Procedures

Liposuction

San Francisco - East Bay

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a surgical body contouring procedure designed to remove localized fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. As one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the United States, liposuction has evolved significantly with advanced techniques that enhance both safety and precision.

Dr. Chin and Dr. Lau utilize state-of-the-art liposuction techniques to help patients achieve improved body proportions and contour. The procedure involves the careful removal of excess fat from specific areas through small incisions, allowing for precise sculpting while minimizing tissue trauma and recovery time.

It's important to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss solution or substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Rather, it addresses stubborn fat deposits that persist despite maintaining a stable weight through proper diet and exercise. Many patients have areas where fat accumulation is primarily determined by genetics rather than lifestyle factors. These areas often remain unchanged even with significant weight loss or intensive fitness routines.

Ideal candidates for liposuction are individuals who are at or near their target weight, have good skin elasticity, and maintain realistic expectations about surgical outcomes. The procedure is most effective for treating localized fat deposits in areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and neck.

During your consultation, we will evaluate your anatomy, discuss your goals, and determine whether liposuction is the appropriate treatment for your specific concerns. We'll also review the various techniques available and recommend the approach that will best achieve your desired results while prioritizing your safety and comfort throughout the process.

Dr. Chin has extensive experience in slimming down various problem areas with this procedure, including the:

  • Cheeks

  • Chin

  • Neck

  • Upper arms

  • Abdomen

  • Waist

  • Hips

  • Buttocks

  • Thighs

  • Knees

During your initial consultation with either Dr. Chin, you will have the opportunity to learn about the specifics of liposuction. This includes information regarding: technique, candidacy, cost, scarring, and the recovery period. In order to have your questions properly prepared for one of our surgeons, please read the information below regarding each of these factors.

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How do I know which technique is best for me?

Liposuction works best for people who are close to their ideal weight but have specific areas where fat persists despite regular diet and exercise. We'll discuss your goals and evaluate the areas you'd like to address during your consultation to see if this procedure is a good fit for you.

Our practice offers advanced liposuction techniques tailored to achieve the best results for each patient. We utilize both traditional fluid injection liposuction and ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, allowing us to customize your treatment based on the areas being treated and your specific goals.

During the procedure, we ensure your comfort through appropriate anesthesia options, ranging from local anesthesia with sedation to general anesthesia, depending on the extent of your treatment. Traditional liposuction uses gentle suction to remove unwanted fat deposits, while ultrasound-assisted techniques use sound wave energy to break down fat cells before removal, which can be particularly effective for denser fat deposits or fibrous areas.


How long is the recovery period?

You can expect to return to work within one or two weeks. Following surgery, you may wear a snug dressing or garment, perhaps for several weeks, to promote skin shrinkage and minimize swelling and bruising as you gradually resume to normal activities.