Liposuction

Liposuction is generally well-tolerated by patients, with discomfort typically being minimal and manageable. During the procedure, anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the surgery. Afterward, some soreness, tightness, or tenderness in the treated areas is normal, particularly in the first few days of recovery. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to muscle soreness after an intense workout, and many are surprised by how quickly they begin to feel better.

Most patients only require one surgical appointment to complete their liposuction procedure. However, your full treatment journey typically includes several visits: an initial consultation, a pre-operative appointment to review surgical details and instructions, the surgery itself, and a series of follow-up visits during the recovery phase to ensure optimal healing and results.

If you’re undergoing liposuction on multiple areas or combining it with other procedures, Dr. Macias may recommend staging the treatments over several sessions. During your consultation in Los Angeles, he will outline your full surgical timeline and inform you exactly how many appointments to expect, based on your personalized plan.

While you’ll notice a visible reduction in fat immediately after surgery, the final look will gradually appear as swelling subsides. Most patients begin to see noticeable improvement within a few weeks, with continued refinement over the next two to three months. Once the body has fully healed—usually by the six-month mark—the final contours will be beautifully defined and natural-looking. Wearing your compression garment as directed and following all post-op instructions will help accelerate healing and enhance your outcome.

Liposuction incisions are typically small and strategically placed to minimize visible scarring. Over time, the scars tend to fade and become less noticeable. However, individual scarring may vary based on factors such as skin type, genetics, and the surgeon’s technique.

Light walking is encouraged within one to two days after surgery to help improve circulation and reduce the risk of complications. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting for at least 3–4 weeks or until Dr. Macias clears you. This allows your body ample time to heal and prevents strain on the treated areas.

As healing progresses, Dr. Macias will guide you in gradually reintroducing physical activity into your routine. Every patient heals at their own pace, but most are able to resume full workouts by the six-week mark. Listening to your body and adhering to your customized recovery plan is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome.

Yes, liposuction is often combined with other cosmetic procedures such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), breast augmentation or reduction, or body lift surgery to achieve comprehensive body contouring results. Combining procedures can reduce overall recovery time and may be more cost-effective than undergoing each procedure separately.

Liposuction in Los Angeles is a very safe procedure performed by our highly trained plastic surgeon. However, there are some risks to be aware of, including a poor reaction to anesthesia, infection, changes in sensation, damage to nerves and blood vessels, and an undesirable cosmetic outcome that may require revision. You are less likely to experience these complications if you choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon for your procedure.

Finding the right plastic surgeon for liposuction in Los Angeles is essential. Begin by seeking a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in body contouring procedures. Board certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) ensures that your surgeon has undergone rigorous training and adheres to the highest standards in safety and technique. Additionally, take time to review before-and-after photos, read patient testimonials, and verify your surgeon’s credentials and affiliations.

If you are overweight, Dr. Macias recommends starting with a diet and exercise plan to lose weight. If stubborn pockets of fat persist despite weight loss, then you may be considered a candidate for liposuction.

Liposuction typically takes between one and two hours to complete.

Your results will be considered final within one year of the date of submission. However, you will notice an improvement as soon as your swelling begins to subside.

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated areas, but it does not prevent new fat cells from forming in other areas of the body. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential to preserve the long-term results of liposuction.

While liposuction in the Los Angeles area can improve the appearance of localized fat deposits, it is not specifically designed to address cellulite. However, some patients may experience a reduction in the appearance of cellulite in treated areas due to the smoothing effect of fat removal.