What is Liposuction?
If you are close to your ideal weight but want to eliminate fat deposits from your abdomen, thighs, hips, or other parts of the body, liposuction may help. This procedure can reshape areas that are resistant to diet and exercise, providing a more aesthetically pleasing and proportionate appearance.
Dr. Michael J. Brucker has performed over 10,000 procedures for patients in La Jolla, including liposuction, during his more-than-20-years in practice. Patients place their trust in Dr. Brucker because of his esteemed reputation, detailed approach, and excellent safety record. Dr. Brucker tailors each procedure to the patient’s needs, employs techniques that provide smooth, even contours, and spends the time necessary to create attractive results.
The Purpose of Liposuction
Unwanted deposits of fat can form bulges over time, creating uneven areas that take away from your body’s natural contour and proportions. Liposuction removes this fat in a simple and well-established procedure. Dr. Brucker can reshape many parts of the body through liposuction including:
- Abdomen Liposuction – Smooth and flatten the midsection by addressing stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. Contouring the abdomen enhances your shape and can help clothing fit more comfortably.
- Chin Liposuction – Refine and sculpt the area beneath the chin to restore definition and balance to your facial profile. This precise approach creates a slimmer, more youthful contour that complements your natural features.
- Thigh Liposuction – Create balanced proportions by reducing excess fat along the inner and outer thighs. Smoother contours can improve comfort, confidence, and the way your clothes drape.
- Arm Liposuction – Gently contour the upper arms for a more toned and elegant silhouette. This enhancement allows for greater confidence in sleeveless styles and everyday wear.
- Back Liposuction – Target and smooth bulges along the upper or lower back for a sleeker appearance. This subtle change can make a significant difference in how clothing fits and feels.
- Flank Liposuction – Slim the waistline by reducing “love handles” to achieve a more defined, hourglass shape. This treatment improves the overall flow of your body’s contours from every angle.
It is important to note that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure and does not remove cellulite. Liposuction is most effective when focused on select areas of unwanted fat rather than for generalized fat removal from many areas of the body. It provides optimal results to patients who have skin that is firm and elastic and who are already in relatively good physical shape.
How Dr. Brucker Performs Liposuction
During your initial consultation at our La Jolla practice, Dr. Brucker will take the time to explain how liposuction works, respond to any questions you may have, and outline what you can expect during your recovery.
Unwanted deposits of fat can form bulges that take away from the aesthetic contour of your body and can make comfortably fitting into certain styles of clothing more challenging. Liposuction removes this fat in a simple and well-established procedure. Dr. Brucker can reshape many parts of the body including:
- Abdomen and chest.
- Hips, thighs, back, and buttocks.
- Upper arms.
- The area beneath your chin.
It is important to note that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. Liposuction is most effective when focused on select areas of unwanted fat rather than for generalized fat removal from many areas of the body. It provides optimal results to patients who have skin that is firm and elastic and who are already in relatively good physical shape.
As you do your research you will find that there are many gimmicks and fads on the market when it comes to fat removal. Dr. Brucker only employs new technologies and techniques once they have been proven effective and beneficial.
Dr. Brucker classifies liposuction technology into two categories: “assisted” and “unassisted.”
Assisted technologies use vibration, harmonics, laser and other forces to break apart fat. Examples of assisted technology include Vaser, SmartLipo, laser liposuction, and Sonobello to name a few. Some of these technologies are performed by clinicians or dermatologists rather than by board-certified plastic surgeons.
Unassisted technology relies on the surgeon’s own controlled and precise movements to loosen and remove fat.
In Dr. Brucker’s experience, unassisted liposuction tends to provide better results than assisted liposuction. Because unassisted liposuction relies on his own movements, he can feel the changes he is making as he performs the procedure. This helps him create natural, even contours and ensure that each area blends into the next smoothly. In contrast, assisted liposuction procedures can add unnecessary risks to an otherwise very safe procedure.
Of course, modern, minimally invasive instruments and proven tumescent techniques are always employed with Dr. Brucker’s unassisted approach to provide the safest possible operation with minimal scarring.
Your Liposuction Experience at Brucker Plastic Surgery
Consultation
During your consultation, you can expect:
- a focused conversation with Dr. Brucker about your goals and the areas you would like to refine
- a comprehensive evaluation to assess fat distribution, skin quality, and overall body proportions
- a customized treatment approach based on your anatomy and desired outcome
- a clear explanation of whether liposuction alone is appropriate or if it should be combined with another procedure, along with recovery expectations and next steps
Liposuction Procedure
The length of surgery depends on the number of areas treated.
Key aspects of the surgical experience include:
- Surgery performed on-site in our private, comfortable environment
- All procedures are completed in our accredited AAAASF surgical facility
- Operating rooms, equipment, and staff held to the same standards as hospital-based facilities
Performing liposuction in a fully accredited on-site facility allows for continuity of care and careful monitoring before, during, and after surgery.
Liposuction Results
As swelling gradually resolves, your results become more defined:
- Smoother, more contoured treatment areas
- Improved body proportions that align with your natural shape
- Long-lasting fat reduction when paired with a healthy lifestyle
Incisions are small and inconspicuous, and any resulting scars typically fade over time, allowing results to appear natural.
Liposuction Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3 Following Liposuction
- Mild to moderate discomfort is expected and well managed with Tylenol or prescribed medication
- Bruising and swelling are most noticeable during this period
- Very light, slow-paced walking is encouraged to support circulation, but rest is essential
Days 4–5
- Most patients are able to return to driving and light daily activities
- Dr. Brucker removes stitches around day 5
- Swelling and soreness continue to improve
Weeks 2–3
- Compression garment is typically worn full time for two to three weeks
- Bruising fades, and swelling begins to noticeably decrease
- You will have a follow-up visit around the two-week mark to assess healing
Weeks 4–6
- Most swelling continues to resolve
- A final routine follow-up occurs around 6 to 12 weeks after surgery
- Many patients are cleared to gradually resume exercise and normal routines
Months 2–3 and Beyond
- Final liposuction results become more apparent over several months
- With a stable lifestyle, results are long-lasting and proportionate
Once fat cells are removed, they do not return. Maintaining a consistent diet and exercise routine helps preserve your outcome, allowing liposuction to provide lasting refinement and improved body contours.
Renuvion Skin Tightening for Enhanced Results After Liposuction
Sometimes, even after fat removal, the skin can appear slightly loose or saggy. For patients with moderate skin laxity, Dr. Brucker offers Renuvion skin tightening as an adjunct to liposuction. This treatment helps tighten and firm the skin, creating smoother, more defined body contours and enhancing the overall outcome of surgery.
Liposuction Before & After Gallery
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Excellence in Liposuction in La Jolla
Liposuction is a highly individualized procedure that requires careful planning and a clear understanding of your goals. With more than 20 years of surgical experience, Dr. Brucker emphasizes careful evaluation and individualized planning. Request a consultation to discuss your areas of concern and review personalized liposuction treatment options.