Plastic Surgery San Diego, CA

Liposuction

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Liposuction in San Diego, CA | Shumway Cosmetic Surgery

In sunny San Diego, where beach season never ends, maintaining a sculpted physique can be challenging – especially when genetics and aging make it harder to shed stubborn fat cells. If you’re looking for a boost beyond diet and exercise, Dr. Shumway offers advanced liposuction procedures to help you achieve a toned, confident look.

As Medical Director of Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Robert A. Shumway brings over two decades of experience and training from top institutions including Duke University, UCLA, and UCSD. A recognized leader in cosmetic surgery and trustee of the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, he emphasizes personalized care and thorough post-operative guidance to ensure optimal results and recovery.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a body contouring surgery designed to remove localized subcutaneous fat deposits that resist diet and exercise. At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, we offer both traditional surgical liposuction and SmartLipo® Triplex – a minimally invasive laser-assisted option. Common treatment areas include stubborn pockets of fat in the neck, upper arms, chest, back, abdomen, thighs, and calves. While liposuction can remove 1 to 10 pounds of fat cells, it is not a weight loss procedure. Instead, liposuction complements a healthy lifestyle by targeting trouble spots that are difficult to tone on your own. Whether you’re looking to refine your shape after pregnancy or major weight loss, Dr. Shumway will help you choose the most effective liposuction procedure during your private consultation.
Dr. Shumway

Meet Dr. Shumway

San Diego board-certified facial plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Robert A. Shumway is the Medical Director of Shumway Cosmetic Surgery. With over 20 years of experience, he offers advanced face, breast, body, and skin procedures tailored to each patient’s goals. He is especially known for his expertise in transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), a scar-free implant technique performed through the navel, and was the first to bring it to Europe in 2018.

Meet Dr. Shumway

Are There Nonsurgical Alternatives for Liposuction?

Yes—if you’re not ready for surgery or only have a small amount of fat to remove, nonsurgical liposuction options may be a great fit. SmartLipo Triplex offers a less invasive way to reduce unwanted fat cells with minimal downtime. While traditional liposuction delivers more dramatic and consistent results, nonsurgical treatments can still be effective for select patients. Less invasive than traditional liposuction, SmartLipo Triplex still involves local anesthesia, small incisions, and the use of a cannula (a thin tube) to remove fat cells. With advanced laser technology, both the cannula and incisions are smaller, resulting in a quicker recovery and minimal scarring. During the procedure, Dr. Shumway guides a laser handpiece beneath the skin. The laser energy causes fat cells to swell and liquefy, making them easier to remove. At the same time, the laser stimulates collagen production, helping to tighten and tone the skin after treatment. Each area typically takes about an hour to treat with laser assisted liposuction, depending on the size and complexity. During your consultation, Dr. Shumway will walk you through all available fat reduction options and help you decide which liposuction techniques will best suit your goals and lifestyle.

Am I an Ideal Candidate for Liposuction in San Diego?

Liposuction is a highly effective contouring procedure that targets stubborn excess fat in areas like the hips, thighs, upper arms, buttocks, and abdomen. It can enhance your shape, boost confidence, and contribute to better overall health by reducing body fat and lowering body mass index. However, it’s not intended for weight loss or as a treatment for loose skin. To determine if liposuction surgery is right for you, consider the following qualifications:
  • You’re at or near your ideal body weight with no plans to lose weight.
  • You have localized fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise.
  • Your skin has good elasticity – it’s not loose or sagging.
  • You’re in overall good health.
  • You understand that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle.
  • You’re not planning future pregnancies, which can affect results.
  • You’re ready to follow post-op care and maintain realistic expectations.
During your consultation, Dr. Shumway will review your medical history, evaluate your anatomy, assess your goals, and help you decide if liposuction surgery is the best option for your body and lifestyle.
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What Can I Expect from Liposuction Surgery?

Liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure using local or general anesthesia or IV sedation. A small incision is made to insert a thin cannula, which is used to break up and suction out unwanted fat tissue. Thanks to modern techniques and smaller instruments, liposuction in San Diego is now minimally invasive, often requiring only a few days of recovery. Dr. Shumway carefully maneuvers the cannula to sculpt the treatment area to remove excess fat, then he closes the incision. Depending on how many areas are treated, liposuction procedures may take over an hour. After surgery, the recovery team will monitor your progress, manage discomfort, and prepare you for discharge.

What Can I Expect from Liposuction Recovery?

Recovery from liposuction can take several weeks, depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed. Bruising and swelling are common for 1 to 2 weeks, and stitches are typically removed within 7 to 10 days. It’s essential to allow your body time to heal – ease back into work and daily activities gradually. Light walking and gentle exercise, as recommended by Dr. Shumway, can help rebuild strength. While early improvements may be visible, full liposuction results usually take 6 to 10 months. Liposuction targets fat removal only and doesn’t tighten skin or improve tissue tone. If loose skin is a concern, Dr. Shumway may suggest combining liposuction with other skin tightening procedures like a tummy tuck to enhance your final outcome.

Can BHRT Improve My Liposuction Results?

Yes – Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can enhance and help maintain your liposuction results, especially if hormonal imbalances are contributing to stubborn fat retention. Hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid play a key role in metabolism, fat distribution, and muscle tone. When these levels are optimized through BHRT, your body may respond better to fat reduction and maintain a leaner, more sculpted shape. BHRT can also support energy levels, sleep quality, and recovery – all of which contribute to long-term success after liposuction. Dr. Shumway may recommend hormone testing as part of your liposuction consultation to determine if BHRT could complement your body contouring plan.

San Diego, CA Liposuction – FAQs

How much does liposuction cost?

Pricing varies based on the liposuction technique used and the number of areas treated. During your consultation, Dr. Shumway will create a personalized plan tailored to your goals and budget. Multiple payment options and low-interest financing are available.

Does liposuction treat cellulite or loose skin?

Liposuction is for excess fat removal only. For loose skin, it’s often paired with procedures like tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts, or after weight loss surgeries. Cellulite may be addressed with nonsurgical treatments such as Cellulaze. Dr. Shumway will recommend the best approach based on your concerns.

Will there be scarring?

Yes, small incisions are required for traditional liposuction fat removal procedures, but Dr. Shumway places them in discreet areas and provides detailed aftercare instructions to help minimize and fade scars over time.

Are the results permanent?

While liposuction removes fat cells permanently, weight fluctuations can affect results. Weight gain, especially, can cause remaining fat cells to expand or cause the body to create new fat cells. That’s why Dr. Shumway suggests patients should be at or close to a healthy weight prior to liposuction.

Afterward, maintaining a stable weight – 5 to 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight – and healthy lifestyle is key. Future changes like pregnancy may impact your outcome, but revision procedures are available if necessary.

Is liposuction right for me?

Traditional liposuction and minimally invasive liposuction alternatives, like SmartLipo, are ideal for individuals who are close to their target weight but struggle with stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet or exercise. It’s not a weight loss solution but a body contouring procedure. Dr. Shumway will assess your goals and overall health during your consultation to determine if you’re a good candidate.

What areas can be treated with liposuction?

Common treatment areas include the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, back, chin, and neck. Multiple areas can often be addressed in one traditional liposuction session depending on your goals and overall health.

How long is liposuction recovery?

Recovery varies by patient and treatment area, but most people return to light activities within a few days. Swelling and bruising are common and may take several weeks to fully resolve. Dr. Shumway will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support your healing.

Will I need to wear compression garments after liposuction surgery?

Yes, compression garments help reduce swelling, support healing, and improve contour following your liposuction treatment. You’ll typically wear them for several weeks post-surgery, depending on the treated area and your recovery progress. Dr. Shumway will guide you in selecting the right garment for optimal recovery.

Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?

Absolutely. As an aesthetic surgery, liposuction is often paired with procedures like tummy tucks, breast lifts, or mommy makeovers to remove unwanted fat and enhance overall results. Dr. Shumway can discuss combination options during your consultation.

When will I see liposuction results?

Your initial liposuction results may be visible within a few weeks, but final outcomes typically appear after swelling subsides – usually within 3 to 6 months. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle will help preserve your new shape.

How is SmartLipo different from traditional liposuction surgery? How does SmartLipo remove fat?

Minimally invasive procedure SmartLipo uses laser-assisted technology to liquefy fat cells before removal, making the process gentler and less invasive than traditional liposuction. The laser also stimulates collagen production, which helps tighten and tone the skin – something standard liposuction doesn’t offer.

What is the recovery like after SmartLipo?

Recovery from SmartLipo, a laser assisted liposuction procedure, is typically quicker than traditional liposuction. Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising and can return to normal activities within a few days. Dr. Shumway may recommend wearing compression garments during recovery to support healing and enhance results.

How much fat can I lose after liposuction?

Liposuction is not intended for weight loss. As such, it typically removes 1 to 10 pounds of fat. It’s ideal for contouring areas like the abdomen, thighs, arms, and back where fat is resistant to diet and exercise. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery helps preserve your results.

What is the best type of liposuction for stubborn fat?

The best type of liposuction for stubborn areas depends on your goals and body type. Options include traditional liposuction, laser-assisted SmartLipo, tumescent liposuction, suction assisted liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, and ultrasound-based techniques. Dr. Shumway will recommend the most effective method during each consultation based on the area being treated and the patient’s desired results.

What are the risks of liposuction?

Like any surgical procedure, liposuction carries potential risks. While complications are rare when performed by a qualified surgeon like Dr. Shumway, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects. These may include:

  • Infection or bleeding
  • Swelling, bruising, or fluid buildup
  • Irregular contours or skin dimpling
  • Numbness or changes in skin sensation
  • Blood clots or fat embolism (very rare)
  • Scarring or delayed healing

Dr. Shumway takes every precaution to minimize risks and will review your medical history to ensure you’re a safe candidate. Following post-op instructions closely is key to a smooth recovery and optimal results.

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From $4,500
 
Average Procedure Time
4 – 6 Hours
 
Procedure Recovery Location
Outpatient
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Learn More About Lipo

Liposuction has proven successful for patients around the world. You can take advantage of liposuction if you are looking for a way to treat small fat deposits on your body. Speak with Dr. Shumway at Shumway Cosmetic Surgery today. Learn more about whether or not you’re a good candidate for liposuction and what other options may be right for you to achieve your body goals in our office in San Diego, CA.

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