Best Liposuction Surgeons in San Francisco (2025 Guide)
Updated November 2025
Choosing the right surgeon for your liposuction in San Francisco can make all the difference in achieving safe, natural-looking results. As one of the country's leading cities for cosmetic surgery, San Francisco offers access to highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in advanced body contouring techniques. However, with so many options available, finding the best liposuction surgeon for your specific needs requires careful research and consideration.
Liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States, designed to remove stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to diet and exercise. Whether you're considering traditional liposuction, power-assisted liposuction (PAL), or advanced techniques like VASER or laser-assisted liposuction, selecting an experienced, board-certified surgeon in San Francisco is essential for minimizing risks and maximizing your results. This guide will help you identify the top liposuction specialists in the San Francisco area and provide the information you need to make a confident, informed decision about your care.
How We Chose the Best Liposuction Surgeons in San Francisco
At AestheticMatch, our editorial team uses a rigorous, data-driven vetting process to identify the best liposuction surgeons in San Francisco. Our methodology focuses on several critical factors that indicate both surgical excellence and patient safety.
First and foremost, we verify that each surgeon is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery (ABCS). Board certification ensures that a surgeon has completed extensive training in plastic surgery and maintains continuing education requirements. We also examine each surgeon's specific experience with liposuction procedures, including the number of procedures performed annually and their expertise with various liposuction techniques.
Patient reviews and satisfaction scores play an important role in our evaluation. We analyze feedback from multiple sources to assess communication style, bedside manner, and overall patient experience. Additionally, we review before-and-after photo galleries to evaluate the quality and consistency of results, looking for natural-looking outcomes that align with each patient's body type.
Safety record is another crucial component of our assessment. We verify that surgeons operate in accredited surgical facilities—either AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) or JCAHO (Joint Commission)-accredited centers—and maintain hospital privileges. These credentials indicate adherence to the highest safety standards and protocols.
Before scheduling any consultation, we recommend reviewing our comprehensive guide on questions to ask before surgery to ensure you're fully prepared to evaluate your surgeon and make an informed decision.
Top Liposuction Surgeon in San Francisco
Dr. Edward Miranda
Specialty: Board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breast, and body.
About:Dr. Edward Miranda, MD, FACS is the Medical Director of Pacific Plastic Surgery Group in San Francisco. With 14+ years of experience, he is known for natural, subtle aesthetic outcomes supported by a patient-first approach. He trained at UCSF, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Memorial Sloan Kettering, and blends advanced surgical technique with an emphasis on delivering a safe, positive, and confidence-building patient experience.
Known for:Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), Lipo 360, and breast augmentation — with additional expertise across aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breast, and body.
Location:San Francisco
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What to Expect from Liposuction in San Francisco
Understanding the practical aspects of liposuction—including costs, recovery, and expected results—is essential for planning your procedure and setting realistic expectations.
Average Cost of Liposuction in San Francisco
The cost of liposuction in San Francisco typically ranges from $4,500 to $12,000 or more, depending on several factors. The number and size of treatment areas significantly impact the final price, with single areas like the abdomen or thighs generally costing less than multiple areas treated during the same session. The specific technique used—whether traditional tumescent liposuction, VASER, laser-assisted, or power-assisted—also affects pricing.
Surgeon experience and credentials influence cost as well, with highly experienced, board-certified surgeons often charging premium fees that reflect their expertise and safety record. Facility fees, anesthesia costs, and post-operative garments are typically included in the total quoted price. It's important to note that liposuction is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. Many San Francisco practices offer financing options to make the procedure more accessible. During your consultation, request a detailed, itemized quote that includes all associated costs to avoid unexpected expenses.
Recovery & Results Timeline
Recovery from liposuction varies based on the extent of the procedure and individual healing factors, but most patients can expect to return to work within 5 to 7 days for desk jobs, though physical activity should be limited for several weeks. Immediately after surgery, you'll experience swelling, bruising, and soreness in the treated areas. Compression garments are worn continuously for the first few weeks to minimize swelling and support the healing tissues.
Initial results become visible once swelling begins to subside, typically within 2 to 3 weeks, though some swelling may persist for several months. Most patients see significant improvement by 6 weeks post-surgery, with final results becoming apparent around 3 to 6 months as residual swelling resolves completely and the skin retracts to conform to new body contours. Light walking is encouraged immediately after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots, but strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
Risks and Safety Considerations
While liposuction is generally safe when performed by a qualified, board-certified surgeon, it's important to understand potential risks and complications. Common side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, and soreness in treated areas. More serious but rare complications can include infection, blood clots, excessive fluid loss, skin irregularities or contour deformities, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who operates in an accredited facility significantly reduces these risks. Modern tumescent liposuction techniques, which involve injecting a solution of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine into the treatment area before fat removal, have greatly improved safety by minimizing blood loss and post-operative discomfort. The best candidates for liposuction are individuals at or near their ideal body weight with good skin elasticity and localized fat deposits. Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution or a substitute for healthy lifestyle habits, and maintaining results requires ongoing commitment to diet and exercise.
Liposuction Safety and Accreditation
When researching the best liposuction surgeons in San Francisco, board certification and surgical facility accreditation should be non-negotiable requirements. Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery ensures your surgeon has completed rigorous training, passed comprehensive examinations, and maintains continuing medical education in the latest techniques and safety protocols.
Equally important is the accreditation status of the surgical facility where your procedure will be performed. Accredited facilities meet strict standards for equipment, emergency protocols, staff training, and patient safety measures. Look for centers accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) or The Joint Commission. These organizations conduct regular inspections and require ongoing compliance with evolving safety standards.
Modern liposuction techniques have advanced significantly, incorporating safety measures that reduce complications and improve outcomes. Tumescent liposuction, now the standard approach, uses diluted anesthetic solution to minimize bleeding and post-operative pain while improving fat removal efficiency. Advanced technologies like ultrasound-assisted liposuction (VASER) allow for more precise fat targeting with less trauma to surrounding tissues. Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) uses rapid vibration to break up fat cells more efficiently, reducing surgical time and physical strain on the surgeon, which can translate to more consistent results.
During your consultation, don't hesitate to ask about your surgeon's complication rates, emergency protocols, and experience with your specific procedure. A reputable surgeon will be transparent about risks and happy to discuss their safety record and credentials.
FAQs
What is the average cost of liposuction in San Francisco?
The average cost of liposuction in San Francisco ranges from $4,500 to $12,000 or more, depending on the number of treatment areas, technique used, and surgeon's experience. This typically includes surgeon fees, facility costs, anesthesia, and post-operative garments. Since liposuction is considered cosmetic, it's generally not covered by insurance, though many practices offer financing plans.
How long is recovery after liposuction?
Most patients return to desk work within 5 to 7 days after liposuction, though recovery varies based on the extent of the procedure. Compression garments should be worn for several weeks, and strenuous activity should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. Initial swelling subsides within 2 to 3 weeks, but final results typically become apparent around 3 to 6 months as residual swelling resolves completely.
What makes someone a good candidate for liposuction?
Ideal liposuction candidates are at or near their ideal body weight with localized fat deposits that don't respond to diet and exercise. Good skin elasticity is important for smooth results, as the skin needs to retract after fat removal. Candidates should be in good overall health, non-smokers or willing to quit, and have realistic expectations about what liposuction can achieve. Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution but rather a body contouring procedure.
How do I find the safest liposuction surgeon in San Francisco?
Start by verifying board certification through the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Research the surgeon's experience specifically with liposuction and review before-and-after photos of their work. Check that they operate in an accredited surgical facility and read patient reviews from multiple sources. During consultations, assess their communication style, willingness to discuss risks, and whether they take time to understand your goals and provide honest feedback.
What questions should I ask during my consultation?
Key questions include: Are you board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery? How many liposuction procedures do you perform annually? What technique do you recommend for my specific needs? Can I see before-and-after photos of patients with similar body types? Where will my procedure be performed, and is the facility accredited? What are the potential risks and complications? What does your revision policy cover? Visit our comprehensive guide on questions to ask before surgery for a complete consultation checklist.
Nearby Cities for Liposuction
San Francisco Bay Area residents have access to top-tier liposuction surgeons throughout the region. If you're considering expanding your search beyond San Francisco proper, nearby cities like Oakland, San Jose, and Palo Alto also offer excellent board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in body contouring procedures. Patients in Marin County, Berkeley, and the Peninsula communities often find highly qualified surgeons within a short drive. Exploring options in neighboring cities can provide additional choices while maintaining access to the same high standards of care and safety available in San Francisco.
Find Your Surgeon
AestheticMatch's free concierge service connects you with board-certified liposuction specialists in your area.
Our team helps you identify surgeons who match your specific needs, budget, and aesthetic goals. Get personalized recommendations based on your unique situation and start your journey toward the body confidence you deserve.
