Liposuction
Liposuction, also known as body contouring, removes stubborn pockets of fat from specific areas of the body to create a smoother, more defined shape. It can be used on areas where fat does not respond well to diet and exercise. Liposuction is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss treatment. Dr. Parham Mafi performs it in Fresno, California.
Book a consultationWhat is
Liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as body contouring, removes stubborn pockets of fat from specific areas of the body to create a smoother, more balanced shape. It is designed for areas where fat remains despite a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Liposuction can treat many areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, chin and neck, chest, back, calves, and ankles. In men, it can also be used to treat gynecomastia, a condition that causes excess breast tissue or fat in the chest.
It is important to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure and is not a substitute for losing weight. It also does not treat cellulite or stretch marks. The best candidates are generally at or near a healthy, stable weight, have areas of stubborn fat they would like to improve, and have enough skin firmness for the skin to tighten and smooth after the fat is removed.
Before surgery, Dr. Mafi will review your medical history, examine the areas you would like to treat, and discuss your goals. You may need to temporarily stop certain medications, including some anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners, before surgery. Dr. Mafi will also order lab work before surgery to make sure you are healthy and ready for the procedure.
The type of anesthesia used depends on the areas being treated and how much treatment is needed. Liposuction may be performed with local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia and can take several hours depending on the extent of the procedure. After surgery, you will wear a compression garment for several weeks to help reduce swelling and support your body as it heals. Temporary drains may also be used in some cases to help prevent fluid from building up.
Some soreness, bruising, and swelling are normal after liposuction and gradually improve over the following weeks. As the swelling continues to go down, the treated areas will become smoother and more defined. Liposuction results can be long-lasting when you maintain a stable weight, although future weight changes and the natural aging process can affect your results over time.
Liposuction can be used to remove stubborn fat from many areas, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, chin and neck, chest, back, calves, and ankles. In men, it can also be used to treat excess fat associated with gynecomastia. During your consultation, Dr. Mafi will determine which areas are best treated and whether they can safely be treated during the same procedure.
Liposuction removes stubborn pockets of fat to improve the shape and contour of specific areas. It is not a way to lose weight and does not treat cellulite or stretch marks. The best candidates are generally at a stable weight and have areas of fat that have not improved with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Removing the fat is only part of the process. Your skin needs to be able to tighten and adjust to your body's new shape after the fat is removed. If your skin is very loose or has lost its firmness, liposuction alone may not give you the result you want, and removing excess skin may be a better option.
You will wear a compression garment for several weeks after surgery to help reduce swelling and support your body as it heals. In some cases, temporary drains may be placed to prevent fluid from building up. Drains are a normal part of recovery and are typically removed one to two weeks after surgery, depending on your healing and how much fluid is being collected.
Am I a candidate for liposuction?
For fat that stays put at a stable, healthy weight.
Candidacy follows an in-person assessment of the area, skin elasticity, firmness, and your general health. Liposuction may be worth discussing if you have:
Stubborn Pockets of Fat
Specific areas where fat remains despite a healthy diet and regular exercise.
A Stable Weight
Your weight is stable, and you are able to maintain it with a healthy lifestyle.
Firm, Healthy Skin
Skin with enough firmness to tighten and adjust to your new shape after the fat is removed.
Good Overall Health
No medical conditions that could make surgery unsafe.
Body Contouring Goals
A wish to improve the shape and proportions of specific areas rather than lose weight.
Gynecomastia in Men
Excess fat or breast tissue in the chest that may be improved with liposuction.
Common questions about liposuction
No, the fat cells that are removed during liposuction are permanently removed. However, gaining weight after surgery can cause the remaining fat cells in your body to grow, which can change your overall shape and affect your results. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your liposuction results over time.
Will the fat come back?
No, the fat cells that are removed during liposuction are permanently removed. However, gaining weight after surgery can cause the remaining fat cells in your body to grow, which can change your overall shape and affect your results. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help you maintain your liposuction results over time.
Shape, Where
Effort Stopped Working
If there is an area that has not responded to anything you have tried, book a consultation with Dr. Mafi to find out whether liposuction is the right answer for it, or whether something else is.
Prefer to talk? Call (559) 890-6500.
Medically reviewed by Parham Mafi, M.D., F.A.C.S., board-certified plastic surgeon at Mafi Plastic Surgery. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.
Last medically reviewed August 2026Updated