Newport Beach
400 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660

(949) 760-0600
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
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Temecula
31150 Temecula Pkwy, Suite 103
Temecula, CA 92592

(951) 414-3530
Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. | Closed 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
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Liposuction

We are all predisposed to storing fat in specific places, some of which don’t shrink with weight loss and workouts. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. John Larson and Dr. Phuong Pham can give you a sleeker look with liposuction in Newport Beach and Temecula. United Plastic Surgery is a boutique-style practice that serves Orange County and Southern California.

What areas can liposuction treat?

If you have good skin elasticity and a BMI of 30 or less, our surgeons can use liposuction to remove areas of excess fat from many areas of the body, including:

  • Abdomen
  • Waist (love handles)
  • Hips
  • Upper arms
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Male chest
  • Upper back (bra fat)
  • Double chin

It’s important to know that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure; it’s a localized treatment our surgeons use to sculpt fat from specific areas.

Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?

While liposuction provides satisfying improvements on its own, it also enhances the results of other plastic surgery procedures. Popular options include:

Many women combine liposuction with breast enhancement and tummy tuck surgery in a procedure called a mommy makeover. This approach provides multiple improvements with just one surgery and recovery period.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Larson or Dr. Pham will meet with you to talk about the changes you have in mind. They will perform a physical exam and customize a surgical plan. You will have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss your concerns.

Meet Our Plastic Surgeons

Dr. Larson and Dr. Pham are experienced, highly trained board-certified plastic surgeons united in their dedication to superior patient care and surgical outcomes. They are committed to each patient from the initial consult to surgery to a personal phone call after surgery and beyond.

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John V. Larson, M.D. John V. Larson, M.D.

John V. Larson, M.D.

Board-Certified PLASTIC SURGEON

Meet Dr. Larson

Phuong M. Pham, M.D. Phuong M. Pham, M.D.

Phuong M. Pham, M.D.

Board-Certified PLASTIC SURGEON

Meet Dr. Pham

What happens during liposuction?

Dr. Larson and Dr. Pham perform liposuction in our private outpatient surgery center. They use local anesthetic with IV sedation or general anesthetic, depending on your needs and preferences. They typically perform submental liposuction (under the chin) in the office when not combining it with other procedures.  

The surgeon prepares the areas of unwanted fat by injecting them with a high volume of tumescent solution (also called wetting solution). This solution contains saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine to control pain, minimize bleeding, and make the fat firm and easier to remove. He then makes tiny incisions near the treatment area and inserts a long, narrow tube called a cannula. The surgeon breaks up the fat with the cannula and suctions it away. When removing fat from larger areas of the body, the surgeon may use power-assisted liposuction (PAL) to loosen the fat with a vibrating cannula.

Once all areas are treated, they are wrapped in compression bandages. The small incisions are usually left open to allow the fluid to drain.  

How long does it take to heal after liposuction?

Expect treated areas to be sore, swollen, and possibly bruised initially. Wear your compression garment 24/7 as directed to minimize swelling and help treated areas heal smoothly and evenly.

Recovery Timeline

Your recovery will depend on the areas treated and the amount of fat removed. In general, expect the following typical milestones and timeline:

  • Bruising fades: 2 to 3 weeks
  • Swelling dissipates: 2 to 8 weeks
  • Return to work and nonstrenuous activities: 1 to 2 weeks
  • Resume strenuous activities: 3 to 4 weeks
  • Stop wearing compression garment: 4 to 6 weeks
  • Final results: 2 to 6 weeks

What is my next step?

Request a complimentary consultation using our online form or call to meet with Dr. John Larson in Newport Beach or call to meet with Dr. Phuong Pham in Temecula.

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