Clear It Out. Shape It Up.

Some areas just don’t respond to a clean diet and regular workouts. If you’re dealing with stubborn fat that won’t budge—no matter how disciplined your lifestyle—liposuction may be the solution you’re looking for. At Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery, we offer advanced, minimally invasive liposuction procedures to remove excess fat and sculpt your body with precision. This page covers everything you need to know about the liposuction process, from candidacy and recovery to techniques and cost.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a form of cosmetic surgery that removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. It targets fat cells in areas resistant to diet and exercise, like the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, back, and neck. The procedure involves small incisions through which a cannula (thin tube) is used to suction out the fat. At our Tampa clinic, liposuction is often performed using local anesthesia for awake liposuction or general anesthesia when treating larger areas.

This isn’t a weight-loss solution. Liposuction is best for healthy individuals who are near their ideal weight but want better contour in certain areas.

Why Patients Choose Liposuction

Remove stubborn fat in targeted areas
Achieve new contours in the midsection, arms, back, or thighs
Enhance self-esteem by feeling more confident in your skin
Complement other procedures like breast augmentation or a tummy tuck
Maintain results with a healthy lifestyle and consistent physical fitness

Who’s a Good Candidate?

You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you:

Are in good overall health
Have localized fat deposits that haven’t responded to exercise and diet
Have good skin elasticity (to minimize loose skin post-surgery)
Are not significantly overweight or planning to gain weight soon
Don’t smoke and have no major medical history issues

During your consultation with Dr. David Halpern, your goals, health history, and areas of concern will be reviewed to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan.

Tampa liposuction model with white outfit

Liposuction Techniques We Offer

Tumescent Liposuction: This traditional liposuction method involves injecting a saline solution with anesthetic into the fat to make removal easier and safer.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): This method uses ultrasonic energy to break down fat cells, making it ideal for fibrous or larger areas.

Fat Grafting and Transfer: Removed fat can be purified and reinjected into areas that need volume—such as the face, buttocks, or breasts—for a natural-looking enhancement.

Minimally Invasive Liposuction: For patients seeking shorter recovery times and less downtime, small incisions and precise techniques allow for a gentler approach to body sculpting.

Commonly Treated Areas

Liposuction can be performed almost anywhere fat collects, including:

Abdomen (including the entire midsection)
Hips and flanks
Thighs (inner and outer)
Back and bra line
Arms
Neck and chin
Knees and calves

Dr. Halpern tailors the liposuction procedure to address your most pressing concerns and create balanced, proportionate results.

Tampa liposuction model with blonde hair

What to Expect: The Entire Process

Your Initial Consultation

The first step is a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, Dr. Halpern will review your medical history, assess areas of unwanted fat, and determine if you're a good candidate for liposuction. You'll discuss your goals, learn which areas can be treated, and explore anesthesia options such as local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of your procedure.

The Day of Surgery

Liposuction is performed in our accredited Tampa facility using tiny incisions that allow for targeted fat removal with minimal scarring. Depending on the treatment area and method, you may be awake (using local anesthesia) or under general anesthesia. Most patients return home the same day to begin recovery.

Recovery and Aftercare

Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are normal and typically subside within a few weeks. You’ll wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and encourage skin retraction over your new contours. Most patients resume light activity within a few days and return to normal routines in several weeks, though healing varies.

When Results Appear

You may notice some immediate improvement, but your final results will become visible as swelling resolves. This can take a few weeks to a few months. With a healthy lifestyle and consistent weight, your new contours can be long-lasting, giving you a firmer, more defined silhouette.

Cost of Liposuction in Tampa

The cost of liposuction depends on several factors, including:

Number of areas treated
Type of anesthesia used
Complexity of your procedure

Liposuction cost in Tampa typically ranges between $3,500–$10,000. During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized quote. Financing options are available.

Combining Liposuction With Other Procedures

Liposuction often complements other body procedures, including:

Tummy Tuck (to remove loose skin)
Breast Augmentation (to balance proportions)
Body Contouring (after weight loss)
Neck Lift (to sharpen the jawline)

This approach can enhance overall results and reduce total downtime by addressing multiple concerns in one surgical plan.

Why Choose Dr. David Halpern for Liposuction in Tampa?

Triple board-certified and based in the Tampa Bay Area, Dr. Halpern offers decades of experience in plastic surgery and body contouring. Patients trust his surgical skill, eye for symmetry, and honest guidance. Every treatment is designed to deliver natural-looking improvements tailored to your unique anatomy.

Ready to Feel Confident in Your Skin Again?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. David Halpern today to learn how liposuction can reshape your body and improve your confidence. From traditional liposuction to advanced techniques, we’ll create a plan that works with your goals, timeline, and lifestyle.

Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

How long is recovery after liposuction?

Most patients return to work within a few days and resume full activities within several weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Is liposuction permanent?

Fat cells removed during liposuction do not return. However, weight gain can affect results. Maintaining physical fitness is key.

Does liposuction tighten loose skin?

Liposuction removes fat but doesn’t tighten skin. Patients with moderate loose skin may require body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck.

Will I be awake during liposuction?

Some procedures use local anesthesia (awake liposuction), while others require general anesthesia, especially for multiple areas.

Is liposuction safe?

When performed by a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Halpern, liposuction is considered a safe, effective procedure for fat removal.

How much does liposuction cost?

Liposuction costs vary based on area and complexity. We’ll provide a custom quote during your consultation.

For a More Confident Tomorrow

Schedule your consultation with Dr. David E. Halpern today

Dr. David E. Halpern is Tampa’s nationally renowned triple-board certified plastic surgeon, carefully blending expertise and artistry with extraordinary care. For the past two decades, Dr. Halpern’s dedication to exceptional care and commitment to his patients have made him Tampa’s most trusted plastic surgeon. Place your confidence in the capable hands of Tampa plastic surgeon Dr. David E. Halpern by scheduling a consultation today.

Tampa Bay Plastic Surgery is located in the Hyde Park area of South Tampa. We serve patients in Tampa Bay, Hyde Park, and out-of-town patients across Florida and beyond.

Liposuction Tampa, FL