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Liposuction Experience the Art of Body Contouring with Liposuction in Santa Monica


Liposuction

Dr. Massey first started performing and teaching liposuction at Columbia University over 25 years ago. He has continued his commitment to teaching through UCLA where he is an assistant clinical professor. For the past 20 years, Dr. Massey has been the Director of the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Santa Monica, offering his experience and talent as one of the premier liposuction surgeons in the country.

IS LIPOSUCTION A SUBSTITUTE FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

No. This technique is not meant for weight reduction or for the correction of generalized obesity. However, tumescent liposuction is a wonderful way to get rid of stubborn fatty areas and improve the overall contour of your body.

WHO IS THE IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSUCTION?

The best candidates have distinct areas that are out of proportion with the rest of their body and are in good general health.


Dr. Massey is an award-winning surgeon with 20+ years of experience performing liposuction on his patients in Santa Monica, California.
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ARE MEN GOOD CANDIDATES FOR LIPOSUCTION?

Yes. In general, men do very well with tumescent liposuction. They usually have good skin tone with well-defined localized areas that need treatment. As men tend to have a thicker dermis (the undersurface of the skin) and a more fibrous fatty layer, liposuction can be a little more difficult to perform. However, for the same reasons, in experienced hands, men often get the best results of all. While experience is important for all cosmetic surgery this is particularly true for liposuction in men where a different set of cannulas and a modified technique are needed to optimize results. Areas that we commonly treat in men include the neck and jowls, chest, abdomen, and love handles.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH LIPOSUCTION?

In men, the most common areas we treat are the neck and jowls, or a second chin, the chest, abdomen, and love handles. In women, the neck, abdomen, waist, hips, and thighs tend to be the main areas of concern although upper arms, buttocks, knees, and even ankles are also treated.

What is Tumescent Liposuction?

Dr. Massey is an expert in using local anesthetic for liposuction so that the patient is awake and comfortable throughout the procedure. This technique is much safer than combining general anesthesia (having the patient be asleep) with liposuction. Several studies have proven this to be true and validated that tumescent liposuction WITHOUT general anesthesia poses less risk of complications for patients. (Review of Liposuction, Abdominoplasty and Face-lift Mortality and Morbidity Risk Literature. Robert Yoho et al, Dermatol Surg 2005;31:733-743 and Tumescent Liposuction Report Performance Measurement Initiative: National Survey Results, William Hanke et al Dermatol Surg 2004:30:967-978).

Tumescence also firms up the fat so that the “sculpting” is more accurate. A bit like the difference between cutting a soft tomato (fat without tumescence) vs cutting a firm tomato (fat with tumescence). Dr. Massey’s technique also decreases the amount of bleeding as the epinephrine effect and use of thinner cannulas are much less traumatic than that of the traditional liposuction.

Is Tumescent Liposuction Safe?

Yes, very safe. For Dr. Massey safety is the first priority with any surgery. He has personally performed hundreds of liposuction surgeries, and none of his patients has had any type of serious complication. Indeed in a recent study of over 15,000 patients treated with tumescent liposuction, there was not a single serious complication. Furthermore, the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Santa Monica is an AAAHC accredited surgery center, adhering to the highest possible safety standards and using only the latest state-of-the-art equipment.

Is Tumescent Liposuction Painful?

No. Dr. Massey has perfected a technique of tumescent local anesthesia combined with minimal, carefully controlled sedation. With his technique patients are awake, listening to their favorite CD or talking with us throughout the procedure. This method has allowed us to optimize patient safety by avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia while keeping our patients totally comfortable. A further benefit is that our patients can freely move from side to side for us during the procedure and even stand up just before we do our final fine-tuning at the end of the procedure.

Expected Results and Timeline

We prioritize safety and efficiency, ensuring a quicker recovery by performing our procedures without general anesthesia. You can expect to witness visible results shortly after the procedure, with continuous improvement over the following weeks. 

Full recovery is typically achieved within a week or two, with temporary changes in skin sensation resolving within a few months. By three months, you should fully enjoy the results of your liposuction procedure.

Most patients resume work and normal activities within a week or two, with full recovery taking up to eight weeks for the most demanding exercises. 

Preparation and Aftercare Instructions

Our personalized consultations guide you through the process, emphasizing safety and comfort. Remember, liposuction is not a shortcut to weight loss but a personalized approach to body contouring and cosmetic enhancement. To prepare, you should have a BMI of 30 or less, stable weight, and realistic expectations. 

After your procedure, you should follow detailed aftercare instructions to optimize your recovery. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within a week or two, though demanding exercises may need to wait up to eight weeks. During the initial recovery days, limit physical activity to ensure a smooth healing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is liposuction a weight-loss method?

No, liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss. It is a body contouring procedure designed to remove localized fat deposits and sculpt specific areas.

How is liposuction different from diet and exercise?

Liposuction targets stubborn fat that may not respond to traditional diet and exercise. It is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle but a complement to achieve desired body contours.

What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?

Liposuction is versatile and can be performed on various areas, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, and more. Consult with our experts to determine the best approach for your goals.

How long does the liposuction procedure take?

The duration varies based on the extent of the cosmetic surgery procedure and the areas being treated. On average, it can take a few hours.

Is liposuction painful?

Discomfort is managed with anesthesia during the procedure. Post-surgery, some discomfort is normal, but it can be managed with prescribed medications.

Are there risks associated with liposuction?

As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks. Our experienced surgeons prioritize safety, and we will discuss potential risks and complications during your consultation.

Can liposuction tighten loose skin?

Liposuction primarily targets fat, but some degree of skin tightening may occur. If significant skin laxity is a concern, additional procedures like a tummy tuck may be recommended.

Can liposuction be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes, liposuction can be combined with other procedures such as breast augmentation, facelifts, or tummy tucks for comprehensive body enhancement.

Is liposuction a permanent solution?

Liposuction removes fat cells. And while the results are long-lasting, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to preserving the outcome, weight fluctuations can affect results over time.

Liposuction FAQ
Liposuction Recovery

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Contact the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Santa Monica today to learn more about liposuction for men during a consultation. Dr. Massey has performed countless liposuction procedures for men and can help you attain the well-defined and masculine-looking figure you want.
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HOW MUCH DOES LIPOSUCTION COST?

The cost of liposuction differs from one patient to another due to its highly individualized nature. The overall price reflects the anesthetic fee and extent of the work performed.

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Fat Transfer

Fat removed through tumescent liposuction.

Fat Transfer

Large selection of cannulas used by Dr. Massey allowing him to individualize the treatment approach for each body area and each patient rather than a one size fits all approach.

Fat Transfer

Old large cannula above with new thinner cannula below allowing a gentler more precise body contouring to be achieved.

Liposuction Before and Afters

Liposuction

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Liposuction

After

Liposuction

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Liposuction

After

Related Procedures to Consider

Patient Testimonials

CARING FOR THE PATIENT ABOVE ALL ELSE


"Dr Massey, you are a rarity today and a fine representation of what a doctor should be… caring for the patient above all else. Thank you most deeply for your beautiful work on my nose. Thank you most especially for seeing me through a very traumatic experience with outstanding care, sensitivity and professionalism."

-Suzanne B.

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Before & afters


For Dr. Massey safety is the first priority with any surgery. He has personally performed hundreds of liposuction surgeries, and none of his patients has had any type of serious complication. Indeed in a recent study of over 15,000 patients treated with tumescent liposuction there was not a single serious complication.

An image displaying the contrast between a woman's abdominal area prior to and following a tummy tuck surgery.
Visible change in a woman's tummy after undergoing liposuction, highlighting the effectiveness of the procedure.
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