Liposuction near Beverly Hills, CA

You’ve been thinking about it, reading about it, and now you’re getting ready to book your liposuction consultation with a plastic surgeon you can trust. But finding the right doctor can be difficult. At Hakimi Plastic Surgery, we’re here to make your decision a whole lot easier.

Dr. Michael Hakimi is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in procedures of the face and body. He is passionate about modern approaches and is a leader in awake liposuction, an advanced technique that is performed using local anesthesia, resulting in minimal discomfort and a shorter recovery time. Dr. Hakimi’s reputation as an expert in awake liposuction has made him highly sought-after by those in Beverly Hills and beyond who prefer a less invasive way to permanently eliminate fat from targeted areas of the body.

Dr. Hakimi was drawn to aesthetics because it provides the perfect blend of art, surgery, and interpersonal connections. He knows the results go beyond cosmetic improvements and can help you achieve a renewed sense of confidence. Book your consultation with Dr. Hakimi today to learn about his liposuction techniques and how they can transform your body.

“Most of my patients don’t want to go under general anesthesia or have a long recovery time. Awake liposuction lets me sculpt their body while they are alert, providing fantastic results with less downtime. They can get back to their busy schedules much sooner.”

- Dr. Hakimi

What It Is

Liposuction is used to permanently remove stubborn fat throughout the body. It is most commonly used in the following areas:

• Abdomen
• Back
• Flanks (“love handles”)
• Arms
• Hips
• Thighs
• Chin

Why You Want It

You exercise regularly and watch what you eat, but are still bothered by pockets of stubborn fat. Liposuction is the most effective technique for sculpting and contouring your body.

How We Do It

Dr. Hakimi utilizes the most advanced liposuction techniques to help you achieve your goals.

Awake Liposuction — Local anesthesia with oral medication

Total Definer Liposuction — General anesthesia

Fat Transfer — Local anesthesia; provides natural enhancement of the face and buttocks (Brazilian butt lift)

Recovery Time

2 - 3 days; with our recovery protocol, you will see your results in 1 month

Depending on the extent of your procedure, Dr. Hakimi may recommend performing liposuction under general anesthesia. Instead of using local anesthesia a.k.a awake liposuction, you will be completely asleep during treatment. This helps him treat larger areas since you need less lidocaine. For example if you want lipo of arms, abdomen, back, neck and thighs all together at the same time, this will be the best plan.

While awake liposuction does have its advantages, it may not be right for everyone. Traditional liposuction allows for more aggressive techniques and treating more areas at once. However, the total allowed fat to be removed is still 5 L in California regardless of the method of anesthesia.

Dr. Hakimi is one of the few providers in the Beverly Hills area specializing in awake liposuction. This advanced technique is less invasive than traditional liposuction, resulting in less downtime and recovery. During treatment, the targeted areas are infused with a sterile tumescent solution that contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and epinephrine, a vasoconstrictor. Together, these two ingredients numb the area and engorge the fat cells so they are easier to remove. They also help to minimize bleeding, bruising and post-operative discomfort.

You will be very sleepy and relaxed during surgery due to the oral medication we give you, but still conscious. Other benefits of awake liposuction include:

• Less invasive techniques reduce pain and downtime
• Local anesthesia ensures your comfort during surgery
• Eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia
• Shorter recovery time compared to asleep or traditional liposuction

You will notice a difference in treated areas immediately after your procedure, but your final results will take up to 3 months to fully develop. Most people start enjoying their results at 1 month post-op.

The incision sites are very well hidden in areas that are hard to see and easily concealable by undergarments and other clothing. Any visible lines can be minimized by following Dr. Hakimi’s post-op instructions and practicing good skin care. Once your results have fully developed, they are permanent with a healthy diet and lifestyle.

“I went to Dr. Hakimi after seeing the work he did on a neighbor. I had no idea I could get my arms slimmed down with an "awake surgery" and skin tightening. I booked a Zoom consultation. Dr. Hakimi was very patient and took the time to answer any questions at the initial consultation. Surgery day went smoothly and was pain free! I felt very safe and comfortable in his hands. He checked on me that night and told me I could contact him anytime with questions. I'm super happy with the results and he says they will only improve over the next few months.

I never thought I would get a procedure like this, but I'm so glad I did! I finally got rid of my stubborn upper arm fat and It jumpstarted my workout routine. Now when I exercise and lift weights, I am actually starting to see the results. I have a wish list now that I know about some of the great options available and will definitely go back to see Dr. Hakimi. I would recommend him to anyone!”

- Amy J.

Liposuction eliminates stubborn fat in treated areas, but it won’t have much effect on loose skin. To ensure highly defined contours that match your new body shape, Dr. Hakimi may recommend combining liposuction with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, BodyTite or radiofrequency skin tightening. A tummy tuck can help you regain a slimmer and firmer stomach, while BodyTite and radiofrequency skin tightening are minimally invasive techniques for correcting sagging skin in various areas of the body with little downtime.

For patients who want to maintain their results after surgery, Dr. Hakimi also offers medical weight loss with semaglutide and tirzepatide. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists that reduce food cravings, making it easier to stick to a healthy diet.

Liposuction is a great treatment option for men and women who are at a healthy weight but have areas of fat that they can't seem to lose with diet and exercise alone. If you’re considering liposuction, you may be a good candidate if you:

• Are frustrated by stubborn fat that doesn't respond to diet or exercise
• Are at or near your goal weight
• Understand that liposuction is not a shortcut to weight loss
• Are in good overall health
• Don’t smoke or are willing to quit before surgery
• Are prepared to maintain your results with a healthy lifestyle

Those contemplating liposuction should also have firm, healthy skin because it is not a treatment for skin laxity or sagging. It is also important to understand that liposuction is not a weight loss or obesity treatment. There is a limit to how much fat we can safely remove, so patients should be at or very close to their ideal weight before undergoing treatment to ensure the best possible results.

As with any body contouring procedure, Dr. Hakimi will ensure that the patient's weight has been stable and there is a plan to maintain the results after treatment. Any significant weight gain or loss can negatively affect your results. If you are in Newport Beach, Beverly Hills, or Los Angeles, CA, contact plastic surgeon Dr. Hakimi to schedule a consultation.

Liposuction is performed as an outpatient procedure using either local anesthesia or general anesthesia. During your procedure, an incision will be made through the skin in the targeted areas so a thin, hollow tube called a cannula can be inserted into the underlying fat. This tool is used to dislodge fat cells and vacuum them out. Once the fatty deposits have been removed, Dr. Hakimi will remove the cannula and close the incision.

Depending on the size and scope of the areas being treated, your liposuction procedure could last between one to three hours. However, after surgery, you’ll be able to return home the same day to begin the recovery process. Whether you opt for awake liposuction with local anesthesia or traditional liposuction with general anesthesia, you will need to arrange transportation home with a trusted friend or family member to ensure your safety.

Here is a general outline of what you can expect in the days and weeks following your surgery:

• Immediate Post-Op (First 24-48 Hours): After your procedure, you will feel sleepy and take a long nap when you get home. You might feel sore, like after an intense workout. You will have some fluid come out of the entry points for 2 days, so we recommend sleeping on towels and trying to stay home. We will give you pain medication but most of our patients take Tylenol alone.
• First Month: During the first month of your recovery, you will be wearing a compression garment and receiving post-op lymphatic massages as recommended by Dr. Hakimi. If you are compliant with your massages, he will let you use the garment only at night for the second month. Otherwise, you are required to wear them for 6 full weeks all day unless you are in the shower or getting a massage.
• Second Month: By this time, most of your results are showing. You are already happy and can enjoy your new body. However, your results will continue getting better for 6 months. If you have had skin tightening with your liposuction, the result of that part of surgery will start showing around 2 to 3 months after your procedure.

Dr. Hakimi will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and schedule follow-up appointments to check on your progress. It’s important to follow these instructions for optimal healing. Your recovery may be shorter or longer depending on the extent of your treatment. Generally, patients undergoing awake liposuction experience less pain and downtime and are able to resume normal activities sooner.

If you have stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, liposuction can help you achieve slimmer and more flattering body contours in your most stubborn areas. At Hakimi Plastic Surgery, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Hakimi has developed protocols to get your body sculpted with 2 to 3 days of downtime only! Schedule your one-on-one consultation at our office in Beverly Hills, California, today to get started. Call us at 424-239-5201 or click here to request your appointment online and we’ll be in touch shortly!

How does liposuction work?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to permanently remove unwanted fat from almost anywhere on the body. It works by targeting areas where stubborn fat tends to accumulate, including the abdomen, back, flanks, hips, thighs, arms and buttocks. It can also be used to eliminate fat from smaller areas, such as below the chin or above the knees.

Liposuction is often performed under general anesthesia, but Dr. Hakimi also offers awake liposuction, which combines advanced techniques with local anesthesia and mild sedation to reduce scarring, improve recovery times and minimize some of the risks associated with surgery. During treatment, a thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through small, strategically placed incisions and moved back and forth to break up the targeted fat cells. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out and the incisions are closed, leaving behind slimmer body contours.

Liposuction is effective at permanently removing fat cells from treated areas, but it's important to maintain a stable weight after surgery to ensure a lasting outcome. It's also important to recognize that liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. The best results are typically seen in patients who are close to their ideal body weight but would like to remove specific pockets of stubborn fat that don't respond well to diet and exercise.

How much does liposuction cost?

The cost of liposuction varies depending on the techniques used and the number of areas being treated. During your consultation, Dr. Hakimi will create your liposuction surgical plan based on your unique needs and goals. He will also consider your budget. When your plan is developed, the estimated costs will be discussed. To make your cosmetic surgery affordable, we take many payment options and can assist you in finding low-interest medical financing.

Does liposuction eliminate cellulite and loose skin?

Liposuction is designed to eliminate excess fat. It will not have a significant effect on cellulite or loose skin. If you have a large amount of loose skin, you can combine liposuction with a surgical body lift to ensure the best results. Liposuction may also be performed alongside other skin tightening procedures, depending on your unique needs and goals. To reduce the appearance of cellulite, there are many nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatments available. During your consultation, talk to Dr. Hakimi about your concerns so he can create a comprehensive treatment plan just for you.

What happens if I gain weight after liposuction?

This is a common question our patients regularly ask. Every individual has a certain number of fat cells. Fat cells stop multiplying when we reach adulthood. Instead of making new cells, the fat cells grow in size. For example, someone might gain 20 pounds between the ages of 20 and 40. The number of fat cells didn't multiply by that percentage of weight gain, but the cells' size increased instead. When a patient undergoes liposuction, they are removing the fat cells from an area. If the patient gains weight afterward, the body won't have the same number of fat cells in that area to store the energy. Therefore, the fat goes to other places like your back, your hips and your arms. It also depends on genetics, which can be unpredictable.

Is liposuction permanent?

As long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle after your procedure, the results of liposuction are considered permanent. Once fat cells are removed, they cannot regrow or otherwise come back in treated areas. However, significant weight changes can cause the remaining fat cells to expand, negatively impacting your results. For many patients, liposuction can provide motivation for eating healthily and getting regular exercise to ensure a lasting outcome.

What happens if I lose weight after chin liposuction?

If you lose weight after liposuction of the chin or neck, usually you're safe within five or 10 pounds here or there. But if you lose a significant amount of weight and you're the type of person who stores a lot of fat in this area due to genetics, then you might notice some increased skin laxity. However, in Dr. Hakimi’s experience, this is more of a problem after a facelift rather than liposuction because there will not be much fat left. We leave a very tiny amount of fat just to keep the skin looking healthy, natural and youthful.

How much fat can be taken out with liposuction?

The exact amount of fat that can be safely removed with liposuction varies depending on several factors, including your overall health, the areas being treated and specific surgical considerations. However, the general guideline is about 5 liters (approximately 11 pounds) of fat. This is true regardless of if your procedure is done under local or general anesthesia. In cases where a significant amount of fat needs to be removed, or if multiple areas are being treated at once, Dr. Hakimi might recommend dividing the procedure into multiple sessions to increase safety and improve your final result.

Does it matter if I’ve had CoolSculpting, SculpSure or other nonsurgical treatments prior to liposuction?

Undergoing nonsurgical body contouring treatments such as CoolSculpting or SculpSure prior to liposuction can have an impact on the surgical process and your final outcome. These nonsurgical treatments can cause scar tissue or inflammation in treated areas, which isn’t necessarily a major issue, but something that surgeons take into consideration. The presence of scar tissue can make the fat in these areas denser and less pliable, which might affect how easily it can be removed or transferred. It can also make it more difficult to estimate how much fat should be eliminated from a specific area. Despite these considerations, many patients still achieve meaningful improvements from liposuction after undergoing nonsurgical treatments. The results can be significant and satisfying, although the presence of scar tissue is an important factor to consider in the planning and execution of surgery.

Is liposuction safe?

Liposuction is considered safe and effective when performed by a highly trained, experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Hakimi. However, as with any surgical procedure, it does carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, contour irregularities and changes in skin sensation. These risks can be minimized by closely following Dr. Hakimi’s advice before and after surgery. During your initial consultation, he will discuss the risks and benefits of liposuction in more detail to help you make an informed decision regarding your procedure.