cells before they are suctioned out. This results in **less trauma to surrounding tissues**, improved skin tightening, and faster recovery times compared to traditional liposuction. VASER is particularly beneficial for more **precise body contouring**, allowing Dr. Shafa to sculpt areas like the **abdomen** or **flanks** with greater detail.
Are there any risks or complications with liposuction, and how does Dr. Shafa minimize these?
Like any surgery, liposuction carries some risks, including infection, irregular contours, or fluid imbalance. However, Dr. Shafa minimizes these risks by using the latest techniques and carefully assessing each patient’s candidacy for the procedure. He takes the time to explain the aftercare process and provides clear instructions for a smooth recovery. His meticulous approach ensures that complications are rare, and the results are long-lasting.
How much fat can be safely removed during liposuction, and what results can I expect?
The amount of fat that can be safely removed during liposuction is typically limited to about **5 liters** (around 11 pounds) in one session to ensure safety. However, the goal of liposuction is not just fat removal but also improving **body contour**. Dr. Shafa focuses on sculpting the body for natural-looking results, aiming for a more defined and balanced physique rather than aggressive fat reduction.
Why Choose Dr. Shafa for My Liposuction Treatment?
Consulting with Dr. Shafa for your liposuction in Santa Monica can help restore your self-assurance if you struggle with body confidence due to excess fat. Dr. Shafa is a board-certified surgeon specializing in body contouring. He and his team offer a supportive environment that aims to be your partner in aesthetic well-being. He will work with you to develop a personalized plan to achieve your goals and address any concerns.
