Liposuction in Irvine, CA
Stubborn fat can linger, even when you follow a healthy diet and exercise routine. Liposuction removes those localized fat pockets to create smoother contours and a more proportionate silhouette. Ideal for patients with good skin elasticity, the procedure sculpts areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and neck. At South Coast Plastic Surgery, our board-certified surgeons combine advanced technique with an artistic eye to reveal the shape you’ve been working toward.
Expert Surgeons
4.9 Google Rating
Serving Orange County Since 2012
Procedure Quick Facts:
- Duration of Procedure:1-3 hours
- Anesthesia:General (twilight for small areas)
- Recovery:General (twilight for small areas)
- Results Duration:Long-lasting with stable weight
Liposuction is a body-contouring surgery that removes localized fat deposits through tiny incisions and a slender suction tube called a cannula. The goal is not weight loss but strategic sculpting, allowing your natural shape to shine by eliminating bulges that resist diet and exercise. A tumescent fluid containing anesthetic and epinephrine is first infused to minimize discomfort, bleeding, and bruising. The fat is then gently suctioned away, leaving a smoother, more balanced profile.
Because each person accumulates fat differently, our surgeons approach liposuction as an art form. They evaluate your proportions, skin quality, and goals to decide which areas to treat and how much fat to remove. The result is a refined contour that looks like the best version of you—never overdone or uneven.
If you're considering liposuction, South Coast Plastic Surgery is here to guide you through every step. Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your concerns and helps you achieve your aesthetic goals.
- Target Areas That Resist Diet and ExerciseEven with a disciplined lifestyle, some fat pockets simply won’t budge. Liposuction focuses on those trouble spots, allowing you to finally see the definition you’ve earned.
- Enhance Body Proportion and BalanceBy removing excess volume from specific regions, liposuction restores harmony between your waist, hips, thighs, and other areas, creating a more proportionate silhouette.
- Boost Confidence in Clothing and SwimwearSlimmer contours make fitted clothing and swimwear feel more comfortable and flattering, helping you feel at ease in social and professional settings.
- Long-Lasting Results with Stable WeightFat cells removed by liposuction do not grow back. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, and your new shape can last for years, with future weight gain distributed more evenly.
- Minimal Scarring with Tiny, Strategically Placed IncisionsIncisions are only a few millimeters long and hidden in natural skin creases whenever possible, so evidence of surgery is barely visible once healed.
- Versatile Treatment for Multiple Body AreasFrom the chin to the ankles, liposuction can address a wide range of regions in a single session or staged approach, streamlining your transformation.
Watch our videos to see real patient results, learn from our experts, and discover what makes South Coast Plastic Surgery a trusted choice in Orange County.
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Removes localized fat pockets to reveal smoother, more defined curves you can’t achieve with exercise alone
Improves the fit and comfort of clothing by slimming areas like the waist, thighs, and upper arms
Provides long-term contour enhancement because removed fat cells do not regenerate after surgery
Requires only tiny incisions that heal into barely noticeable marks hidden in natural body creases
Traditional Tumescent Liposuction
The gold-standard method uses a diluted anesthetic solution to swell and numb the tissue, making fat easier to remove and reducing bleeding. Ideal for most patients seeking reliable contouring with a proven safety record.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
A specialized cannula vibrates rapidly to gently dislodge fat, allowing for efficient removal with less surgeon fatigue. PAL is helpful for fibrous areas such as the back or male chest and can shorten operative time.
High-Definition (HD) Liposuction
Combines meticulous fat removal and selective fat etching to accentuate underlying muscle definition, creating athletic contours in the abdomen, flanks, and arms. Best suited for patients with good skin tone and a lower body-fat percentage.
See real results from our patients
Dr. Kyle Song and Dr. Paige Benyamein are board-certified plastic surgeons with extensive experience in body contouring. They combine precise surgical skill with an artistic approach to create smooth, natural-looking results while prioritizing patient safety and comfort.
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Beauty Inside-Out
We treat beyond the visible, caring for your inner wellness as much as your outer beauty. Every aesthetic treatment is provided with warm and exceptional care to elevate your well-being and confidence.
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Unmatched Predictability
Visualize your potential results with cutting-edge Crisalix 3D imaging, ensuring clarity and confidence from the start of your cosmetic journey. Our transparent planning process covers every detail, from realistic expectations to comprehensive pricing.
Expert Healing
Your personalized care plan doesn't end when you leave the operating room. Adoreal's automated recovery prompts guide you through a personalized healing journey, including 24/7 access to your surgical team to address questions or concerns. Track your aesthetic recovery progress in real-time, receive important reminders, and experience peace of mind knowing that expert support is always available.
Protected Investment
We stand behind our work with comprehensive warranty coverage that protects your aesthetic outcomes long after your final follow-up. Your care includes up to 5 years of medical complication protection, a 2-year satisfaction guarantee for minor adjustments, and lifetime implant monitoring for eligible cases. Combined with ongoing access to your complete medical records and continued support from our team, you can trust that your journey to confidence is backed by expertise, technology, and a genuine commitment to your long-term well-being.
A Customized Approach to Breast Procedures in Irvine & Ladera Ranch
Your consultation is a private, personalized experience designed around your goals.
Our surgeon will also assess individual factors such as skin elasticity, localized fat thickness, and overall body proportions, along with your personal preferences to determine the best approach for your goals.
- Your aesthetic goals and ideal body proportions
- Areas of stubborn fat you’d like addressed
- Available liposuction techniques and their benefits
- Recovery timeline, activity restrictions, and garment use
- Potential risks and how we minimize them
- Cost, financing, and scheduling considerations
See Your Future Self
Ideal candidates are close to their healthy weight yet bothered by isolated fat deposits that distort their contours. A consultation helps determine whether liposuction or another treatment is the safest, most effective option for your needs.
Ideal candidates are close to their healthy weight yet bothered by isolated fat deposits that distort their contours. A consultation helps determine whether liposuction or another treatment is the safest, most effective option for your needs.
Overall good physical and mental health
Localized fat pockets unresponsive to diet and exercise
Firm, elastic skin to ensure smooth re-draping
Non-smoker or willing to stop before and after surgery
Stable body weight for at least six months
Realistic expectations about results and recovery
Ability to follow post-operative instructions and wear compression garments
This personalized assessment ensures your consultation is tailored specifically to you, with no obligation. Your wellness journey, our commitment.
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Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment
Your journey begins with a private consultation with Dr. Song or Dr. Benyamein. This visit is focused on understanding what changes you'd like to see and whether liposuction is the right solution for your concerns.
During your consultation, your surgeon will:
• Discuss your aesthetic goals and lifestyle
• Evaluate fat distribution and skin quality in target areas
• Review your medical history and medications
• Explain surgical techniques, anesthesia, and recovery
• Answer all questions and outline realistic expectations
Together, you'll create a surgical plan tailored to your anatomy and lifestyle, with safety and realistic outcomes as the priority.
The Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction is usually performed under general anesthesia for maximum comfort, though small areas can be treated with twilight sedation.
During the procedure:
• Tiny incisions are hidden in natural creases near the treatment area
• Tumescent solution is infused to numb tissue and reduce bleeding
• A cannula loosens and removes excess fat using suction
• Contours are refined and symmetry double-checked for smooth results
Incisions are closed with small sutures or adhesive strips, and a compression garment is placed to support your new contours.
Liposuction Recovery Timeline
Recovery experiences vary, but most patients follow a similar general timeline.
Immediately after surgery
You’ll rest in our recovery suite before heading home the same day with a friend or family member.
First few days
• Manage soreness with prescribed medication
• Wear compression garment continuously
• Begin gentle walking to promote circulation
Weeks 1-2
• Return to desk work within 3-7 days as tolerated
• Bruising starts to fade; swelling gradually decreases
• Follow-up appointment to check healing and remove sutures if necessary
Weeks 3-4
•Increase light exercise with surgeon approval
• Continue wearing garment part-time for optimal contour
You'll receive personalized post-operative instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns.
Your Liposuction Results
Liposuction results are visible right away, though your treated areas will continue to change as swelling resolves and tissues settle.
Early results
Slimmer contours are noticeable once initial swelling subsides within the first week.
Following weeks
Definition improves steadily; about 60-70% of your outcome is visible by three weeks.
Final results
By three to four months, residual swelling has resolved and your new shape is fully revealed.
With proper care and a stable weight, liposuction results can be long-lasting, helping you enjoy greater confidence and freedom in your appearance.
- Days 3 - 5
- Week 1 - 2
- Week 2 - 3
- Week 4 - 6
- Month 2 - 3
- Month 4 - 6
- Long time
Liposuction Results and Safety Considerations
Understanding how surgical technique, anatomy, and healing affect liposuction results can help you set realistic expectations and feel confident in your decision.
Achieving Natural-Looking Results
Natural contours depend on careful planning and precise fat removal. Our surgeons begin by mapping your unique fat distribution and muscle landmarks. They remove just enough volume to smooth bulges while maintaining gentle transitions between treated and untreated areas. Skin elasticity, age, and post-operative garment use all influence how the skin re-drapes over your new shape. By combining technical skill with an artistic eye, we create results that look inherently balanced—never over-suctioned or uneven.
Clear communication about your goals is equally important. Whether you want subtle refinement or more dramatic slimming, we tailor the extent of fat removal to align with your vision while preserving a natural aesthetic.
Where Are the Incisions?
Incisions are typically 2-4 mm long and placed in natural skin folds near the treatment area for discreet healing.
Within the belly-button for abdominal treatment
Incisions are carefully planned to follow natural contours and are closed with precision to support proper healing and minimize long-term visibility.
Is Scarring a Concern?
Because liposuction incisions are so small, scarring is minimal. Early redness and firmness gradually fade and flatten over time. Good wound care, sun protection, and silicone products can further optimize scar appearance.
Scar Healing Timeline
As your body heals, scars will change gradually over time:
Weeks 1-2
Scars may appear red and slightly raised
Months 1-3
Scars typically soften and begin to flatten
Around 6 months
Noticeable fading often occurs
1-2 years
Scars may continue to lighten and become less noticeable
Following post-operative instructions and recommended scar care plays an important role in how scars mature.
Understanding Risks and Safety
Understanding Risks and Safety
Liposuction is generally safe when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks to be aware of.
Potential risks may include:
• Bleeding or fluid accumulation (seroma)
• Infection at incision sites
• Contour irregularities or asymmetry
• Changes in skin sensation, such as temporary numbness
• Prolonged swelling or bruising
• Anesthesia-related complications
Your surgeon will review these risks with you in detail during your consultation and explain how they are minimized through careful planning, surgical technique, and follow-up care.
Reducing Your Risk
Your safety is a top priority at South Coast Plastic Surgery. Steps taken to support a safe liposuction experience include:
• Thorough pre-operative evaluation
• Precise surgical planning tailored to your anatomy
• Surgery performed in a fully accredited facility
• Detailed post-operative instructions and follow-up care
By choosing an experienced surgical team and following recovery guidelines closely, most patients heal well and are satisfied with their liposuction results.
The cost of your procedure will vary based on a variety of factors. During your consultation, your doctor will discuss your desired outcomes in detail and provide a fully transparent breakdown of all associated costs. Our practice helps patients achieve their aesthetic goals with a variety of financing options.
Financing options available through:
Trusted by Our Community
4.8/5 stars for 334 reviews / 90% word-of-mouth referral rate / Over 15 years serving Orange County
Dr. Song performed my breast implant surgery nearly 10 yrs ago with the ideal breast implant. I've had no issues in this time. I live on the other side of the country now, but I would've loved to come back for removal, since I'm on an all natural journey. I hope to find someone who can take care of me, keep me safe, & assured during & after surgery as Dr. Song & his staff did.
N. Snoozzz
Thank you Dr. Song. I’m 10 days post opp and am so happy with my experience with my mommy makeover! I can’t tell you how comfortable Dr. Song and his staff made me feel throughout this whole process. Surgery is a bit of a scary decision and sometimes I agonized about for years but I can promise you are in the best care with this team. I highly highly recommend them and am already so happy with my results !
About the procedure
Is liposuction a weight-loss surgery?
No. Liposuction is designed to remove localized fat deposits and improve body contour, not to reduce overall body weight.
How is liposuction performed?
Tiny incisions are made near the target area, tumescent fluid is injected, and a cannula suctions out unwanted fat to create smoother contours.
What areas can be treated with liposuction?
Common areas include the abdomen, flanks, thighs, hips, back, arms, neck, and under the chin.
How long is the recovery after liposuction?
Most patients return to desk work in about 3-7 days, but swelling can take several weeks to resolve fully.
Recovery & Results
When will I see final liposuction results?
While you’ll notice improvement quickly, it typically takes three to four months for all swelling to resolve and results to settle.
Will I need to wear a compression garment?
Yes. You’ll wear a snug garment for about three weeks to reduce swelling and help the skin adhere smoothly to your new contours.
What are the risks of liposuction?
Risks include infection, bleeding, contour irregularities, numbness, and anesthesia-related complications, though serious issues are uncommon with experienced surgeons.
How do you ensure my safety during surgery?
Our surgeons operate in an accredited facility, follow strict protocols, and provide detailed pre-operative evaluations and post-operative care to minimize risks.
Safety & Risks
Is liposuction covered by insurance?
Liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance plans.
What financing options are available?
We partner with CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit to offer flexible payment plans that fit your budget.
Will the fat come back after liposuction?
Removed fat cells are gone permanently, but remaining cells can enlarge with weight gain, so maintaining a stable weight preserves your results.
When can I exercise after liposuction?
Light walking is encouraged right away, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for about three to four weeks or until your surgeon clears you.
Cost & Insurance
Is liposuction covered by insurance?
Liposuction is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by insurance plans.
What financing options are available?
We partner with CareCredit and Alphaeon Credit to offer flexible payment plans that fit your budget.
Lifestyle & Long-Term Care
Still have questions?
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