Body
Liposuction
Removes localized pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Sculpts the contour rather than producing weight loss.
Overview
Liposuction removes localized fat deposits through small cannulas inserted under the skin. It is not a weight-loss procedure; the right candidate is a patient at or near their goal weight with focal areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. Common target areas include the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, arms, and submental region. Multiple techniques exist — tumescent, power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted — and the choice depends on the area, tissue density, and the volume being removed. Skin retraction after liposuction depends on the patient's skin quality.
Who it's for
The right candidate.
Patients at or near their goal weight with localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Common areas: abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, arms, submental region. Not a weight-loss procedure.
Technique
How it's done.
Through small incisions, cannulas remove targeted fat using tumescent, power-assisted, or ultrasound-assisted techniques depending on the area and tissue density. Skin retraction after liposuction depends on the patient's skin quality and the amount of fat removed.
Where this happens
Our own surgery center.
One roof, one team.
Dr. Azadgoli operates at The Practice Healthcare's fully independent, on-property ambulatory surgery center — a Medicare-certified, physician-led facility recognized by Newsweek as one of California's top centers for independent, privately owned surgery.
Consultation, surgery, aftercare, and recovery all happen in one building, with the same team. No outside hospital. No new staff to meet the day of surgery. The same person who checked you in at the consult is there when you wake up.
What to expect
From consultation to recovery.
Outpatient under general anesthesia. Compression garments for two to four weeks. Most patients return to desk work at three to five days, exercise at three to four weeks. Final contour settles over three to six months as residual swelling resolves.
Insurance & coverage
Patient Advocacy handles the paperwork.
Our advocacy team verifies benefits, pursues pre-authorizations, and appeals denials. You don't navigate insurance on your own.
Cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by insurance. For reconstructive or medically necessary work, our advocacy team verifies your benefits and presents the out-of-pocket estimate before anything is scheduled.
How we work with insurance
- 1 Verification by expertsOur advocacy team verifies your benefits before any procedure — so we know exactly what is and is not covered.
- 2 Patient advocacy & follow-throughWe aggressively pursue pre-authorizations, appeal denials when appropriate, and hold carriers accountable to their commitments.
- 3 Financial transparencyYou receive a clear written estimate of potential out-of-pocket costs. No surprises on the day of surgery.
- 4 Collaboration with carriersOur team handles documentation and communication directly with your insurance company.
- 5 Options & supportIf a procedure is not covered, we walk you through cash-pay options, financing, and other pathways to care.
FAQ
Common questions.
Will the fat come back?
Fat cells removed do not regrow, but the remaining cells can still enlarge if you gain weight. Maintaining stable weight after liposuction is what preserves the result.
Will my skin look loose?
Depends on skin quality. Patients with elastic skin retract well. Patients with poor skin elasticity — typically after significant weight loss or with age — may have residual looseness that liposuction alone does not address.
How much can be removed?
Typically up to five liters of aspirate is removed safely in one operation. Larger volumes are staged.
Will it tighten my skin?
Some skin retraction happens naturally after liposuction, particularly in younger patients with elastic skin. Patients with poor skin elasticity may have residual looseness — in those cases a skin-removal procedure is needed in addition to or instead of liposuction.
Can I have liposuction everywhere I want?
Multiple areas can be addressed at one operation. Safe limits exist on total fat volume removed and total fluid replaced; very large multi-area cases may need to be staged.
When can I see the result?
Initial result is visible at two to four weeks as swelling subsides. Final contour shows at three to six months. Compression garments throughout this period help shape the result.
Ready to discuss liposuction?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Azadgoli and her team to explore your options.
Request a consultation