Liposuction

Many people do not realize that liposuction is effective on most body parts and that Dr. Gupta can treat multiple areas in one operation. He uses leading-edge liposuction methods to contour and remove excess fat from the upper and lower abdominal area, the sides of the abdomen (“love handles”), the outsides of the hips (“saddlebags”), the thighs, buttocks, upper arms, parts of the back, the neck and the chin. By performing liposuction on one or more of these areas, Dr. Gupta provides liposuction patients with a slimmer and better-proportioned profile.

​​​​​​​Suitable Liposuction Candidates

Suitable candidates for liposuction include individuals who are in good health and are fit, but just cannot seem to get rid of stubborn fat deposits in certain areas. They are at or just slightly over their ideal weight, and feel that they can maintain this weight following surgery. Suitable surgical candidates do not smoke.

Suitable liposuction candidates must also have good skin elasticity. Once Dr. Gupta extracts excess fat, the residual skin must contract for optimum results. Patients with skin that has lost elasticity or is permanently damaged by stretch marks may not make good liposuction candidates. However, Dr. Gupta offers a wide variety of body contouring surgical options to help patients attain the look they want. During consultation, Dr. Gupta and the patient will decide upon the best course of action, given each patient’s unique physique and surgical goals.

Most importantly, suitable liposuction candidates know that liposuction is not intended as a tool for major weight loss, and want to achieve any of the following aesthetic goals:

• Attain a figure that is well proportioned
• Get rid of stubborn, excess fat from the abdominal area, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, upper arms, parts of the back, neck or chin (or a combination of these)

Liposuction Procedure

The length of liposuction surgery depends on how many and which areas of the body Dr. Gupta is treating. Liposuction is usually performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or accredited surgical facility. Patients should arrange to have a friend or loved one drive them to and from surgery.

A Board Certified Anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia prior to surgery. With general anesthesia, the patient is not conscious for the procedure. General anesthesia may be required for patients undergoing liposuction on a large area of the body or on multiple areas of the body. However, certain liposuction patients can opt for local anesthesia. With local anesthesia, Dr. Gupta numbs the area to be treated, and the patient remains conscious during the procedure.

Dr. Gupta begins the surgical procedure by making small incisions as needed. Through these incisions, he inserts a small, hollow tube called a cannula. Dr. Gupta then extracts excess fat through the cannula before closing any incisions. He dresses the treated area with a compression garment to decrease swelling and bleeding, and assist with healing.

Gupta Plastic Surgery is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, so Dr. Gupta can offer a variety of liposuction techniques. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic desires, Dr. Gupta and the patient will decide between tumescent, ultrasound and laser liposuction during consultation.

Recovery

Directly following liposuction, patients will be taken to a recovery room to rest for a couple of hours. They may feel groggy as the effects of anesthesia dissipate. They should plan to have someone pick them up from the hospital or surgical center.

Patients will need to wear compression garments for several weeks or until Dr. Gupta advises them to stop. In addition to wrapping the treated area with compression garments, Dr. Gupta may also place tiny tubes under the skin to help drain any fluid that accumulates near the incision sites. These will be removed a day or two following surgery.

Liposuction patients can expect to take three days to two week off from work. They should limit any activity and rest for the first few days after the procedure. The treated area(s) may be uncomfortable, numb, bruised or swollen for several weeks, but these symptoms will subside with time. Fully actualized aesthetic results occur within six to nine months, as the body heals and swelling diminishes. Dr. Gupta will prescribe any needed medication prior to the procedure, so patients are comfortable during recovery. Patients can resume normal activity and exercise in a few weeks, or as advised by Dr. Gupta.

In addition to not smoking and eating well-balanced meals, patients should be sure to follow Dr. Gupta’s instructions very carefully. Doing so will help reduce any surgical risks, as well as encourage the body to heal correctly.

Risks

Every surgical procedure carries certain risks. Liposuction risks include: infection; bleeding; irregularities in skin contour or imperfect results due to poor skin elasticity or poor healing; fluid accumulation; numbness in the treated area (this may be permanent); temporary nerve discomfort; and other possible risks.

Although Dr. Gupta makes sure that every precaution is taken to reduce possible risks, patients must also do their part by following Dr. Gupta’s care instructions precisely.

To learn more about liposuction with Dr. Gupta or to schedule a personal consultation, please contact Gupta Plastic Surgery by calling (858) 408-6100.

In addition to calling on Dr. Gupta for his advanced liposuction techniques, many patients seek out his services to enhance their breasts or restore a youthful glow to the face.

Browse our gallery of before and after photos »