Liposuction


Liposuction is one of the most effective ways to remove pockets of excess fat that diet and exercise are unable to resolve. Since 2006, our Washington DC liposuction practice, has been providing the most advanced liposuction techniques using Smartlipo, or laser-assisted liposuction, J-Plasma, and power assisted liposuction to produce superior results.
At DC Cosmetics, we will assess you and discuss with you both laser-assisted liposuction and traditional liposuction at our practice. Our website offers a vast trove of information, so be sure to click on the related pages to explore fully.
How does liposuction work?
All liposuction and other related minimally invasive body contouring procedures start with making a small incision thru the skin, and inserting a tumescent solution that contains epinephrine and lidocaine.
After that step, the procedures differ slightly (but not signficantly). We use a lot of laser-assisted liposuciton. With laser-assisted lipo, a thin tube, containing a laser fiber, is inserted into the fatty area through a tiny incision. The laser energy melts the fat, making it easier to extract, causing less trauma, with the added benefit of tightening the surrounding tissues for smoother results. Instead ofa laser, sometimes another energy device such as Vaser or J-plasma is used instead, for similar purposes.
The final step, again common to all liposuction and related minimally invasive body procedures, the fat is suctioned (hence the term “liposuction”. The surgeon’s experience and critical knowledge of the techniques will ensure best results, much more more than any technlogy used.

What Areas Can Be Treated With Liposuction?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of excess fat on your face or body, these areas can be treated with liposuction. The areas of the body that can be slimmed include:
- Arm Liposuction
- Neck and Chin
- Lower Back/Flanks (love handles)
- Midback/Bra line
- Abdomen
- Inner Thighs
- Outer Thi
Why Choose DC Cosmetics For Liposuction?
At DC Cosmetics, we have become a premier location for Washington DC liposuction procedures since our founding in 2006. Over 5500 liposuction cases have been performed at our facilities. Your liposuction is performed by an acclaimed, board-certified plastic surgeon, under stringent patient safety protocols. Dr. Khalifeh is the recipient of many scientific honors and distinctions and serves as a plastic surgeon for the U.S. Navy Reserves. Dr. Khalifeh is dedicated to helping his patients live happier, more confident lives, and offers custom liposuction at affordable rates to make it within reach for people from all walks of life. Dr. Khalifeh is a warm, understanding surgeon with a hand-selected team of professional support staff. You can expect honesty and open communication, with no sales pressure.
What is the Liposuction Procedure?
The first step in undergoing liposuction is a thorough evaluation of the fatty areas to be resolved. The areas to be treated are marked, and local anesthesia administered for your comfort. Tiny incisions are made, Followed by an energy delivering device such as Smartlipo or J-plastma. Finally, the extraction device (typically microaire) is inserted, and suction applied to remove the fat cells. Depending on the size of the area, or the quantity of fat, the procedure may take from one hour to several hours to complete.
What is the Recovery From Liposuction?
After your liposuction, the areas treated will be protected with a compression garment. This garment holds your skin tightly against the reshaped area of your body, so it heals smoothly and protects against excessive swelling. You may have bruising and swelling, which diminishes over a few days. Any discomfort is managed with pain medication. The incisions through which the fat is extracted are very small and you will have very hidden scars. You will need to take a day or two off work or other activities to rest and recover. Please see our detailed recovery timeline by clicking on the liposuction recovery timeline page.
Laser Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck
Dr. Khalifeh Demonstrates Arm Liposuction
Liposuction For Men and Women
Women have relied upon liposuction to resolve fatty areas for many years, and now men are choosing to undergo this procedure in ever-increasing numbers. Men who have excess fat at the belly or on the breasts are choosing to undergo this procedure to create a more masculine, fit physique. Women love the fact that liposuction can help them have a trimmer waist, tummy, or thighs, or remove excess under-chin fat, or on the upper arms.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
To be a good candidate for liposuction, you should be:
- In good general health
- Within 30 percent of your ideal body weight
- Your skin retains a good level of elasticity
- You don’t smoke or are willing to quit for at least four weeks before and following your treatment
- You have fatty areas on your abdomen, love handles, fatty upper arms, beneath the chin, or on the thighs or buttocks
- You want a more sculpted figure
What is Smartlipo? What is J-Plasma? What is VASER? and of course, which is better
We realize that the field of body contouring has become very confusing for patients shopping for a minimally invasive body contouring solution. In additon to many devices, some national companies have also sprung up such as SONOBELLO™ and AIRSCULPT™, offering their own versions of minimally invasive body contouring.
As we educate our patients, the primary determinant of how happy you will be with your results will be the skill and artistic eye of your surgeon, rather than the technology used. That said, we do perform a lot of our cases using awake laser assisted liposuction, or Smartlipo™ . We also perform J-Plasma™ and VASER™ lipo, as well as straight tumescent lipo or power assisted lipo in some cases.
Smartlipo™ is one of the world’s most advanced laser liposuction systems available in the USA and takes liposuction to the next level. The laser energy is emitted through a thin laser fiber within the treatment and extraction device. The benefits of this approach are that the fat can be extracted with far less trauma, as the laser energy melts it away from the surrounding tissue. The recovery time is faster, and Smartlipo has the added benefit of tightening the tissue around the treated area, for a smoother, firmer look overall.
What type of Anesthesia will I need?
The anesthesia choice still varies a lot between center to center. Traditional plastic surgery training is done at centers where liposuction is typically performed under general anestheia or under deep IV sedation. For larger volume cases, or in cases where liposuction is being combined with another more invasive procedure such as a tummy tuck, we will perform the procedure under general anesthesia.
For most cases, we prefer the AWAKE LIPO TECHNIQUES, which are done with minimal oral sedation and occasionally, PRONOX™ anesthesia. With these techniques we will numb the area well for your comfort.
At the time of your consult, we will discuss all options such as General Anesthesia, IV sedation, or Awake techniques, and depending on the volume and number of areas being done, as well as your preference, we will tailor a plan that will get you your desired goals in a safe and effective fashion.
What Type of Liposuction is Right For Me?
We will evaluate your desired treatment area and tailor our recomendation to your body. We will also discuss with you your preference for anesthesias choices, which will determine what technique needs to be used as some techniques are done awake, while others are done under deeper anesthesia.

Why choose Dr. Khalifeh for liposuction?
Dr. Khalifeh is an exceptionally talented and skilled plastic surgeon serving in the Washington DC area. He has a keen understanding of human anatomy, fat distribution, and aesthetic sensibilities, and he leverages that insight to provide the most stunning body contouring results. He patiently discusses your cosmetic goals and truly understands your expectations to curate a treatment plan that ensures optimal and authentic results that adhere to your specific aesthetic inclinations.
Dr. Khalifeh completed his plastic surgery training from one of the world’s most renowned medical institutions—the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He’s widely considered an expert in plastic surgery, often called upon to provide expert opinions for TV shows, news programs, and other outlets. His client base includes a wide roster of politicians, celebrities, musicians, and socialites who value natural results and discretion, both of which he’s uniquely capable of promising.
- Why should I undergo liposuction from a board-certified plastic surgeon?
The experience, quality, and artistry of your provider are the critical points in the results of your procedure. When under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with liposuction, you can expect superior results. Achieving board-certification requires many added years of education and practice beyond a medical degree. A “cosmetic surgeon” can be any certified medical doctor who performs cosmetic treatments and promotes these procedures.
- How much fat can be removed with liposuction?
A significant quantity of fat can be removed with liposuction. When deciding on the amount of fat to be removed, a full health evaluation is required. The general guidelines for fat removal involve a maximum limit of 11 pounds of fat to be removed, although BMI (body mass index) is being evaluated as being a more accurate way to make this decision, based on a recent study. Removing 11 pounds of fat from a patient weighing 130 and a patient weighing 190 pounds is far different, and the decision should be made by a qualified and experienced medical professional.
- Will I have scars after liposuction?
The incisions through which the fat extraction device is placed are tiny only about 3 to 6 mm in length. These incisions heal quicly into small and not very noticeable marks. In additon, we will place all incisions in aeras where they are not likely to be seen.
Contact us
Are you considering body sculpting with liposuction? We invite you to meet with us and discover a plastic surgery center where you will feel cared for and valued, and where your procedure will be performed with advanced technical skills. Contact us today and schedule a consultation to receive some of the best liposuction.

Abdomen Liposuction
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Areas Treatable With Liposuction
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Arm Liposuction
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Back Liposuction
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Inner Thigh Liposuction
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Laser Liposuction
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Smartlipo
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