Liposuction in Upland & the Inland Empire
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes stubborn pockets of fat through a thin tube called a cannula, inserted through small incisions. It can be used on areas such as the belly, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, under the chin and the waist.
It is meant for people who are close to a healthy weight but have spots that will not slim down with diet and exercise. Liposuction is not a weight loss treatment and does not cure cellulite, but it can help create a more balanced shape.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults at or near a normal, stable weight
- People with localized fat deposits that resist diet and exercise
- Those with firm, elastic skin that can adjust to a new contour
- Men with extra fat around the chest or waist, including some cases of gynecomastia
- Patients in good health without poorly controlled heart, lung or circulation problems
- People with realistic expectations about what liposuction can and cannot do
Dr. Smiley's technique and philosophy
Dr. Smiley, a board-certified plastic surgeon, chooses the liposuction method based on each patient's body and goals. Options he describes include the fluid injection technique, tumescent liposuction, the super-wet technique and ultrasound-assisted liposuction, which uses sound energy to help loosen fat in firmer or more fibrous areas.
With tumescent methods, a solution containing numbing medicine is placed into the area first. This can reduce bleeding and bruising, and for some smaller procedures it may allow treatment with local anesthesia or sedation instead of general anesthesia. Dr. Smiley also offers liposuction alongside other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or Brazilian butt lift, when it helps refine the overall result.
What to expect
Consultation
During your visit to our Upland office, Dr. Smiley will review your health history, examine your skin and fat distribution and talk about the areas that bother you. He will recommend a technique and explain the type of anesthesia, the expected timeline and how to prepare.
The procedure
Liposuction is performed in an accredited surgical facility, not in our Upland consultation office. Small incisions are made, fluid may be placed into the area and the cannula is used to remove fat with gentle suction. Depending on the technique and size of the area, you may have local anesthesia, sedation or general anesthesia.
Recovery
You will wear a snug compression garment to help control swelling. Bruising and soreness are common for the first week or two. Many people return to light activity within several days, but swelling settles slowly, and noticeable change often appears after about six weeks, with continued refinement over the following months. Everyone heals differently. In the warm Inland Empire months, light layers and plenty of water can help you stay comfortable in your garment.
Before & after photos
Real patients of Dr. Smiley. Results vary; individual results depend on anatomy, health and healing.
See the full Liposuction before & after gallery on dr-smiley.com
Risks and safety
All surgery has risks. With liposuction these can include bruising, contour irregularities, infection, delayed healing, fluid shifts, reactions to medication, blood or fat clots, skin or deeper tissue injury, and rarely injury to internal organs. Treating larger or multiple areas can raise the risk. Health issues such as diabetes, poor circulation, or heart or lung disease may also increase risk.
Dr. Smiley will discuss these risks and whether liposuction is safe for you at your consultation. Results vary, and no specific outcome can be promised.
Frequently asked questions
Is liposuction a way to lose weight?
No. Liposuction is designed to reshape areas of stubborn fat in people who are already near a healthy weight. It is not a substitute for diet, exercise or weight loss treatment.
When will I see my liposuction results?
Swelling hides some of the change at first. Many patients notice a clear difference around six weeks, and the shape keeps improving over several months as swelling fades.
Can liposuction be done while I am awake?
For some smaller areas, liposuction can be done with tumescent numbing fluid and local anesthesia or light sedation. Dr. Smiley will advise whether this is an option for you.
Does liposuction get rid of cellulite?
No. Liposuction removes fat beneath the skin but is not a treatment for cellulite. Dr. Smiley can explain what to realistically expect for your skin.
Book your consultation in Upland. Call (866) 372-3288 or text (714) 403-7092. Consultations are complimentary.
Learn more about this procedure on Dr. Smiley's main site: Liposuction at dr-smiley.com.