Procedures · Liposuction

Fat removed in layers, contour kept

Liposuction removes localized fat that has not responded to diet and exercise. Dr. Kao plans each case around anatomy, skin quality and the proportions of the whole body. Where the skin or abdominal wall needs more than fat removal, he will say so at consultation.

Before & After

How Dr. Kao approaches it

Small cannula, hidden access: Dr. Kao uses a cannula of 3.7 mm or smaller, which allows smaller incisions. He places them along natural folds and moles where anatomy allows, so they are easier to conceal.
Gradual, layered sculpting: A tumescent solution is placed first to loosen the fat and reduce bleeding. Fat is then removed in controlled layers, with attention to the surrounding contours, to reduce the risk of irregularities.
Skin decides the plan: Liposuction works best with firm, elastic skin. It does not tighten loose skin or repair separated muscle. When those are present, Dr. Kao may recommend combining it with a tummy tuck or the Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique.
Proportion over volume: Several areas can be treated in one procedure to keep the body in balance. The aim is a measured, natural contour. The amount removed follows from that.

Liposuction

Removal of stubborn, localized fat through small incisions to refine the body's contour.

7 real cases in Results

Liposuction is suited to fat that resists diet and exercise in a patient with good skin elasticity. As the fat is removed, elastic skin contracts smoothly over the new contour.

Areas Dr. Kao treats include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, back, knees, ankles, arms, chest, neck and jowls. Treating adjacent areas together helps the result read as one balanced shape.

Fat cells removed from an area do not return. The remaining cells can still enlarge with weight gain, so the result holds best at a stable weight. Results vary.

Often suited to

Localized fat that does not respond to diet and exercise
Firm, elastic skin
A stable, maintainable weight
Refinement of shape rather than weight loss

Technique

Tumescent solution placed first to loosen fat and reduce bleeding
Cannula of 3.7 mm or smaller
Incisions hidden in natural folds and moles where possible
Fat removed gradually, in controlled layers
Compression garment may be applied after surgery

Recovery Bruising, swelling, tenderness and temporary numbness are common early on. Light walking is encouraged soon after surgery. Many patients return to desk work in about one week, and strenuous exercise usually waits about three to four weeks, until Dr. Kao gives clearance. A compression garment, and in some cases lymphatic massage, may be recommended. Final results can take several months to show.

Liposuction with body contouring

Liposuction combined with a tummy tuck or the Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique when fat, loose skin and muscle separation occur together.

7 real cases in Results

Liposuction cannot correct loose skin or weakened abdominal muscles. When these accompany stubborn fat, Dr. Kao may combine it with a tummy tuck or the Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique to treat the whole midsection.

In a combined procedure, liposuction refines the waist, hips, flanks or lower abdomen while the abdominal procedure removes excess skin and repairs the muscle. Whether liposuction alone or a combined approach fits is decided at consultation.

Often suited to

Abdominal fat with loose or stretched skin
Muscle separation after pregnancy
Contour change after weight loss

Technique

Liposuction of the waist, hips, flanks or lower abdomen
Combined with a tummy tuck or the Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique
Plan based on skin elasticity, abdominal anatomy and fat distribution

Recovery Recovery is longer than after liposuction alone, and the return to work and exercise may be later. Dr. Kao sets the timeline for each combined plan.

Neck and under-chin liposuction

Liposuction of isolated fat beneath the chin and along the jowls in a neck with good skin elasticity.

The neck and jowls are among the areas Dr. Kao treats with liposuction. It may improve isolated fat beneath the chin when the skin still has good elasticity.

It does not remove excess skin or correct platysma laxity. In a lax neck, removing fat can make looseness more visible, and a neck lift may be the more appropriate treatment.

Often suited to

Isolated fullness beneath the chin
Good skin elasticity in the neck
Little or no excess skin or banding

Technique

Incisions can be placed beneath the chin
Assessed against skin quality, muscle and chin projection before planning

Questions

Does fat come back after liposuction?

The fat cells removed do not return. Liposuction does not prevent weight gain, and the cells that remain can enlarge. Patients who keep a stable weight generally keep the improvement, while pregnancy, aging and weight cycling can change body shape over time.

Will liposuction leave scars?

Any incision leaves a scar. Liposuction incisions are typically a few millimeters long, and Dr. Kao places them in discreet locations where anatomy allows. They are often pink at first and generally soften and fade over months, though healing varies by skin type and genetics.

How much fat can be removed?

There is no single safe number for every patient. The amount depends on health, body size, the areas treated, the anesthesia plan and whether another operation is combined. The goal is a balanced contour with an acceptable safety profile, not the maximum amount.

What if I have loose skin?

Liposuction does not significantly tighten loose skin. Dr. Kao evaluates skin quality, fat distribution and the abdominal wall at consultation. Where laxity is present, he may recommend combining liposuction with a tummy tuck or the Skinny Bikini Tuck™ Technique.

Can an uneven area from earlier liposuction be corrected?

Sometimes. A small, soft area of residual fat may be treated under local anesthesia in a medically cleared patient. Revision is often more complex than a first procedure because of scar tissue, so Dr. Kao first identifies whether the concern is fat, swelling, loose skin or scar tightness.

Before & After

How Dr. Kao approaches it

Often suited to

Technique

Often suited to

Technique

Often suited to

Technique

Questions

Further reading from Dr. Kao