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Liposuction (Thousand Oaks)

Liposuction, or suction-assisted lipectomy, is a surgical procedure for removing modest amounts of superficial fat. It is not a method for weight loss or total body “makeover.” It is used to target specific areas of the body that do not respond to exercise and weight loss. It can help contour these sites and blend them in with the surrounding areas. The term lipodystrophy is used to describe a “problem” area of fat deposition. Our surgeons have written a book chapter about liposuction that explains the procedure in detail.


Before & After Photos




Commonly treated areas in men include the breast region, the lower abdomen, and the flanks.

The neck can be contoured and defined with liposuction.

Areas treated effectively in women include the abdomen, the hips and the thighs.

The lower back, flanks, thighs and buttocks can be suctioned to create a pleasing contour and shape.

Who is a good candidate?

Women or men who have specific areas that they want to contour are good candidates. Common problem areas of lipodystrophy in women include the abdomen, hips, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, inner knee region, and the neck. In men, the neck, abdomen, flanks (“love-handles”), and chest are common sites that respond well to liposuction. Patients should be at their ideal body weight, or only slightly overweight. Obese patients will not benefit to any significant degree from liposuction, and are at greater risk of developing a complication related to the surgery.

What is the difference between traditional liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, VASER, and ultrasonic liposuction?

Some doctors will claim that they use a superior type of liposuction, or the newest technology in liposuction. All of the above mentioned devices essentially achieve the same goal using slightly different techniques. The fact of the matter is that there has never been a scientific study proving that any one technique or device offers better results. One exception is the use of ultrasonic liposuction in certain situations. It works better for areas that have tough, fibrous fat such as the male breast and upper back. Ultrasonic liposuction generates more heat and causes more tissue damage than the other types of liposuction. This leads to a slightly higher risk of contour irregularities, and other minor complications.

At the Kryger Institute, we pride ourselves on putting patient safety first. As new technologies emerge, we continue to embrace those that have demonstrated efficacy and safety. We currently offer both traditional and ultrasonic liposuction. Talk to your surgeon about which technique is best suited for you.

Does insurance cover liposuction?

Because insurance companies do not consider liposuction to be medically necessary, carriers do not cover the cost of this procedure. It is important that you discuss all the costs and fees during your consultation. If the liposuction is performed in conjunction with another procedure (e.g. a hysterectomy or hernia repair), it is possible to have part of the operating room and anesthesia fees covered by your insurance carrier. Our surgeons have published a scientific paper that addresses the issues involved in combining liposuction with other procedures.

Preparing for surgery


The surgery and the incisions

The operation itself takes 1-2 hours depending on how many areas are treated. The morning of surgery, your surgeon will mark the sites to be suctioned, and will answer any last minute questions you may have. The incisions from liposuction are less than a quarter of an inch and quite inconspicuous. There will usually be 1-2 incision sites per site to be treated, however these are planned in such a way that they are barely visible.

The anesthesia


What kind of dressings and drains are there?


It is rare to need drains after liposuction. The one exception is large volume liposuction of the abdominal region. If your surgeon is planning on using a drain, he will inform you of this ahead of time. The drain helps remove the fluid that is produced under your skin as part of the healing process. Without drains, this fluid can accumulate, termed a seroma. The drain stays in until the drainage is less than 25 ml per drain in a twenty four hour period. This usually takes 3-5 days, but can be shorter or longer in some cases. The drains are easy to take care of, and do not hurt to take out.

Can you go home the day of surgery?

Liposuction can be done safely as an outpatient, and most patients will be able to go home the same day. In some cases, your surgeon may recommend that you spend a night in the hospital after surgery. This is most common after large volume liposuction (greater than 5 liters), and the purpose of the overnight stay is to monitor you closely while the fluids in your body equilibrate. Some patients may prefer to spend a night or two in the hospital on their own accord if they have young children at home or live alone and do not have any help at home.

How much pain is there after surgery?


What about swelling and bruising?


What restrictions are there?


When can I travel?


When can I go back to work?

This, of course, depends on the kind of work you do. Most people go back to work after 3-4 days. Sedentary jobs, such as computer work or talking on the phone can begin even sooner. If you have a strenuous job that involves a lot of lifting or physical activity, you may have to wait 1-2 weeks until you are ready for work. Please review the restrictions for further guidelines about getting back to work.

What kind of scars can I expect?



