Liposuction is one of the most-performed body contouring procedures in the United States, and Dr. Amir Ghaznavi has performed more than 800 liposuction cases over his career. He is a double board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery, American Board of Surgery), an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Cosmetic Subcommittee, and a former staff plastic surgeon at AirSculpt in Vienna, Virginia.
This page is the starting point for understanding liposuction at AMG Plastic Surgery. Because liposuction is a category, not a single procedure, the right approach depends on which area of the body needs contouring and what outcome the patient is after. Dr. Ghaznavi evaluates each patient during a one-on-one consultation and recommends the specific liposuction approach that fits their anatomy and goals.
Liposuction Procedures Offered at AMG Plastic Surgery
Each of the procedures below is a distinct service with its own dedicated page. The right choice depends on which area of the body is being treated and the patient’s body composition.
Lipo 360
Lipo 360 treats the entire midsection in a single session, the abdomen, flanks, waist, lower back, and lower bra roll. It is the right procedure for patients who want a balanced, proportional silhouette rather than fat removal from a single isolated area. Dr. Ghaznavi has performed over 800 liposuction procedures, including a high volume of lipo 360 cases, and tailors the technique to each patient’s body composition.
High-Definition Liposuction
High-definition liposuction sculpts the body to enhance underlying muscle definition rather than simply reducing fat volume. It is the right procedure for patients who are already fit and want a more athletic, toned appearance, particularly in the abdomen, chest, flanks, and back.
Chin Liposuction
Chin liposuction targets fat under the chin and along the jawline to reduce the appearance of a double chin and improve neck definition. It is performed under local anesthesia with sedation and has a short recovery.
Male Liposuction
Liposuction techniques tailored for male patients, including abdominal etching, gynecomastia-related fat removal, and flank contouring. Dr. Ghaznavi adjusts technique selection based on the differences in male fat distribution and skin elasticity.
Liposuction Revision
Patients with poor results from prior liposuction performed elsewhere often need revision. Dr. Ghaznavi handles contour irregularities, asymmetry, and over-resection with careful planning and, when needed, fat grafting.
The staff at AMG were so professional and pleasant. I am extremely satisfied with my breast lift and lipo. I would highly recommend AMG.
How Liposuction Works
Liposuction removes localized fat deposits through small incisions. The surgeon inserts a hollow tube called a cannula into the subcutaneous fat layer, then uses suction to remove the fat. The tumescent technique, developed in the late 1980s, is the gold standard. It involves injecting a fluid containing lidocaine and epinephrine into the fat layer before removal, which reduces blood loss, minimizes damage to surrounding tissues, and lowers the risk of complications.
Several techniques are available depending on the case:
- Tumescent liposuction
- Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL/VASER)
- Suction-assisted liposuction (SAL)
- Laser-assisted liposuction
- Water-assisted liposuction (WAL)
Each technique has specific advantages depending on the area being treated, the type of fat, and the patient’s anatomy. Dr. Ghaznavi is trained and competent in every major technique and selects the right approach during consultation.
For a detailed walkthrough of how each technique works, including which areas are treated and the typical operative time, see the Lipo 360 page or the High-Definition Liposuction page.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Liposuction produces the best results in patients who:
- Are at or within 30% of their ideal body weight
- Have stable weight for at least 6 to 12 months prior to surgery
- Have localized fat deposits that have not responded to proper diet and regular exercise
- Have good skin elasticity
- Are nonsmokers or willing to stop smoking at least 4 weeks before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about what liposuction can deliver
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is not appropriate for patients who are significantly above their normal body weight, who have poor skin quality, or who expect the procedure to replace diet and exercise.
Patients with significant excess skin, common after massive weight loss from bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medications, often need an excisional procedure such as a tummy tuck, body lift, or arm lift instead of, or in addition to, liposuction.
Combining Liposuction With Other Procedures
Liposuction is frequently performed as part of a larger body contouring plan. Common combinations include:
- Liposuction with a tummy tuck for patients with both excess fat and loose abdominal skin
- Liposuction as part of a mommy makeover
- Liposuction with a Brazilian butt lift when fat is purified and transferred
- Liposuction paired with Renuvion / J-Plasma for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity
Dr. Ghaznavi evaluates each patient during the consultation to determine which combination produces the best outcome with the safest approach.
Recovery
Recovery varies by procedure and the volume of fat removed. Most patients take 5 to 7 days off work, wear a compression garment for 2 to 3 weeks, and avoid strenuous exercise for 4 to 6 weeks. Final results appear between 3 and 6 months as residual swelling resolves.
For procedure-specific recovery timelines, see the dedicated procedure pages linked above.
Risks and Safety
Liposuction performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon in an accredited facility has a strong safety record. Published data reports that life-threatening complications occur in approximately one in ten thousand cases. A 2015 study found a 1.5% postoperative complication rate, with risk increasing in cases involving larger volumes of fat removal.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons published a safety advisory addressing key risk factors in liposuction. Dr. Ghaznavi’s practice follows these safety guidelines, and his surgical facility, Diora Medvance Surgical Center, is pursuing AAAASF accreditation.
Why Choose Dr. Ghaznavi for Liposuction in Northern Virginia
- Double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery
- More than 800 career liposuction procedures
- Trained in every major liposuction technique
- Active member of the ASPS Cosmetic Subcommittee since 2018
- Published author in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on post-operative pain management and enhanced recovery
- Former staff plastic surgeon at AirSculpt Vienna, VA (2023-2025)
- Microsurgery fellowship at Cleveland Clinic
- Personalized consultation with Dr. Ghaznavi (not a patient coordinator)
Request a Consultation in Herndon, VA
If you are considering liposuction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ghaznavi at AMG Plastic Surgery in Herndon, Virginia. During your consultation, Dr. Ghaznavi evaluates your anatomy, discusses your goals, and recommends the specific liposuction approach that fits your body. AMG Plastic Surgery serves patients throughout Northern Virginia, including Fairfax, Ashburn, Reston, Sterling, Loudoun County, and the greater Washington, D.C. area.
