Written by: Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgeons Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Saurabh Jain, MD, FAACS · Last Updated: August 2026
Body contouring refers to a group of procedures that reshape and redefine the body by removing stubborn fat, tightening loose skin, and in some cases, enhancing specific areas using the patient's own harvested fat. At Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgeon Los Angeles, body contouring is performed awake under local anesthesia using VASER ultrasound-assisted liposuction combined with Renuvion skin tightening. Dr. Jain is board-certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Liposuction Surgery. He performs all procedures personally at his Canoga Park practice, serving patients from Woodland Hills, Encino, Calabasas, Chatsworth, and across greater Los Angeles.
Most people who come in for a body contouring consultation are not looking to lose weight. They are already doing the work, eating well, exercising consistently, and still seeing areas of the body that do not respond the way they expected. The abdomen holds fat that does not shift. The flanks stay rounded despite months of effort. The inner thighs remain resistant regardless of how much cardio is done.
This is not a discipline problem. Certain fat deposits are genetically stubborn and will not reduce through lifestyle changes alone. Body contouring is specifically designed for these situations: it removes or redistributes fat that diet and exercise cannot shift, and it addresses skin laxity that follows weight loss or aging. The result is a more defined, proportional shape that reflects the effort a patient has already put in.
VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. It is an FDA-approved ultrasound-assisted liposuction technology that uses sound energy to selectively break down fat cells before they are removed. Unlike traditional liposuction, which mechanically disrupts fat and surrounding tissue simultaneously, VASER targets fat cells specifically while leaving nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue largely intact.
The practical difference for the patient is less bruising, less post-operative soreness, better skin retraction over the treated area, and a more precise final contour. VASER is also the technology that makes high-definition body contouring possible, because the level of detail it allows in fat removal can follow the lines of underlying muscle groups rather than simply removing bulk.
At Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgeon Los Angeles, VASER liposuction is performed awake under local anesthesia. The treatment area is numbed thoroughly before the procedure begins. Most patients describe the experience during the procedure as pressure and vibration rather than pain. Some soreness in the treated areas is normal in the days following.
Removing fat through liposuction improves shape, but in patients with reduced skin elasticity, the skin over the treated area may not contract fully on its own. Renuvion addresses this. It is an FDA-cleared device that uses helium plasma energy delivered just beneath the skin surface to cause immediate tissue contraction and stimulate collagen production over the following months.
At Aesthetic and Cosmetic Surgeon Los Angeles, Renuvion is used during the same session as VASER liposuction for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. The two procedures together address both layers of the problem: the fat underneath and the skin above. Patients with significant loose skin may require a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck instead, which Dr. Jain assesses and discusses honestly during consultation.
Fat removed through VASER liposuction does not have to be discarded. It can be processed and reinjected into other areas of the body to add volume or improve shape. Common fat transfer destinations include the buttocks (Brazilian butt lift), the breasts, the hips, the chest, the upper arms, and the face.
For the Brazilian butt lift specifically, the transferred fat is injected into the buttocks in multiple layers to create a natural, rounded projection. Dr. Jain expects 15 to 20 percent fat absorption during recovery as part of the normal process. His aftercare protocol, which includes compression garments, lymphatic massage, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and nutrition guidance, is specifically designed to support the best possible fat survival rate.
High-definition body contouring takes standard VASER liposuction a step further. Rather than simply removing bulk fat, it sculpts the area to reveal or enhance the appearance of underlying muscle definition. Visible abdominal definition, a more athletic chest, or sculpted deltoids are all achievable through this approach in suitable candidates.
To achieve high-definition results, the patient needs to be within a specific BMI range and must be willing to maintain a moderate level of physical activity after the procedure. High-definition body contouring is not for patients who are significantly overweight. It is for those who are already lean and want to refine what is already there. Dr. Jain assesses suitability during consultation.
Body contouring works best for patients who are at or near their stable weight and have specific localised concerns rather than widespread excess fat. Good candidates are generally non-smokers in good general health, with realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.
VASER liposuction suits patients with stubborn fat in specific areas including the abdomen, flanks, back, arms, thighs, and chest, who want more precise results and faster recovery than traditional liposuction offers.
Renuvion is appropriate for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want improved skin tightness in the treated area without a surgical procedure. It is not a replacement for a tummy tuck in patients with significant loose skin.
Fat transfer suits patients who want to remove fat from one area and use it to add volume or improve shape in another, using their own tissue rather than implants.
High-definition contouring is for leaner patients within a specific BMI range who want muscle definition enhanced rather than bulk fat removed.
Patients who smoke must stop at least 4 weeks before and after the procedure. Smoking significantly impairs healing and increases complication risk. Blood-thinning medications and supplements are paused before surgery per the pre-operative instructions provided at your appointment.
Days 1 to 3: Swelling and bruising are at their most pronounced. The compression garment is worn continuously. Light walking is encouraged from day one to support circulation. Most patients manage discomfort with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief. Driving is not permitted for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Days 4 to 7: Swelling begins to reduce. Most patients return to desk work and non-physical activities. A follow-up appointment with Dr. Jain is typically scheduled during this window. The compression garment remains on during waking hours.
Weeks 2 to 4: The garment transitions to nighttime wear only in most cases. Light activity resumes. Heavy lifting and high-intensity exercise remain restricted.
Weeks 4 to 6: Most patients resume normal exercise with Dr. Jain's approval. The treated areas continue to firm up as residual swelling resolves.
Months 2 to 9: Results continue to improve progressively. High-definition body contouring results and final skin tightening from Renuvion are typically fully visible between 6 and 9 months after the procedure.
When to contact the office: Call Dr. Jain's team immediately if you experience increasing rather than decreasing swelling after the first week, signs of infection including redness, warmth or fever, or any changes to the treated area that concern you.
Body contouring using VASER liposuction and Renuvion has a strong safety profile when performed by an experienced, board-certified surgeon. However, all surgical procedures carry risks that every patient should understand before proceeding.
Swelling and bruising are expected after liposuction and typically resolve within 2 to 4 weeks. A compression garment significantly reduces both.
Temporary numbness in the treated area is common and typically resolves over several weeks as the tissue heals.
Contour irregularities are possible in rare cases. VASER technology reduces this risk considerably compared to traditional liposuction by allowing more precise fat removal. Experienced surgical technique further minimises the likelihood.
Skin tightening limitations: Renuvion works well for mild to moderate laxity. Patients with significant loose skin may not achieve their desired degree of tightening from Renuvion alone and may require a surgical procedure instead. Dr. Jain assesses this honestly during consultation.
Fat absorption after transfer: In Brazilian butt lift procedures, 15 to 20 percent fat absorption during recovery is expected and factored into the treatment plan.
Infection is uncommon. Wound care instructions and prophylactic antibiotics where appropriate reduce this risk.
Anesthesia considerations: These procedures are performed under local anesthesia, which significantly reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia. A pre-operative health evaluation is conducted for all patients before any procedure.
The cost of body contouring varies depending on the number of areas treated, whether fat transfer is included, and the combination of procedures. Dr. Jain provides a personalised quote during your consultation based on your specific goals and anatomy. Financing is available through Affirm with flexible monthly payment options, making it possible to move forward on your own timeline.
The only way to decide which body sculpting cosmetic surgeon to choose is by consulting and meeting with Dr Jain, and our body sculpting artists. Together, as a team, they will plan individualized procedure outcomes customized for you to get the required look based on your expectations, and he will strive hard to deliver it.
To learn more about your Body Contouring in Los Angeles, set up a virtual consult with Dr. Jain or set up an office visit.
*The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary based on anatomy, skin quality, BMI, age, and other patient-specific factors. Before and after photographs are from actual patients of Dr. Jain and are shared with patient consent. They illustrate the range of possible outcomes and do not guarantee specific results for any individual. All surgical procedures carry risks. Please consult Dr. Jain directly to determine whether body contouring is appropriate for your situation.
Body contouring removes or redistributes localised fat deposits and tightens skin. It is not a weight loss procedure and is not suitable for patients who are significantly overweight. Weight loss surgery addresses overall body weight through changes to the digestive system. Body contouring works best on patients who are already at or near their stable weight and have specific areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.
VASER liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated area. Provided weight remains stable, the contouring result is long-lasting. Gaining significant weight after the procedure can cause remaining fat cells in other areas to enlarge. Maintaining a stable weight through healthy lifestyle habits is the most important factor in preserving results.
Yes. All body contouring procedures at this practice are performed under local anesthesia. The treatment area is numbed thoroughly before the procedure begins. This eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia, shortens recovery, and allows Dr. Jain to assess contour and symmetry with the patient upright during the procedure when appropriate.
Multiple areas can typically be treated in a single session. Common combinations include the abdomen and flanks together, or the abdomen, flanks, and arms. When fat transfer is included, the donor sites and recipient areas are all addressed in the same session. Dr. Jain determines the appropriate scope based on the patient's health, the planned duration of the procedure, and the goals being pursued.
Initial changes are visible immediately, though swelling in the first weeks partially conceals the final contour. Meaningful visible improvement is typically apparent by weeks 4 to 6. Final results, including full skin tightening from Renuvion and stabilisation of any fat transfer, are typically complete between 6 and 9 months after the procedure.
Traditional liposuction mechanically breaks up and removes fat, which also disrupts surrounding tissue including nerves and blood vessels. VASER uses ultrasound energy to selectively liquefy fat cells before removal, which means less trauma to surrounding structures, less bruising, a faster recovery, and better skin retraction. VASER also allows for the precision required in high-definition body contouring.
Yes. Male body contouring is a growing area of practice. Common treatment areas for male patients include the abdomen, flanks, chest for gynecomastia or fat reduction, and the submental area. High-definition contouring for athletic male patients is one of the specialties at this practice.
Call the practice at 818-220-3393, email info@aestheticandcosmeticsurgeons.com, or submit the appointment form on this page. Virtual consultations are available for patients who want an initial conversation before coming in. There is no obligation to proceed after the first appointment.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF
SURGEONS
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH
CAROLINA
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF
COSMETIC SURGERY
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF
LIPOSUCTION SURGERY
