Liposuction San Diego
- What is liposuction
- Am I a Candidate?
- Types of Liposuction
- Procedure
- Non-Surgical Options
- Safety
- Recovery After Liposuction
- Results
- Cost of Liposuction
- FAQs
Liposuction for Stubborn Fat That Won’t Go Away
Stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise can make it difficult to achieve the body contours you’re working toward.
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified San Diego plastic surgeon who specializes in advanced liposuction techniques designed to sculpt and refine the body with smooth, natural-looking results.
Liposuction is not about weight loss, it’s about precision contouring. Using a customized approach, Dr. Reagan targets areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and neck to create a more balanced, defined shape that fits your body.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Reagan
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when considering liposuction. Achieving smooth, natural-looking results requires both technical precision and an artistic eye. Dr. Reagan combines advanced surgical training with a deep understanding of tissue healing and body contouring to deliver refined, balanced outcomes. You can see real results in the before and after gallery and hear directly from patients through their reviews.
What sets Dr. Reagan apart:
- Board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced training in body contouring
- Castle Connolly Top Doctor, representing the top 7% of physicians nationwide
- Recognized by San Diego Magazine as a Top Plastic Surgeon
- Background in wound healing and tissue biology (NIH-funded research) Supporting optimal healing and smooth, natural results
- Advanced training in reconstructive and burn surgery: Providing a high level of precision in tissue handling and contouring
- Extensive experience in advanced liposuction techniques: Focused on smooth transitions and avoiding irregularities
- Natural, sculpted results that enhance your proportions, not an overdone look
- Detail-driven, personalized approach tailored to your anatomy and goals
QUICK SUMMARY
LIPOSUCTION
Purpose:
Remove fat from specific areas of the body.
Procedure Length:
1 to 3 hours (depending upon extent of procedure)
Anesthesia:
General or local with IV sedation
In/Outpatient:
Outpatient
Recovery Time
Back to work 1-2 weeks. Strenuous activities 2-3 weeks.
Final Appearance:
1-3 months
Duration of Results:
Long lasting unless significant weight gain
Average Cost
$3,000 to $8,000
*Individual patient results may vary. Examples presented are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee.
What Exactly is Liposuction?
Liposuction, or lipo, is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn pockets of fat from one or more areas of the body to improve overall shape and proportion. This body contouring procedure can target fat deposits in many areas.
Liposuction can be performed as a standalone procedure or combined with other surgeries, such as a tummy tuck or breast reduction. It’s important to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss solution, it is designed to remove localized fat. For best results, patients should be at or near their goal weight with specific areas that have not responded to diet and exercise.
What Areas Can Liposuction Treat?
Liposuction can be used to refine and contour many areas of the body. Rather than treating each area in isolation, Dr. Reagan focuses on how different areas work together to create balanced, natural-looking proportions. Common treatment areas include:
- Abdomen and waist (love handles) for a flatter, more defined midsection
- Thighs (inner and outer) to improve shape and reduce friction
- Arms to create a more toned, proportionate appearance
- Back and bra line to smooth bulges and improve contour in fitted clothing
- Chin and neck to define the jawline and reduce the appearance of a double chin
- Hips and flanks to enhance overall body shape and silhouette
- Knees and smaller areas for subtle contour refinement
In many cases, combining multiple areas allows for a more balanced, natural result rather than focusing on a single spot.
Are You a Candidate?
Dr. Reagan will evaluate your anatomy, skin quality, and goals to determine if liposuction is the right approach for you. In general, you may be a good candidate if you:
- Are in overall good health
- Are at or near your ideal weight
- Have stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise
- Have good skin elasticity
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Dr. Reagan’s Advanced Liposuction Techniques
Dr. Reagan’s approach to liposuction is shaped by his extensive training in plastic, reconstructive, and burn surgery, along with his background in wound healing and tissue biology. This foundation allows him to focus not just on fat removal, but on how the body heals and how contours ultimately look long-term.
Rather than using a one-size-fits-all method, he carefully selects the most appropriate technique based on your anatomy, skin quality, and treatment areas. His approach is designed to:
- Enhance overall results with smoother, more natural contours
- Improve precision and sculpting, focusing on balance and proportion
- Minimize trauma to surrounding tissue through refined technique and control
- Support better healing, helping reduce swelling and recovery time
The goal is not simply to remove fat, but to create a result that looks natural, feels balanced, and heals as smoothly as possible.
Liposuction Patient Review
“I had lipo and bbl at True Beauty and I couldn’t be happier! Dr. Reagan and the staff are amazing. Definitely recommend!!”
How Liposuction Works
Liposuction is typically performed as an outpatient procedure using local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
- Small, discreet incisions are made in the treatment area
- A thin tube (cannula) is used to gently break up fat
- Fat is carefully removed to create smooth, even contours
- Incisions are closed, and a compression garment is applied
Dr. Reagan takes a meticulous approach to ensure results are balanced, natural, and not overdone.
Non-Surgical Fat Reduction Options
For patients who are not ready for surgery or are looking to treat smaller areas, non-surgical and minimally invasive options may be considered. While these treatments can improve mild fat deposits and skin laxity, they typically do not provide the same level of contouring or immediate results as liposuction.
Dr. Reagan will help determine whether a non-surgical fat reduction approach or liposuction is the best option based on your goals.
Your Safety Is Our Top Priority
Your safety and comfort are always a top priority. Liposuction is a well-established procedure, and Dr. Reagan takes a careful, personalized approach to minimize risks and support a smooth recovery.
Common, temporary side effects may include swelling, bruising, and mild soreness in the treated areas. These are expected parts of the healing process and typically improve over time.
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection, changes in sensation, or delayed healing. While complications are uncommon, Dr. Reagan will review all potential risks with you in detail and ensure you are fully informed before moving forward.
Brian Reagan, MD, FACS
Dr. Brian Reagan is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of True Beauty San Diego Aesthetic Surgery & Medicine. Dr. Reagan is renowned for his surgical skills and commitment to patient satisfaction. Dr. Reagan has been featured on local media outlets, including ABC 10, and recognized as one of the “Best Plastic Surgeons in San Diego” by San Diego Magazine, and “Best Plastic Surgeons in La Jolla” by La Jolla Light Newspaper.
Liposuction Recovery
After your procedure, a compression garment will be placed over the treated area to support healing and reduce swelling. It’s important to wear this as directed by Dr. Reagan.
Mild swelling, bruising, and soreness are normal in the days following surgery and typically improve over time. Any discomfort can be managed with prescribed medication. Sutures are usually removed within 4–7 days.
Most patients take about 1–2 weeks off from work and normal activities. Light walking is encouraged early in recovery, while exercise should be resumed gradually:
- Light activity: as tolerated within the first couple of weeks
- Moderate exercise: around 4–6 weeks
- Full activity: typically by 6–8 weeks
Dr. Reagan will guide your recovery and let you know when it’s safe to return to your normal routine.
LIPOSUCTION RECOVERY
Immediately After:
Patients are sent home with post operative instructions. The treated area will have a compression garment.
One to Two Weeks After Surgery:
All sites are examined. Compression is continued 24/7 for 7 days and then at night for 2 weeks.
Three to Four Weeks After Surgery:
Usually 3-4 weeks after surgery, a significant amount of the swelling should be gone.
One to Two Months after Surgery
Patients are getting closer to seeing their final results.
Final Results:
On average, visible results are seen in 1-3 months, but may continue to improve and heal over next several months.
*Individual patient results may vary. Examples presented are not to be interpreted as a promise or guarantee.
When to Expect Results?
You may notice an improvement in your body contour shortly after liposuction. However, swelling is a normal part of the healing process, so your final results will become more visible over time.
- Early results: noticeable within the first few weeks
- Refined results: as swelling improves over 1–3 months
- Final results: continue to improve over several months
Liposuction results are long-lasting. The fat cells that are removed do not return, but maintaining a stable weight is important to preserve your results.
What Does Liposuction Cost?
Because every patient’s goals and treatment areas are different, the cost of liposuction in San Diego can vary. Dr. Reagan will take the time to understand what you’re looking to achieve and provide a personalized plan and detailed pricing during your consultation.
Liposuction Patient Review
“I had a wonderful experience with Dr. Reagan. The staff are also caring and are great with financing option. My Lipo and bbl Pain was extremely tolerable and I was able to switch over to Tylenol and / or Motrin after one week. I am already amazed at the wonderful results. and the phenomenal care I have received at True Beauty! I am referring all my friends, coworkers, family and even strangers there. Thank you!”
Liposuction FAQs
How much fat can be removed with liposuction?
Liposuction is designed to remove targeted fat deposits, not large amounts of weight. The exact amount varies by patient and treatment plan.
Are liposuction results permanent?
Yes. Fat cells removed during liposuction do not return. However, maintaining a stable weight is important for long-term results.
Does liposuction tighten skin?
Liposuction does not significantly tighten loose skin. Patients with good skin elasticity typically see the best results. In some cases, additional procedures may be recommended.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Yes. Liposuction is often combined with procedures like tummy tuck, body lift, or breast surgery for more comprehensive results.
Will there be visible scars?
Incisions are small and strategically placed in natural folds or less noticeable areas to minimize visibility.
Schedule a Liposuction Consultation
To learn more about liposuction, please schedule a consultation with True Beauty. Call (858) 454-SKIN (7546) or send us an email today.
