Thomas Su, MD

I was diagnosed with stage 1 lipedema in 2024 after years of suspecting I had it. I knew I'd get surgery; it was just a matter of when and which surgeon. After a lot of research and seeing client testimonials and results, I decided to get a quote from ArtLipo. The consultation was easy and done via email. I had to submit photos, then Dr. Su drew on them to show what my legs could look like if I do uppers (thighs/knees) or lowers (calves/ankles) or both. I felt a bit pressured when I called to book the surgery. I did not appreciate that, as I was so nervous to do this and it's a huge financial commitment. Regardless, I ended up booking my 1st surgery for thighs/knees in April 2025 with Dr. Kardashian - his prices were a bit lower than Dr. Su and he was available sooner. The procedure was not easy - it was quite painful at certain points and I was shaking due to the epinephrine in lidocaine. I was very cold and not prepared for that. But the doctor and nurse talked me through the whole thing, made me as comfortable as possible, and added more numbing solution as needed. It took about 3.5 hours. They put compression on after they clean you up and that's quite uncomfortable. The follow-up the next day is also painful when they remove the compression, then reapply it. The recovery was long and painful; I definitely used all the pain meds that were prescribed! It takes time for the body to heal - it took about 1 month to start to feel better, but 3-4 months to feel normal. But it was worth it and I was pleased with the results. I did have some unevenness and feel that more fat could have been removed in some areas but they can only take out so much. After a couple months, I decided to do my lowers as well so my calves would look more proportioned to my thighs. I booked my 2nd surgery with Dr. Su - they said lower legs is his specialty. When I went for my 2nd surgery, he agreed to touch up my thighs and knees. I'm glad he did as I didn't want my calves to look too skinny. My surgery was scheduled for 10:30, but he didn't come to my room until about 12:30. That was a little frustrating. But he took his time with me, looking at my results from my first surgery and we agreed on touch-ups. He did a great job on my calves and I'm happy he took more out of my knee area. He also smoothed out some of the lumpiness in my outer thighs. That surgery was much easier for me - less pain than the first. The first two weeks of recovery were pretty rough though. Lots of resting, elevating legs, pain meds. Now I'm almost 4 weeks post-op and I'm feeling much better, but cannot go for long walks yet. I am quite pleased overall, though I'm still very early in the recovery process and suspect my results will look quite good in 6-12 months, especially with a healthy diet and exercise.

Love Dr Su and his staff. I’ve had 2 surgeries with Dr Su. Lower legs in 2021 and recently thighs. I waited 3 months post surgery to write my review Dr Su is a true artist. He understands lipedema and is empathetic to our situation. I am fairly thin but lipedema in legs and arms is resistant and I don’t want to lose more weight. He sculpted my legs so nicely and with Renuvion I do not have lose skin and I am in my 50’s. I’m no longer ashamed of my legs. I will be doing arms in the future with Dr Su. He has given me such nice results with my legs and I am so thankful My nurse was Rachelle and what a sweetheart she was. So comforting and kind during and after the procedure. My coordinator was Ashley both times and she is always so quick to respond and accommodate me. If you have lipedema please know you will be in great hands with Dr Su and staff. Thank you Dr Su and team.

Dr. Su had an extensive consultation with me, where he took the time to address all of my concerns and did not start the procedure until I felt certain all of my questions were answered and that I was making the best decision for myself. He did not make me feel rushed. The procedure went well as Dr. Su ensured that the pain was a tolerable level throughout the procedure. He was supportive as he guided me to certain positions and letting me know the timing. He proved his expertise as he sculpted my leg to look like a normal leg from knees to ankles! His CST (certified surgical tech) Tara Hall was with me from the beginning of the day all the way through until my follow-up visit the next day. I felt she considered my needs at all times, listening to me, advocating for me and supporting me. She was respectful, caring, informative and was genuinely invested in my success every step of the way. She guided me through the procedure and offered me a lot of comfort. I really appreciate Tara's continued support and feel that she cares about my experiences, working with Dr. Su to ensure positive outcomes. I had a post-op complication that she recognized and addressed promptly with Dr. Su. Dr. Su and his team delivered the exceptional care and expertise that they advertise. I am very grateful for the life changing procedure (Lipidema treatment of my lower legs i.e. "cankles and knee complex"), and I look forward to returning to address more areas of concern!

I am 9 days post-op from my second surgery (360 thighs) - my first surgery was just over 3 months ago (ankles and knee complex) for lipedema. I cannot recommend Dr Su, Tara and the whole ArtLipo team highly enough. The whole experience with the clinic was excellent - I received brilliant care and support the entire time, and I am beyond happy with the results of both surgeries. Recovery can be tough, but the results are well worth it. Dr Su’s work speaks for itself and he was friendly and approachable for both surgeries - special thanks to Tara who has been nothing short of exceptional. All the team are super friendly.

Dr Su is an absolute artist. He is honest in the expected outcome. I’m 3 days post op back, hips, waist liposuction. I can’t wait to see the final results. I’m beyond happy now. I’d also like to recognize Chelsey and Olga for their great care! Truly made me feel comfortable before during and after the procedure.

Dr Su was great! He listened to my concerns and addressed areas that I didn’t notice. Olga was very kind and supportive before, during and after. A shout out to Chelsea for her support also! Thank you Dr Su!!

I was so nervous going into surgery that I couldn’t even sleep the night before. The moment I arrived, Olga (my surgery nurse) immediately put me at ease—she made me feel comfortable, calm, and cared for. Kayla was incredibly sweet and patient, answering all of my many pre-op questions with kindness. During the awake lipo procedure—definitely not the easiest experience—Olga and Chelsea were by my side the whole time. They were attentive to my pain, reassuring, and made sure I never felt alone or overwhelmed. Olga even went out of her way to offer support any time I had questions, and she brought such a fun, uplifting energy to our conversations. Even though I flew in for surgery by myself, I never once felt unsupported. The team truly went above and beyond to make me feel safe, comfortable, and cared for throughout the entire process. The entire patient journey is so well thought out by Dr Su and supportive from start to the end. I really felt cared for.

Dr. Su performed my lower legs (knees and ankles) as well as my inner thighs just a few days ago, and the results have truly exceeded my expectations. I went in with a positive outlook and realistic hopes, but what he achieved is beyond what I imagined. My case was very challenging—my legs were heavy and deformed, especially around the inner knees and thighs. Yet, Dr. Su sculpted them back to resemble how they looked before Lipedema over 30 years ago. If you’re on the fence because of cost or hesitation, please don’t be. This surgery is truly life-changing. While there is some discomfort—certain areas more than others—it was far less than I anticipated, and the recovery, though tough, is manageable one day at a time. The care team supports you every step of the way, and Dr. Su is highly responsive and attentive to your needs. I also want to thank Tara, who assisted during the process and was absolutely amazing!

I had awake arm liposuction done and I’m really happy with the results. I could see an improvement right away, and my doctor did a very meticulous job. The staff was absolutely wonderful—kind, supportive, and really helped me get through the experience. The only drawback is that you are awake during the procedure. Even though you’re numbed and given pain medication, it’s still painful and a very surreal experience. The first few hours after surgery were rough, but by the next day I felt fine, and within 24 hours I didn’t even need pain medication anymore. Overall, I’m very satisfied with my results and grateful for the care I received. If you’re considering this procedure, just be prepared for the intensity of being awake during it, but know that recovery is quick and the outcome is worth it.

I had such a wonderful experience with Dr Su the team at Art Lipo, and I can’t say enough about Olga! She was incredibly supportive and went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable throughout the process. Her kindness and guidance made the entire experience so smooth and reassuring. I’m truly grateful for all of her support and assistance!