Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?

No. Liposuction is a contouring tool, not a substitute for weight loss. It refines localized fat in patients at or near a stable weight rather than reducing overall body weight.

How is liposuction different from a tummy tuck?

Liposuction removes localized fat but does not tighten loose skin or repair muscle. A tummy tuck addresses excess skin and separated abdominal muscles. The two are often combined for a more complete result.

What is recovery like after liposuction?

A compression garment is typically worn to support healing. Many resume light activity within a week or two, depending on the patient and areas treated, with final contour refining as swelling settles.

Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck or as part of a mommy makeover. Whether this is appropriate depends on your anatomy and goals, discussed at your consultation.

Woman with a refined, contoured figure illustrating liposuction results at Plastic Surgery of Austin

Targeted Contouring

Liposuction in Austin

Liposuction is a contouring tool, not a weight-loss method — and that distinction is where natural results begin. Dr. Kaimana Chow uses it to refine stubborn, diet-resistant pockets of fat and bring the body into smoother proportion. For patients across the Austin area with good skin elasticity, it can sculpt areas like the abdomen, flanks, and thighs that resist exercise alone.

Request a Consultation

Overview

Refinement, not weight loss

Liposuction shapes rather than reduces overall weight. It works best on localized fat in patients near a stable weight with good skin quality, refining contour where diet and exercise plateau.

Targeted Reduction

Localized, diet-resistant fat is removed to refine contour in specific areas.

Smooth Proportion

Treatment is planned to blend naturally with surrounding areas for a balanced silhouette.

Skin Quality Matters

Good skin elasticity helps the skin re-drape smoothly, which is reviewed during planning.

Recovery & Support

A compression garment and clear aftercare guide a comfortable recovery.

At a Glance

Procedure Snapshot

This procedure centers on targeted fat reduction and contour refinement, planned around your individual anatomy and goals.

What is the difference between high-definition liposuction and traditional liposuction?

Traditional liposuction involves removing excess fat from select parts of the body. High definition liposuction, on the other hand, accents certain muscle groups by strategically removing fat and sculpting your body. During your private consultation, Dr. Chow will examine your concerns and determine the treatment best suited for you.

How can liposuction help to achieve my body goals?

Stomach
Inner thighs
Outer thighs
Upper arms
Lower back
Bra rolls

Liposuction is among the most powerful – and empowering – methods of body contouring.

Chest
Double chin
Love handles
Calves
Hips
Waist

Together with a healthy diet and daily exercise, liposuction can help you work toward your body contouring goals. Liposuction can be effective in treating the following areas:

How exactly is liposuction performed?

Liposuction is among the most popular cosmetic procedures on the planet. It can be performed under local or general anesthesia depending on the amount of fat removed. During the procedure, a numbing fluid is first injected to not only numb the area but prevent blood loss.

After the injection of fluid, a thin tube known as a cannula is inserted through a small incision near the target area. Excess fat is then suctioned out of the body and either discarded, or saved for use during a fat transfer procedure. Liposuction is often used in tandem with another surgical treatment, such as male breast reduction, mommy makeover, arm lift or a thigh lift.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

He will perform a customized physical evaluation, analyze your body’s fat distribution and help you get started on the road to achieving your aesthetic goals. In general, good candidates for liposuction are:

Psychologically and physiologically healthy
Non-smokers
Realistic in their expectations for body contouring
Healthy and stable weight

As with any procedure, the best way to make an informed decision is to schedule a private consultation with Dr. Chow at his Lakeway office in Austin.

Liposuction vs. Weight Loss

Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss. It removes localized fat to refine shape, but it is not intended to reduce overall body weight or treat obesity. The best candidates are at or near a stable weight and looking to address specific areas that resist diet and exercise.

Areas That May Be Treated

Liposuction can refine a range of areas where stubborn fat tends to gather. Treatment is always planned to blend smoothly with the surrounding contour.

Abdomen, waist, and flanks
Thighs and hips
Upper arms and back
Submental area (under the chin and neck) when offered

Recovery and Compression Garments

A compression garment is typically worn after liposuction to support healing and help the skin re-drape. Recovery varies depending on the patient and the areas treated; many resume light activity within a week or two, with final contour refining as swelling settles over the following weeks.

Considerations

Who This Procedure May Be For

01Localized, diet-resistant pockets of fat
02Being at or near a stable, healthy weight
03Good skin elasticity in the treatment areas
04A desire to refine contour rather than lose weight
05Realistic, contour-focused expectations

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common areas include the abdomen, flanks, waist, thighs, hips, arms, and back, and the area under the chin when offered. Treatment is planned to blend smoothly with the surrounding contour.