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What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses targeted suction to remove stubborn fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise. It’s one of the most effective ways to refine body contours, allowing for subtle enhancements that improve overall proportion. While it removes small amounts of fat from the body, liposuction is not considered a weight-loss solution and should be performed only on patients who are at a stable, healthy weight. Patients can receive liposuction on the following areas:

  • Neck and chin
  • Male chest
  • Breasts
  • Abdomen
  • Flanks
  • Hips and love handles
  • Arms
  • Back
  • Inner, outer, and anterior (front) thighs
  • Buttocks
  • Mons pubis area
  • Knees
  • Calves and ankles
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Sculpting a Beautiful Figure

Beyond providing aesthetic enhancements, liposuction can improve your overall quality of life in both personal and professional settings. While every procedure is different, patients can generally expect the following benefits:

  • Improved body contour and proportion
  • Removal of exercise-resistant fat deposits
  • A smoother, more balanced silhouette
  • Enhanced fit in clothing, especially tight items
  • Increased confidence in at home, with friends, and at the office

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Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Ideal liposuction candidates are non-smoking, healthy adults who are at or near their ideal body weight but still have small, localized fat deposits. Additionally, you’ll need good skin elasticity to ensure the skin maintains its shape after fat removal. A short evaluation from Dr. Teitelbaum will confirm your candidacy.

Before & After Liposuction

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Why Choose Dr. Teitelbaum?

As one of the leading plastic surgeons in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and beyond, Dr. Teitelbaum has experience with all major liposuction techniques and has completed hundreds of successful procedures. His work focuses on refining curves with balance and intention, ensuring the final result feels authentic to the patient’s natural features.

Leading With Clinical Excellence

Prior to opening his private practice in 1995, Dr. Steven Teitelbaum received his doctorate from the UCLA School of Medicine and completed his residency at Harvard University, where he earned a dual board certification in General Surgery and Plastic Surgery. He’s worked in the plastic surgery wards of the LA County Hospital and now serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the UCLA School of Medicine. As part of his commitment to fostering the next generation of surgeons, Dr. Teitelbaum has given lectures to peers and students on five continents, including presentations on advanced forms of liposuction. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals like Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, and he’s earned memberships and leadership roles in the following organizations:

  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, 2016-2017 President
  • California Society of Plastic Surgeons, Treasurer and Legislative Committee Chair
  • Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation, Board Member

A Patient-First Philosophy

Dr. Teitelbaum is known amongst patients and peers for his commitment to personalized, passionate plastic surgery. He’ll take the time to learn about your exact concerns and will design a customized liposuction procedure that targets areas where clothes are tight, uncomfortable, or anxiety-inducing. He and his licensed team lead with integrity, trust, and transparency to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality procedures.

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Your Confidential Consultation

Ahead of your procedure, you’ll join Dr. Teitelbaum for a one-on-one consultation at his Los Angeles office. There, you’ll discuss your aesthetic goals, concerns, and medical history, and he’ll evaluate the health of your skin, the distribution of fat, and the anatomy of your intended treatment areas to determine whether liposuction is right for you.

Pricing Your Procedure

Liposuction with Dr. Teitelbaum starts at $10,000 for the first treatment area, with each additional area priced at $3,500–$4,000. Your total cost will depend on factors such as:

  • Number of treatment areas
  • Amount of fat removed from the body
  • Surgical complexity
  • Whether any other procedures are performed in the same session

After your consultation, Dr. Teitelbaum’s team will share a complete cost breakdown and extensive financing options, so you know what to expect.

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What to Expect From Your Liposuction in Los Angeles

Liposuction is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation, but you may request general anesthesia for your comfort. To start your procedure, Dr. Teitelbaum will make small incisions at your treatment areas to access your targeted fat deposits. Then, he’ll insert a small cannula under the skin and gently use suction to remove stubborn fat cells.

During liposuction treatments, Dr. Teitelbaum works conservatively to ensure only a small amount of fat is removed at a time, preventing hollowed, sunken, or abnormal results. Once an adequate amount of fat has been removed and the body has been contoured, he’ll close your incisions with small sutures to minimize visible scarring.

High-Touch, Patient-Centered Recovery

Recovery after liposuction in Los Angeles will vary from patient to patient depending on the extent of the procedure and the number of areas treated. Most patients will experience minor swelling, bruising, and soreness at their treatment areas, but this should fade within one week. Light activity is encouraged early to promote circulation, but you’ll need to avoid strenuous exercise for several weeks to support your recovery. After your procedure, you’ll receive extensive aftercare instructions from Dr. Teitelbaum and his team. This list will include the following items:

  • Incision site care and cleaning protocols
  • Surgical drain care guidelines, if applicable
  • Activity limitations
  • Hygiene recommendations
  • Supportive garment guidance, if appropriate
  • Swelling and pain management strategies
  • Sleep position restrictions

Over the coming weeks, you’ll return to Dr. Teitelbaum’s office several times for follow-up appointments to monitor your healing. There, he’ll remove any remaining sutures or drains, ensure your skin is recovering properly, and approve your return to high-impact activities. Patients typically see their final results take shape after three to six months, or once residual swelling fades.

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Types of Liposuction

Dr. Teitelbaum is proud to offer multiple liposuction options to his patients, ensuring everyone has the right option for their body’s needs.

Available liposuction types include the following:

  • Tumescent
  • Syringe
  • Power
  • Standard
  • Ultrasonic
  • Laser (SmartLipo™)
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Completing Your Transformation

Many of Dr. Teitelbaum’s Los Angeles patients include liposuction as part of an overarching body rejuvenation plan. Complementary procedures include the following:

Liposuction FAQs

Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?

No. Liposuction is designed for subtle body contouring, not major weight loss. Patients should be at a stable, healthy weight before pursuing treatment.

Will any fat come back after liposuction?

No. The removed fat cells do not return after liposuction. However, remaining fat cells can enlarge with future weight gain.

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

Yes, if the patient maintains a stable weight. Aging and body changes will continue naturally, but only significant weight gain will affect your final results.

Will my skin tighten after liposuction?

Yes. The skin will naturally contract and tighten over your new shape during your recovery. The final extent of your skin’s tightening will depend on its elasticity and quality.

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