Introduction to Liposuction

At our practice in Newport Beach, liposuction is a common procedure for men and women who want to reduce stubborn fat. Working out and a healthy diet will not always get you the body you desire and liposuction can be a great solution to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. To learn more about liposuction, we’ve provided a detailed article below. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael J. Sundine, please contact our Orange County plastic surgery office today.

Liposuction procedure

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a plastic surgery procedure that is used to sculpt one or multiple body parts that are affected by stubborn, localized fat deposits. Liposuction removes fat from a specific area such as the neck, arms, legs, cheeks, chest (gynecomastia), thighs, hips, buttocks, knees, and flanks. Experienced Newport Beach liposuction surgeon, Dr. Michael J. Sundine, utilizes the most advanced liposuction techniques to remove fat, thereby helping you achieve a slimmer, more attractive figure.

Patient Review

Dr. Sundine did an AMAZING, FABULOUS, AWESOME job with my tummy tuck, body sculpting, and lipo!! I’m extremely picky and I work out all the time and had a pouch and loose skin in my tummy that I just couldn’t get rid of, so for the past year I saved my money so that I could get the surgery and invested time researching. Dr. Sundine made me feel very comfortable and was very patient and answered all of my questions and I had faith in him that he could give me the results that I was looking for. Wow wow wow did he hit a home run!! I had my surgery 5 weeks ago and I couldn’t be happier with my results.

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Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?

The best candidates for our Orange County liposuction procedure are healthy individuals who are not extremely overweight but are concerned with localized fat deposits affecting specific areas of the body. It is important to mention that—contrary to common belief—lipo is not a weight loss procedure. Rather, this treatment helps slim and sculpt certain body areas for a more aesthetically pleasing physique. Your skin characteristics are an important factor; for example, older patients who have reduced skin elasticity may not attain results that are achievable in younger patients. Dr. Sundine will help you form realistic expectations after closely examining your areas of concern.

What are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction surgery is a major surgical procedure that is performed at an accredited outpatient surgical center under general anesthesia. There are great benefits to the procedure:

  • The surgery can rid your body of stubborn fat
  • The procedure can get rid of loose skin
  • Liposuction can help lose some weight
  • Liposuction can provide self-confidence and give you the body you’ve always dreamed of

Orange County Liposuction Before and After Photos

Liposuction Before and After Results in Newport Beach by Dr. Sundine
Liposuction Before and After Results in Newport Beach by Dr. Sundine

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Preparing for Liposuction

The first step is to book a consultation in Newport Beach with Dr. Sundine. During your appointment, Dr. Sundine will want to know your aesthetic goals and he will let you know what’s possible and what his recommendations are. It’s very important that you’re extremely honest about your medical history and expectations. An open dialogue always leads to the best surgery results.

Dr. Sundine and his staff will provide detailed pre-opt instructions prior to your surgery which will include guidelines for drinking, smoking, and medications. Please make sure you have a family member or friend available the day of surgery and a few days after.

What to Expect on the day of Your Liposuction?

Dr. Sundine begins liposuction by administering general or local anesthesia and creating small incisions. The number and size of the incisions may vary depending on the amount of fat to be removed and the size of the treatment area. Dr. Sundine then infuses a specific amount of fluid under the skin to minimize blood loss.

During ultrasound liposuction, a special cannula (a hollow tube) is used, which emits sound waves to break up the fat. Once this is accomplished, a liposuction cannula is used to extract the fat cells from under the skin. Finally, the incisions are closed and the treatment area is wrapped in surgical dressings. Liposuction techniques may also be used during other body contouring procedures such as arm lift or our specialty Newport Beach tummy tuck.

Liposuction Recovery

After liposuction, the treated areas will be swollen and bruised. Mild discomfort is likely for a few days but is easily treated with pain medication. Dr. Sundine will give you specific instructions on how to care for your incisions, and he will provide you with antibiotics to reduce the possibility of infection. The treatment area will be wrapped in surgical garments, which protect the area and help with skin retraction after the procedure. The garments may be worn for several weeks. You will be able to return to work within five to seven days. Final results may not be visible for up to three months or longer. Maintaining your ideal weight during recovery and thereafter is essential for long-lasting results.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The cost of liposuction in Newport Beach will depend on the number of areas being treated and the amount of work required to attain your ideal results. We do offer financing options for our patients to make the payment process easier. Dr. Sundine can address any questions you may have regarding the price of liposuction and the financing options available to you during the consultation process.

Schedule Your Consultation

Dr. Michael Sundine is a well-known Orange County liposuction surgeon offering advanced procedures such as liposuction, tummy tuck, and arm lift. He is also a leading provider of breast and facial plastic surgeries such as breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, facelift, and nose surgery in Orange County. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Michael J. Sundine, please contact us today.

Liposuction FAQs

Your Newport Beach Liposuction Questions Answered

What are the risks associated with liposuction?

In general, getting liposuction with a highly skilled plastic surgeon in Newport Beach is very safe. During your consultation, your surgeon will ask for detailed medical history to assess any possible risk. It’s important to strictly follow your doctor’s pre and post opt instructions.

Are Liposuction results permanent?

What’s great about liposuction is that it can be a permanent solution. However, if you fall into an unhealthy diet or lifestyle, the results will diminish over time and the unwanted fat can return.

Can I combine liposuction with other procedures?

Liposuction is often paired with other surgeries. Patients enjoy combining it with a tummy tuck, breast reduction, breast lift, or breast augmentation.

Why choose Dr. Sundine for liposuction?

Dr. Michael J. Sundine is a renowned board-certified plastic surgeon who has written books on plastic surgery, won awards, but most importantly is expertly trained. Not only will Dr. Sundine be able to provide his expertise but he also exercises compassion and a terrific bedside manner for his Orange County liposuction patients.

Post-Operative Liposuction Instructions

  • After lipo surgery, it is important for you to have someone available to stay with you for the first 24-48 hours, as you will be weak and drowsy. You may require help the first few times you get out of bed. This is a great time for you to call in a favor from a friend or spend time with a loved one who can also take off work for a few days.
  • It’s critical to be walking early and frequently following your lipo procedure. Move your legs and ankles when in bed. Keep your legs elevated, when in bed, for the first 2-3 days. Please do not cross your legs as this can increase the risk for blood clots.
  • We encourage our patients to take deep breaths frequently to keep your lungs clear (15-20 per time).
  • A light diet is best for the day of surgery. Begin by taking liquids slowly and progress to soups or Jello. You may start a regular diet the next day.
  • Most people experience muscle soreness as opposed to sharp pains for about 5-7 days after surgery. The pain medication that has been prescribed should relieve your discomfort. You may take the pain medication as prescribed for the first 2-3 days after the surgery for pain and/or discomfort. It is best to take pain medication with crackers, Jello, etc. Do not drink alcohol while taking pain medication.
  • It is important to refrain from any strenuous activities for 3 weeks following your lipo surgery. Keep the heart rate below 100 beats per minute. Gradually work to pre-surgical activities beginning slowly after the 3rd week postoperatively.
  • You will be seen on the first postoperative day where the Reston foam that is in place will be loosened to prevent blistering of your skin. It will be replaced and should be kept in place until the 3rd postoperative day when the pressure garment can be removed and you may shower. The purpose of the foam is to prevent bruising and swelling.
  • The pressure garment must be worn AT ALL TIMES for THREE WEEKS. You may remove the girdle beginning on the 3rd day before showering. Be sure that someone helps you remove the girdle the first time you take it off. Some people feel dizziness/lightheadedness when the girdle comes off. This is normal. Sit or lay down for about 20 minutes BEFORE you shower.
  • You can put the pressure garment in the washer and dryer while you are showering and then put it back on in 1-2 hours. You then wear the girdle at all times for 3 weeks except when showering. Many patients continue to wear the garment for comfort. You may wish to purchase a full-length Lycra girdle without a zipper at a department store to wear for comfort.
  • The body retains fluids in response to surgery, so do not expect to see any immediate weight loss for the first 2-3 weeks. In the long run, you will see more of a change in the way your clothes fit than a decrease in pounds.
  • Swelling and bruising are normal expectations following surgery. Bruising could be apparent for as long as 3-4 months afterward. The bruises will move down your body as they are absorbed.
  • Massage to the surgical sites will help increase circulation and alleviate the hardness felt underneath the skin. Massage can begin 2 weeks after surgery. Request a Swedish lymphatic massage therapist.
  • It is normal to have an itching sensation and/or numbness following surgery in the areas that underwent liposuction. This will gradually subside over the next 2-3 months.
  • Do not use a heating pad under any circumstances. Because of the potential numbness in the treated areas, the use of a heating pad may cause skin burns.

General Information

  • Avoid strenuous activity and lifting of objects heavier than 10 pounds for 3 weeks following your lipo surgery (keep your heart rate less than 100 beats per minute)
  • All incisions from lipo will be extremely sensitive to sunlight during the healing phase. Direct sun contact is to be avoided and use a sunscreen with SPF 20 or greater for at least 6 months that has both UVA and UVB protection.
  • Please take all medication carefully and as directed by Dr. Sundine.
  • If you have nausea, vomiting, rash, shortness of breath, or diarrhea after taking your medications please call our office.
  • If you develop a fever (oral temperature greater than 101), redness, or increased pain at the surgical incisions, please call immediately.
  • Return to the office for a check-up, usually 1-2 days following surgery. The office will schedule an appointment for you.
  • Call our office if you have any questions, if any problems should arise, or if you have been having any signs or symptoms of infection (redness, fever, drainage).

Professional Memberships:

American Society of Plastic Surgeons
American College of Surgeons-Fellow
American Academy of Pediatrics-Fellow
International Society of Craniofacial Surgeons
American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons
American Cleft Palate- Craniofacial Association
American Association of Pediatric Plastic Surgeons
California Society of Plastic Surgeons
Orange County Society of Plastic Surgeons
American Association of Plastic Surgery

Patient Reviews & Testimonials

  • "I WOULD RECOMMEND HIM TO ANYONE!!!"

    I gave Dr. Sundine the highest possible review in each category because he truly deserved the highest reviews on every level. I am a very well recognized lawyer on the West Coast. My firm has spent millions of dollars on television advertising in which I appear. I could not afford to have a bad face lift or even for people to notice I had a face lift at all. I interviewed many physicians including some of the “celebrity” physicians. Ultimately, I chose Dr. Sundine because he performs highly complex complete facial reconstruction procedures on children. I figured if he was so skilled that he could perform such incredibly difficult procedures on a child, I was confident he could perform a face lift with which I would be happy. The results were so far beyond my expectations that I could hardly believe. I look literally ten years younger. I am incredibly happy with the results and they seem to get better and better as the healing continues. I never had a problem getting a return call or making an appointment. Dr. Sundine is always pleasant and answers all of my questions. I would recommend him to anyone!!!

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  • "I Am Very Satisfied With The Results"

    What I really like about Dr Sundine is his vast experience and training. I also like the fact he did not try to sell me other procedures. He is also very down to earth and easy to talk to. I am very satisfied with the results and I highly recommend him.

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  • "Thanks, Dr. Sundine!"

    After much research and multiple visits to other surgeons, I knew right away that Dr. Sundine was the perfect choice for me. He is gentle and kind and genuinely listens to you. I felt completely confident in his ability from the first visit to the last. Even the day of the procedure, he spent ample time talking to me, taking measurements, and making marks on my body so as to get the perfect results. I have been singing his praises to all of my friends and will recommend him to anyone searching for a plastic surgeon. Thanks, Dr. Sundine!
     

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  • "Excellent Plastic Surgeon!"

    Dr. Sundine is an excellent plastic surgeon! I have been using his services for almost 5 years. The office setting is state of the art and his office manager Toni makes sure that everything runs efficiently. They really listen to your needs before and after surgery to make certain that you walk out fully satisfied. If you want to look years younger and fully refreshed I highly recommend that you use his services. This is not your typical Newport Beach plastic surgeon’s office. Patients walk out looking naturally gorgeous, not overdone like some of the women in Orange County! The office offers a full range of injectables, peels, and lasers in addition to major cosmetic surgery procedures. Whether you need a little tweak or surgery this is the physician that you should see!
    - Susan

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  • "You are the Best Surgeon!"

    Dr. Sundine is the best plastic surgeon. Dr. Sundine’s excellent skills and knowledge has made my surgery turn out so well. But more importantly, it made me feel better about myself. Again, thank you Dr. Sundine for all you have done for me. You are the best surgeon!
    - Thy D.

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