Targeted Fat Reduction
Removes localized areas of excess fat that may be resistant to diet and exercise.
Liposuction & Contouring
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure designed to remove localized areas of excess fat and create smoother, more defined body contours.
It can be used to refine areas that remain resistant to diet and exercise, including the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, back, and beneath the chin.
Liposuction is not intended as a weight-loss procedure. Instead, it allows Dr. Phu C. Tran to selectively reshape specific areas of the body to improve proportion and definition. Every treatment plan is tailored to your anatomy, fat distribution, skin quality, and aesthetic goals to create results that look balanced with your natural figure.
Benefits of Liposuction
Improved Contours
Refines the shape of treated areas to create smoother, more defined body lines.
Balanced Proportions
Can improve the relationship between different areas of the body for a more proportionate overall silhouette.
Multiple Treatment Areas
Can be used to contour several areas of the face and body depending on your individual needs.
Customized Results
Treatment is planned around your natural anatomy rather than using the same approach for every patient.
Long-Lasting Improvement
Fat cells removed through liposuction do not grow back, although maintaining a stable weight is important for preserving your contours.
Getting Started
Your liposuction journey begins with a personal consultation focused on the areas you would like to improve. Dr. Tran will evaluate your fat distribution, skin elasticity, underlying anatomy, body proportions, and overall goals to determine whether liposuction is the right approach for you.
Together, you will identify the areas that can be safely and effectively treated and discuss how contouring one area may influence the proportions of surrounding areas. In some cases, treating more than one region can create a smoother and more balanced overall result.
Skin quality is also an important consideration. Liposuction removes excess fat but does not remove significant amounts of loose skin. If skin laxity is a primary concern, Dr. Tran may discuss whether another body contouring procedure would better address your goals.
Before & After Gallery
Explore real patient results and see Dr. Tran’s thoughtful, individualized approach to plastic surgery. Each result reflects careful attention to anatomy, proportion, and the patient’s unique goals.
Meet Your Surgeon
Dr. Phu Tran
Phu C. Tran, MD is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with a passion for helping patients feel more confident through thoughtful, individualized care. Combining advanced surgical training with years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, he believes every patient deserves to feel informed, comfortable, and supported throughout their surgical journey.
His dedication to surgical excellence, patient safety, and compassionate care has earned him the trust of patients seeking both cosmetic enhancements and complex reconstructive procedures throughout California.
First Class Service
“Highly Recommend”
I highly recommend Dr.Tran! His manners and compassion is what makes you feel welcomed and comfortable throughout appointments.
Victoria Silva Verified Google Review
Verified Google Review “On Time”
On Time did not wait past appointment time!! Wonderful office Staff! Doctor precise in telling exactly what had happened to my bone, and what was the next step in my care.
Verified Healthgrades Review
“Miraculous”
“Dr. Tran was so wonderful before, during, and after surgery! In my case, he is miraculous! I dealt with a dog bite to the face and he saved my career and improved my quality of life! I couldn’t be more grateful. Shoutout to Victoria for helping me with my paperwork! Stephanie is so kind and made me feel like a friend.
I appreciate her help! This team is wonderful! Come here!”
Lillian Burns Verified Google Review
The Procedure
Liposuction is performed through small, carefully positioned incisions near the areas being treated. A thin surgical instrument called a cannula is inserted beneath the skin to loosen and remove targeted fat deposits while sculpting the surrounding contours.
Rather than focusing solely on how much fat can be removed, Dr. Tran carefully considers how much should remain to maintain smooth transitions and natural proportions. The goal is to refine the treated area without creating an overly aggressive or irregular appearance.
Liposuction may be performed on a single area or several areas during the same procedure when appropriate. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, waist and flanks, hips, thighs, upper arms, back, and beneath the chin.
The procedure is typically performed under anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. The exact technique and extent of treatment will depend on your individualized surgical plan.
Recovery
Healing takes time, and Dr. Tran will guide you with care every step of the way.
Immediate Post-Operative
Swelling, bruising, tenderness, and temporary changes in sensation are common during the initial stages of liposuction recovery. You will typically be asked to wear a compression garment over treated areas to provide support and help manage swelling as your body heals.
Return to Activities
Many patients are able to return to light daily activities within several days and gradually return to non-strenuous work within approximately one week, depending on the number and size of areas treated. Exercise, heavy lifting, and more strenuous activities will need to be limited until Dr. Tran determines that it is safe to resume them.
Final Results
You may notice an improvement in your body shape relatively early, but swelling can temporarily obscure your final contours. As swelling gradually resolves over the following weeks and months, the treated areas become increasingly defined and natural in appearance. Final results continue to refine as the tissues settle and your new contours become more apparent.
Cost
Liposuction typically starts around $5,000, with the final cost depending on the number and size of areas being treated, the amount of contouring required, the surgical technique, and your individualized treatment plan.
Because liposuction can range from treating one small area to contouring several areas during the same procedure, pricing can vary considerably between patients. Following your consultation with Dr. Tran, our team will provide detailed pricing based on your specific surgical plan.
Your total investment may include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, surgical facility fees, compression garments, and other costs associated with your care. Liposuction performed for cosmetic purposes is generally not covered by health insurance.
FAQ’s
You may be a candidate if you are at or near a stable weight but have localized areas of fat that remain resistant to diet and exercise. Good skin elasticity can also help the skin adapt to your new contours following fat removal. Dr. Tran will evaluate your anatomy, overall health, and goals to determine whether liposuction is appropriate for you.
No. Liposuction is designed for body contouring rather than significant weight loss. It works best for patients who are relatively close to their desired weight and want to refine specific areas of disproportionate or stubborn fat.
Liposuction can be used in many areas where localized fat accumulates, including the abdomen, waist, flanks, hips, thighs, upper arms, back, and beneath the chin. Dr. Tran will determine which areas can be treated safely based on your anatomy and goals.
The appropriate amount varies from patient to patient. Dr. Tran considers your anatomy, the areas being treated, overall health, and surgical safety when determining how much fat should be removed. The goal is to create improved contours rather than simply remove the greatest possible volume.
Liposuction removes fat but does not directly remove significant amounts of loose skin. Patients with good skin elasticity may experience some natural contraction after treatment, while those with more substantial skin laxity may benefit from a procedure specifically designed to remove excess skin.
Yes. Multiple areas can often be treated during the same procedure when it can be done safely. Treating neighboring areas together may also help create smoother transitions and more balanced overall proportions.
Fat cells removed through liposuction do not grow back. However, remaining fat cells can increase in size if you gain weight. Maintaining a relatively stable weight can help preserve your results over time.
Liposuction is not specifically designed to treat cellulite and may not significantly improve skin dimpling or texture. If cellulite is one of your primary concerns, Dr. Tran can discuss whether other treatment options may be more appropriate.
Liposuction primarily removes localized fat, while a tummy tuck addresses excess abdominal skin and can also repair separated abdominal muscles when appropriate. Patients with good skin elasticity and excess fat may benefit from liposuction alone, while those with significant loose skin or abdominal wall changes may require a tummy tuck. The procedures can also be combined in selected patients.
Yes. Liposuction is frequently incorporated into other body contouring procedures to refine surrounding areas and improve overall proportions. Depending on your goals, it may be combined with procedures such as a tummy tuck, arm contouring, breast surgery, or other body procedures when appropriate and safe.