Body Liposuction

» Overview	» After Surgery
» The Consultation	» Your Results
» The Procedure	» The Cost
» The Day of Surgery

Overview

Orange County Liposuction is designed to remove fat deposits from specific areas that have not responded well to diet and exercise. This cosmetic procedure is most commonly recommended for men or women who are of normal body weight but who have fat deposits in certain areas that make these areas appear disproportionately large. The procedure can remove stubborn areas of unwanted fat from the body, face, or neck to bring these areas into proportion with the rest of the body.

The "Tumescent" liposuction technique is a two-step procedure involving the infusion of a tumescent fluid containing a long-acting local anesthetic (to lessen pain after surgery) and a vasoconstrictor (to reduce bleeding and bruising) into the area of unwanted fat followed by removal of the fat cells by suction. One or more small incisions, approximately quarter-inch, are used for each area and, wherever possible, are hidden in a natural crease to make them inconspicuous.

The Consultation

Your consultation with the doctor is complimentary and there will never be any charges for office visits. During your initial consultation, you will be asked to give information about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal supplements, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. You also need to let the doctor know if you use any tobacco products, alcohol, steroids, or street drugs, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure. After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Nguyen will discuss your desired results, your concerns, and your priorities. He will then explain the options that are available to you and explain the advantages and disadvantages of those options. In the end, he will present a surgical plan to help you achieve the appearance you desire.

After your consultation with the doctor, your patient coordinator will provide you with a written quotation for the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. We understand how important this decision is to you and you will not be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.

For full details on our pre-operative requirements, Click Here To Download
“Optimizing Your Health Before Your Cosmetic Surgery.”

If you do not have a primary care physician, we recommend Dr. Chi Phan, located at 4050 Barranca Pkwy Suite 210; Irvine, Ca 92604 Phone: 949-654-7833. Dr. Phan accepts most insurance. For those who do not have insurance, Dr. Phan charges approximately $120 for surgical clearance, including EKG & bloodwork.

The Procedure

The procedure takes approximately forty-five minutes to ninety minutes per area. Some areas, such as the hips and outer thighs may be done under local anesthesia. Other areas, including the abdomen, inner thighs, back and arms must be done under general anesthesia. We use only board certified anesthesiologists to care for our patients. After surgery, you will recover in the recovery area for approximately one hour, until you are alert enough to go home. You will be wearing a supportive garment that you will continue to wear for several weeks after surgery. The sutures are absorbable and should fall off within two weeks.

The Day of Surgery

While you're making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home and be with you overnight. Your surgery will be performed in our outpatient surgery center at 11190 Warner Avenue, Suite 400; Fountain Valley, CA. If your procedure is done under local anesthesia, you may eat and drink as normal. If your procedure is being done under general anesthesia, you will not be allowed to have anything to eat after 9pm the evening before surgery or drink after midnight the night before surgery. You should shower the day of surgery but do not use any lotions or perfumed products on your body. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Arrive two hours prior to surgery for general anesthesia or one hour prior to surgery for local anesthesia. You will need someone to bring you on the day of surgery and take you home and stay with you that night.

After Surgery

For the first few days, you will need help getting to the restroom. You will begin taking pain medication and antibiotics after surgery. Each time you take your pain medication, you should have a snack as the medication can be irritating to your stomach. For the first 24 to 48 hours you will have a sensitive stomach and you should eat mild foods such as you would normally eat if you had the flu (soups, crackers, etc.). Dr. Nguyen also strongly suggests Gatorade to replenish your fluid levels.

You will be able to return to most of your normal (light) activities within a couple of days. You will be able to shower once you feel comfortable being up for extended periods of time without lightheadedness, usually on the third day. You will probably need help taking off your garment and putting it back on. Patients with an office job are often able to return to work within 3-7 days. More strenuous jobs may require work restrictions for eight weeks, which you may request a certifying letter from the receptionist.
During the first week, swelling will reach its peak and will slowly subside. You may return to most of your normal ("light") activities within one week including non-strenuous work. Over the next several weeks, the swelling will continue to subside, bruising will fade, and normal sensation will slowly return. Although you will notice a difference in the contour of the area shortly after surgery, the improvement will become even more apparent as the swelling and fluid retention subsides over several weeks to months. You will notice that your clothing fits more comfortably and you will enjoy a new, slimmer appearance. Your new contours will be permanent providing your weight is stable. In addition most patients notice that changes in weight do not result in accumulation in these problem areas as it did before.

After two weeks, and once all incisions are well healed (no open areas or scabs), you can begin using Scar Guard® scar treatment on the incisions. Scar Guard® is available at the pharmacy in our building.

Your Results

Most patients are very pleased with their new shape. You will notice that your clothing fits more comfortably and you will enjoy a new, slimmer appearance. Your new contours will be permanent providing your weight is stable. In addition most patients notice that changes in weight do not result in accumulation in these problem areas as it did before.

The Cost

These fees are approximate and are only to give you an idea of what you can expect. Fees may change without notice. An official binding quote (valid for 30 days) will be given on the day of your consultation. These fees include Surgeon’s Fee, OR Fee, Anesthesia Fee, Surgical Garment (if required), and Follow-Up Visits.

Liposuction of Abdomen (General Anesthesia) $2,500-$4,000
With Liposuction of Hips or Flanks (“Love Handles”) $4,000-$6,000

	One Area Only	As A Second Area	As A Third+ Area
Abdomen	$2,500-$4,000	$1,500-$2,500	$1,000
Flanks/Hips	$2,000-$4,000	$1,500-$2,500	$1,000
Arms	$2,000-$4,000	$1,500-$2,500	$1,000
Inner Thigh	$2,000-$4,000	$1,500-$2,500	$1,000
Outer Thigh	$2,000-$4,000	$1,500-$2,500	$1,000
Front Thigh	$2,000-$4,000	$1,500-$2,500	$1,000
Back Thigh	$2,000-$4,000	$1,500-$2,500	$1,000
Lateral Chest	$2,000-$4,000	$1,500-$2,500	$1,000