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.
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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, treating multiple areas together produces a more balanced and natural result.
Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck: Which Do You Need?
One of the most common questions patients have is whether liposuction alone is enough, or if a tummy tuck is the better option.
Liposuction is best for:
- Stubborn fat deposits
- Patients near their goal weight
- Good skin elasticity
A tummy tuck may be recommended if you have:
- Loose or sagging skin
- Muscle separation (common after pregnancy)
- Significant skin laxity after weight loss
In some cases, patients, especially after pregnancy, may benefit from combining procedures as part of a mommy makeover, which can include liposuction, tummy tuck, and breast surgery for more comprehensive results.
How Much Fat Can Be Removed with Liposuction?
Liposuction is designed to remove targeted fat deposits, not large amounts of weight.
The amount of fat that can be safely removed depends on your body, the areas being treated, and your overall health. Rather than focusing on volume alone, Dr. Reagan prioritizes precision and contouring, ensuring smooth, natural-looking results rather than over-aggressive fat removal.
Does Liposuction Tighten Skin?
Liposuction removes fat, but it does not significantly tighten loose skin.
Patients with good skin elasticity typically see the best results, as the skin naturally contracts after fat is removed. If skin laxity is present, Dr. Reagan may recommend combining liposuction with another procedure to achieve a smoother, tighter contour.
What Exactly is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes localized fat deposits to improve shape and proportion. It can be performed on one or multiple areas and is often combined with other procedures for more comprehensive results.
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.
Types of Liposuction Techniques
There are several techniques used in liposuction, and the right approach depends on your anatomy and goals.
- Tumescent Liposuction – The most common technique, using fluid to make fat removal smoother and more controlled
- Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) – Uses gentle vibration to improve precision and efficiency
- Ultrasound or Laser-Assisted Liposuction – Helps break down fat before removal in select cases
Dr. Reagan selects the most appropriate technique based on your treatment areas, skin quality, and desired outcome.
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
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
Dr. Reagan’s Approach to Liposuction
Dr. Reagan’s approach to liposuction is shaped by his background in plastic, reconstructive, and burn surgery, along with advanced training in wound healing and tissue biology.
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 focus goes beyond fat removal, prioritizing how the body heals and how contours look long-term. This approach is designed to:
- Create smoother, more natural-looking contours
- Improve precision and overall body balance
- Minimize trauma to surrounding tissue
- Support better healing and recovery
The goal is not simply to remove fat, but to deliver results that look refined, balanced, and natural, not overdone.
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
Recovery after liposuction is typically straightforward and depends on the areas treated and the extent of your procedure. Most patients experience mild swelling, bruising, and soreness in the first few days, with steady improvement over time.
Below is a general timeline of what to expect during your recovery:
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.
Cost of Liposuction
The cost of liposuction in San Diego can vary significantly because no two patients, or treatment plans, are the same. Pricing depends on several key factors, including how many areas are treated and how much fat is being removed. Common factors that influence cost include:
- The number of areas treated (abdomen, flanks, thighs, chin, etc.)
- The amount of fat being removed
- Whether contouring is focused on one area or multiple areas
- The level of sculpting and detail involved
- Facility and anesthesia fees
For example, treating a small area like the chin is very different from full abdominal or multi-area body contouring, and pricing reflects that difference.
Because of this, the most accurate way to determine cost is through a personalized consultation. Dr. Reagan will evaluate your goals, recommend the most effective approach, and provide a clear, detailed quote based on your specific treatment plan.
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 based on your treatment plan, but liposuction is focused on contouring, not large-scale weight removal.
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.
