Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics

Remove stubborn fat for good with liposuction in Chicago

Your workouts aren’t the problem. Some fat simply doesn’t respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction physically removes those fat cells through 3 to 5 millimeter incisions, and our board-certified surgeons match the technique to your body so the result looks like dedicated fitness, not surgery.

  • Voted #1 Plastic Surgery Clinic in Chicago, trusted nationwide
  • Safety-first surgery in an AAAHC-accredited surgical center
  • Thousands of unedited before and after photos
  • Transparent pricing and flexible financing

Complimentary virtual consultation (a $250 value). Photo-based, with no commitment required.

“The result of the surgery has given me a newfound confidence that I’ve never experienced before. I am so glad I decided to make this investment in myself.”
Actual Patient, Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics
★★★★★  Google: 4.8 Stars
Board-certified cosmetic and plastic surgeons
AAAHC-accredited surgical center

The procedure

Medically reviewed by Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong, MD, FACS and Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin. Last reviewed August 2026.

Why stubborn fat ignores your workouts, and what liposuction does about it

You eat well. You train. And the same pockets sit exactly where they always have: the lower belly, the flanks, the inner thighs, under the chin. That is not a discipline problem. Some fat is structural, held in place by genetics, and no amount of cardio decides where your body burns it.

What liposuction actually does

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that permanently removes localized fat deposits through small, strategically placed incisions. Unlike weight loss methods that only shrink existing fat cells, liposuction physically removes those cells from your body. What remains is a smoother contour and better balanced proportions in the treated area.

At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, your surgeon selects from the latest advancements, including tumescent, power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and laser-assisted liposuction, and recommends the most appropriate method for your body during your consultation.

What happens on surgery day

  • Treatment areas are marked while you stand, to plan your contour accurately
  • Anesthesia is administered, local or general depending on the extent of treatment
  • Small incisions, typically 3 to 5 millimeters, are made in inconspicuous locations
  • A cannula, a thin tube, breaks up and removes the unwanted fat
  • Incisions are closed with small sutures
  • A compression garment is applied to minimize swelling and support healing

Most procedures take between 1 and 4 hours, depending on the number and size of treatment areas.

Where liposuction works

  • Abdomen and flanks, the “love handles”
  • Thighs: inner, outer, front, and back
  • Arms, upper and lower
  • Back, including the bra roll area
  • Chest, including male breast reduction for gynecomastia
  • Chin and neck
  • Calves and ankles

How long results last

The fat cells removed by liposuction do not return. Maintaining a stable weight is what protects your result: significant weight gain after liposuction can cause the remaining fat cells to enlarge, which can affect your new contour.

Our team gives every patient practical guidance for the long term: a balanced diet, regular activity, hydration, a stable weight, and your scheduled follow-up visits.

The decision, simplified

Which liposuction is right for you?

Not every body, and not every goal, calls for the same technique. These are the four approaches our surgeons use most, and who each one serves best. Your consultation confirms the right match for your anatomy.

Traditional and tumescent

For targeted fat removal

The proven foundation. A tumescent solution is injected into the treatment area to reduce bleeding and discomfort, then the fat is removed through a thin cannula. A dependable choice for nearly every treatment area on the body.

Smart Lipo

For laser-assisted removal

Laser-assisted liposuction that uses laser energy to liquefy fat for easier removal. Ideal for stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise.

Explore Smart Lipo

VASER Hi-Def

For athletic definition

Ultrasonic energy disrupts and contours fat with added precision while leaving surrounding tissue largely untouched. For patients who want a more athletic, toned physique, including defined ab lines.

Explore VASER Hi-Def

Lipo 360

For the full midsection

Circumferential sculpting of your entire midsection: the abdomen, flanks, and back treated in a single procedure for a smooth, defined contour from every angle. For patients who want the waistline treated as one shape, not one area at a time.

Explore Lipo 360

Candidacy

How do I know if liposuction is right for me?

In consultations, it usually sounds like this: “I work out four times a week and eat clean, but my lower belly will not move.” “Since the kids, my waist is a different shape.” “I lost the weight, and one stubborn area is still holding on.” If any of those sound familiar, you are describing what liposuction was designed for. Choosing it is not giving up on the gym; it is the next step when discipline alone can’t change genetics.

Liposuction is a contouring procedure, not a weight loss procedure, and the best results come from the right starting point. Liposuction might be appropriate for you if:

  • You maintain a stable weight within 30% of your ideal body weight, or have a BMI of 32 or less
  • You have good skin elasticity and muscle tone
  • You have specific areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise
  • You’re in good overall health, with no conditions that impair healing
  • You don’t smoke, or you’re willing to quit before surgery
  • You have realistic expectations about what liposuction can achieve

Checking most of these boxes and still unsure? That is exactly what the consultation is for. Your surgeon will review your specific concerns and confirm whether liposuction, or a different procedure, is the right answer for your goals.

Proof, not promises

Real liposuction results from real Chicago patients

Liposuction is a visual decision, so judge it visually. Every photo below is an unedited Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics patient, and each case links to its full photo set so you can see every angle, not just the flattering one.

All photos are actual, unedited patients of Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics. Results may vary from patient to patient.

Recovery

What liposuction recovery really looks like

Recovery is a schedule question for most patients: who covers work, who watches the kids, when the gym comes back. Here is the honest shape of it.

  • Surgery day

    Your procedure takes between 1 and 4 hours depending on the areas treated. A compression garment is applied before you leave to minimize swelling and support the healing tissue.

  • The first few days

    Rest, then rebuild. Most patients are able to return to work within a few days, depending on how physical the job is and how many areas were treated.

  • The first few weeks

    Most patients resume their full activities, including exercise, within a few weeks. Swelling is still doing its slow exit at this stage, so what you see is not yet what you get.

  • Weeks to months

    Swelling can take weeks to months to fully resolve. The area continues to refine as the tissue settles into its new contour.

  • Several months

    Final results typically appear within several months. The fat cells removed are gone for good; a stable weight keeps the contour you paid for.

This is a general guide and times vary from patient to patient. Your surgeon and patient care team will walk you through a plan for your specific procedure and answer questions at every stage of your recovery.

Transparent pricing

How much does liposuction cost in Chicago?

Cost is the first question most patients ask, so we answer it in the open instead of behind a phone call. Your exact quote depends on the technique, the number of areas treated, and your surgeon’s plan, but these are the real ranges from our own procedure pages:

Smart Lipo $5,000 to $10,000 or more Depending on the areas that are treated. See the Smart Lipo page for details.
VASER Hi-Def liposuction $8,995 to $12,000 average Depending on the surgeon’s expertise, treatment areas, and additional procedures such as skin tightening or fat transfer. See the VASER Hi-Def page.
Lipo 360 From $8,995 Your final cost depends on your surgeon’s fee, the number of areas treated, OR and anesthesia costs, and the method used. See the Lipo 360 page.
Thigh liposuction Starting at $5,995 See the thigh liposuction page for what is included.

Achieving your dream look shouldn’t be out of reach. We offer clear, upfront pricing and a variety of flexible financing options so you can move forward with confidence and ease, without the financial stress. CareCredit, Cherry, and Alphaeon financing are available for qualified applicants, and you can apply from the comfort of your home or talk it through with your patient coordinator.

Your investment covers the whole journey, not just the operating room: your surgeon’s fee, the OR and facility fee, a post-surgical garment, and post-op visits for up to one year of care.

For an exact quote for your body and your goals, book your complimentary virtual consultation or call our office at (312) 846-1529.

Why here

Why patients choose Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics for liposuction

Voted #1 Plastic Surgery Clinic in Chicago

Trusted by patients in Chicago and nationwide, we’re proud to be recognized for surgical excellence, safety, and results. Approximately 40% of our patients travel from outside Illinois to work with our surgical team.

A specialist matched to your goals

You’re never treated by a “general” cosmetic surgeon. You’re matched with a board-certified surgeon who performs your procedure every day, for concentrated experience and a more personalized plan.

Thousands of unedited before and after photos

View thousands of unedited before and after photos showing real results from real patients, so you can judge our work with your own eyes.

Transparent pricing and flexible financing

Clear, upfront pricing and a variety of flexible financing options so you can move forward with confidence, without the financial stress.

Cutting-edge techniques and technology

We use only the latest, proven technologies and surgical techniques to ensure optimal results, and our team is constantly evolving to deliver the safest and most effective outcomes available today.

Nationally accredited for patient safety

Our surgeons and clinical staff follow strict safety protocols with zero surgical deaths. Our surgical facility is AAAHC-accredited, reflecting the highest standards in outpatient surgical care, and many of our surgeons serve as educators and trainers for other surgeons.

A care team that knows your name

From your first message to your one-year follow-up, you work with a dedicated patient coordinator, the person our reviews mention most. Monika, Lauren, Jenny, Caroline, Nikki, and Jolina answer the questions you think are too small to ask, keep your pricing and scheduling straight, and stay reachable through your recovery.

Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong, triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon at Chicago Breast and Body Aesthetics

Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong

Dr. Anh-Tuan Truong is a triple-board certified cosmetic surgeon, including the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, American Board of Surgery, and the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery.

About Dr. Truong
Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin, board-certified plastic surgeon at Chicago Breast and Body Aesthetics

Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin

Dr. Pey-Yi Kevin Lin is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago who emphasizes tailored care and treatment for each individual patient. Dr. Lin’s specialty lies primarily in breast and body contouring.

About Dr. Lin
Dr. John D. Rachel, quadruple board-certified facial plastic surgeon at Chicago Breast and Body Aesthetics

Dr. John D. Rachel

Dr. John D. Rachel, a distinguished figure in facial plastic surgery, holds four board certifications, including Facial Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, and Otolaryngology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and specializes in chin and neck contouring alongside facial procedures.

About Dr. Rachel

Questions, answered

Liposuction FAQs

What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?

Liposuction can remove fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, back, chest, calves, ankles, chin, and neck. It can also treat gynecomastia, which is excess breast tissue in men.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

Good candidates maintain a stable weight within 30% of their ideal body weight or have a BMI of 32 or less, have good skin elasticity and muscle tone, have specific areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise, are in good overall health, don’t smoke or are willing to quit before surgery, and have realistic expectations about what liposuction can achieve.

How much does liposuction cost in Chicago?

Liposuction cost in Chicago depends on the technique and the areas treated. At Chicago Breast & Body Aesthetics, Smart Lipo ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 or more depending on the areas treated, VASER liposuction averages $8,995 to $12,000, Lipo 360 starts from $8,995, and thigh liposuction starts at $5,995. Financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Alphaeon is available for qualified applicants, and your consultation includes an exact quote for your plan.

Is liposuction a weight-loss solution?

No. Liposuction is not meant for weight loss. It targets stubborn fat in specific areas of the body and is best for individuals who are at a stable weight but have localized fat deposits.

Is liposuction permanent?

Yes, the fat cells removed by liposuction do not return. However, maintaining a stable weight is essential. Gaining weight after the procedure can cause the remaining fat cells to enlarge and fat to accumulate in other areas.

How long does it take to recover from liposuction?

Most patients can return to work in a few days and resume full activities in a few weeks. Swelling may take weeks to months to fully resolve, and final results typically appear within several months.

How much fat can be safely removed during liposuction?

Safety guidelines recommend removing no more than 5 liters, about 11 pounds, of fat in an outpatient setting. Larger volumes may require overnight hospitalization. During your consultation, we’ll discuss appropriate expectations based on your specific situation.

Will I have loose skin after liposuction?

Patients with good skin elasticity typically experience skin contraction after liposuction. However, if you already have loose or inelastic skin, you might benefit from combining liposuction with a skin-tightening procedure like a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift.

Can liposuction remove cellulite?

Standard liposuction is not designed to treat cellulite. While some improvement may occur, specialized treatments for cellulite like Aveli may be more effective.

What are the risks associated with liposuction?

Risks include contour irregularities, fluid buildup, numbness, infection, internal organ puncture, fat embolism, lidocaine toxicity, and complications from large-volume fat removal. These risks increase with larger treatment areas or combined procedures, which is why choosing an experienced, board-certified surgeon in an accredited facility matters.

The next step

You’ve been thinking about this long enough

Send us your photos, tell us your goals, and get a personalized surgical plan and exact pricing from a board-certified surgeon’s team. No commitment, and no guesswork. Your patient coordinator will walk you through pricing, financing, and next steps.

Complimentary virtual consultation (a $250 value). Photo-based.

Prefer to talk? Call us at (312) 846-1529.