Artistic Lipo & Plastic Surgery - Tampa

I had the best experience with Dr. Su! I read through a ton of these reviews in the days leading up to my surgery because I was so nervous, so here is my experience to hopefully ease someone else’s nerves! So far I absolutely love my results and can’t wait to see how everything looks once I am totally healed!

The day of surgery I didn’t know what to expect with having the procedure done awake, but it went so smoothly and was relatively painless. My nurse Chelsea was amazing and made me feel so comfortable and taken care of the whole time. First, she brought me back into the treatment room and had me change into the provided clothing to wear during the surgery. She then took my vitals, and I mentioned to her that I had a headache because of the no caffeine the day of surgery rule. She immediately grabbed me a Coke to make my headache go away and turned on the bed warmer because it was cold in the room. She explained every step of the process so I would know what to expect when the procedure started.

After a few minutes Dr. Su came in, went over everything that we were going to do again, and marked my legs. Then I laid down on the bed and he injected lidocaine in the areas where the incisions would be. This was super quick and was probably the worst part of the whole thing, and it still wasn’t anything terrible. You could just feel the little poke of the needle and the lidocaine stung for about 3 seconds when it was going in. Then he made the incisions which I didn’t feel at all, to the point where I didn’t even know how many incision points there were. Next, he used the cannula to inject more lidocaine all under the skin. This wasn’t painful, more just uncomfortable and weird feeling. After waiting about 20 minutes for the lidocaine to fully kick in the procedure started. I had my knee complex done, so I think it only took about 10 minutes per leg (at least that’s how long it felt, I could be wrong). This part was totally painless and I could just feel pressure and a strong vibration. There was a small area that I could tell wasn’t as numb as the other areas, so I told Dr Su and he added more lidocaine, then I couldn’t feel anything at all for the rest of the treatment. Overall I was super pleasantly surprised by how easy the whole thing was.

Fast forward to when I was at home afterwards. I would say for the rest of the night I was only in about a 3/10 discomfort if that. I laid down with my legs up for most of the day, so that is a 0/10 pain. The only time I felt uncomfortable was when I had to get up to use the bathroom. I had a somewhat intense burning sensation when standing, but Chelsea prepared me for this and said it’s expected so I knew it was coming. I also felt slightly shaky and lightheaded, but as soon as I laid down again it went away. That was it for the rest of the night, and I slept fine with the pain medication. I just set alarms to take it every 4 hours as directed to stay ahead of any pain.

As I’m writing this it is the evening of my first post op day. This morning I wasn’t in any pain but my knees just felt stiff and sore. Once I walked around for a couple minutes that feeling loosened up. I took my last pain pill at around 6:30 this morning, and my follow up appointment was at 10. Chelsea helped me take off the compression garment, clean the skin, and put on a new garment. I have just been relaxing on the couch ever since and taking Tylenol as needed, and that has been sufficient for the soreness. Similar to yesterday, I don’t feel anything when laying or sitting down. When I stand I don’t have the burning anymore, it just feels stiff and I can tell more swelling is setting in. That is it so far, but I will continue to update with my experience!

It was a very easy procedure. Dr. Su walked me through everything before the procedure. He is unique in a way that the patient is awake and can stand up and see the results immediately in the mirror. He has the eye for perfection. You will be in very good hands selecting him and his staff to help you achieve your goals

I had a 360 Thigh Lipo with Dr. K. The whole experience was amazing. The doctor was very gentle and patient throughout the process. The nurse Olga was very supportive and kind. I don’t think I would’ve done this without the nurse Olga. The doctor was very caring and his bedside manners were amazing. Would definitely recommend the Doctor an art Lipo for whoever we’re looking for liposuction done for the lipedema

After many months of research, I knew in my gut that going with Dr. Su at Art Lipo for Lipedema Liposuction was the right thing to do. I only have one body and such an important choice could not be made lightly. From the time I submitted my virtual consultation, to post op, I was met with nothing but compassion and professionalism from the whole team. They were always quick to answer my questions, offer reassurance, and make the process as seamless as possible. I felt extremely prepared and confident going in to my procedure. On the day of surgery, my surgical tech, Tara met me at door with the kind of comforting kindness that one rarely sees. She took the time to get to know me, make me feel relaxed, and walk me through each step of what to expect. Dr. Su then came in and I was met with the same level of compassion and respect that assured me that I was placing my trust in the right hands. He took plenty of time talking with me and getting to know me and learn about my history with Lipedema. He got to work drawing his lines and giving me an idea of the changes that would be made. The actual procedure itself was much easier than anticipated. Definitely some strange sensations, but no real pain, and I actually enjoyed being able to be aware of what was happening, and feel part of the process. Both Tara and Dr. Su checked in with me frequently to ensure my comfort throughout and it went much faster than I expected. When I sat up to see my first leg done reveal I was in complete shock. I knew it was going to be beautiful, because I had seen Dr. Su’s work, but it truly exceeded my expectations. I had Cankles and Knee complex done and for the first time in my life I had beautiful defined calves, ankles and knees. They are so slim and I could immediately feel the lipedema pain and heaviness go away. Following my procedure, I was given thorough instructions on what to do and expect in the coming hours so that I felt prepared to go back to my hotel. I was also provided with Dr. Su’s contact information in case I ran into any issues. He is extremely communicative and helpful with responding to questions and concerns. The whole aftercare and post op process has gone smoothly thanks to the support and communication with the Art Lipo team. I don’t feel alone at all in this process, and I have felt prepared for each step. Dr. Su is a true artist and it shows in his work. I unfortunately still have lipedema in other parts of my body, but I feel so reassured knowing that I have this wonderful team of people who can help me throughout my journey as I continue to seek relief and get it removed in other areas. I could not be happier with my decision and would do it again in a heart beat. Thanks so much Art Lipo!

I have always had column-shaped legs (similar size from top to bottom). I reached out to Art Lipo for a virtual consultation on the complex knee and calf procedure, received a timely response, and a prompt schedule. Everything from the first engagement until now, post op has been top-notch. The procedure itself was well explained when I arrived, and very minimal discomfort. The post op recovery was well explained the day of the procedure and more so during the day after follow-up. I am still a bit swollen, not a full two weeks out, and my ankles have already gone down 1.5 inches and my calves almost 2 inches. I am so excited to see the full result in a few weeks. I highly recommend Dr. Su, the surgeon I chose, as he was kind and clear with honest expectations. He is expensive compared to many, BUT he is an expert, and it is felt throughout the entire experience. Highly recommend.

I have had two procedures with Dr. Su: 1. Lower leg, knee-complex, and ankle (May 9, 2024) and 2. 360 thighs (March 6, 2025). I have been diagnosed with lipedema and before my lower-leg procedure, I had substantially disporportionate lower legs. I am attaching a picture that shows how different my legs looked immediately after completing one lower leg and another picture that shows the back of my legs prior to having any surgery. Lipedema impacted my mobility, caused physical discomfort, and emotional distress. I can confirm that lengthy adherence to extreme diets did make me lose weight, but never around the areas most impacted by lipedema, like my ankles (I could not wear wide-leg boots even when I weighted under 130 lbs at 5'7"). The only way I could wear ankle boots was to leave them unzipped under a pair of jeans. 46 years old at the time of my first surgery, there were some doctors who refused to work with me based purely on my age. Furthermore, though I had been told I had stage 2 lipedema, Dr. Su felt that I was moving toward stage 3. I feel so blessed to have discovered Dr. Su in time to safely have these procedures. I was definitely losing the battle with this progressive disease, despite my long-term dedication to a healthy diet. Less than a year after my first procedure, I can confirm that my mobility and gait improved dramatically following the first procedure. For years, it was difficult for me to walk more than 1 consecutive mile. I can now walk a great deal more than 1 mile at a time. I also used to find it very difficult to exercise well. I now love using my rebounder. Surprisingly, my resless legs also improved dramatically following the first procedure. Going into the first surgery, I told myself that I wasn't doing this to impress anyone with my looks...that I just wanted to be able to improve and keep my mobility, but I admit that I am shocked by how much nicer my legs look. I used to dread anyone seeing a glimpse of my ankles, because I would always get well-meaining comments like, "Oh, my goodness. Your ankles are so swollen. Are you ok?" I have actually bought and worn a few skirts since the first procedure...and I feel remarkably...normal. What a blessing. Perhaps I could bemoan or wish that these procedures had been available to me when I was in my 20's or 30's, but I do think I became a more loving and compassionate person because of these and other challenges I have faced. Still, I am grateful that the time and opportunity arrived for me to shed the lipedema legs. Dr. Su and his team have effectively given me a new life. It has currently only been a few weeks since I had my thighs done. Swollen and bruised at the moment, I can already tell that there is a big difference in my silhouette. Historically, I have not been one for pictures, but I will make sure to provide an update with more pictures after both legs have healed. I want to give a special, "Thank you!" to Nurse Tara Hall. She was wonderful during both procedures. She was gentle and compassionate throughout. Also, I had a reaction to this most recent surgery (at no fault to Dr. Su and his team). I was unable to hold down any food, liquids, or medications the first night and the following morning after the 360 thighs treatment. Though, they provided me with nausea medication, it just wasn't working. By the following day, I was terribly dehydrated and near to passing out. I was late to my follow-up (where the garments are supposed to be changed) as a result. When I arrived, Nurse Tara came to my rescue in a big way. She immediately called Dr. Su and they got me set up with IV fluids and vitamins. She was calm and soothing during this scary and stressful moment. Then, Nurse Tara stayed well past closing and made sure I had eaten and held down some food before I left. I felt confident going into my second surgery because the first surgery went well and I loved my results. I feel even more confident recommending Dr. Su and his team to others because when I did have an issue, they took amazing care of me. Thank you for your expertise and artistic skill, Dr. Su! ...and Thank you Nurse Tara for your expertise and big heart!

Dr. Su is exceptional at what he does and his nurse Tara is one of the most caring and experienced medical professionals that I have ever seen. The results have far surpassed my expectations. Awake lipo has so many advantages. I have had 3 procedures and each was better than the last.

Dr. Su is a surgeon but also an artist. He saw the potential shape in my lipedema knees and sculpted them by using a 360 degree surgery. I am totally grateful for the opportunity to be his patient. My mobility was immediately impacted. At 30 hours post operative time, I am well on the road to recovery!

Dr. Su and his team at ArtLipo were amazing - genuine, caring, and professional. Dr. Su is incredibly talented at his craft and you can tell he truly cares about each client. He communicated with me throughout the whole procedure, and was very approachable and responsive by text after surgery with any questions or concerns I had. Tara was the certified surgical tech during my surgery and I cannot say enough good things about her. Her compassion was evident right from the start. She made me feel comforted as she guided me through the whole process from the minute I walked in the door the day of surgery until leaving my post-op appointment. I traveled from Philadelphia to have surgery with Dr. Su after reading all of the incredible reviews and video testimonials, and I’m so glad I chose to go with ArtLipo.

My procedure was on 8/26 and I'm exactly 2 weeks post op...

The day of procedure, we started at 3:30 with the preop and the procedure started at 4pm, I was done by 5pm

The most uncomfortable part is the numbing, it not painful, just uncomfortable.

The procedure it self, is uncomfortable but not painful. It's a bearable and worth it.

I was back in my hotel by 6:30

Pack:
Bed Protector
Chux (lots of them) I ran out of the 50 pack by day 3
You will drain a lot the first 2 days
Wedge pillow.. it helped me to sleep comfortably and be able to get in and out of bed with out using my arms, since was I upright position

I would do this all over again

Will continue more tomorrow with review



Updated on 11 Sep 2024:


Updated on 3 Oct 2024:
Love my arms! I look so strong and fit!
I’m not ready to for sweater weather lol

Post op massages are a must!
Nerve awakening feels weird
I woke up a few nights in pain from being so stiff and tender and the tingling sensation feels weird

The recovery is so easy! My arms sometimes feel weird and tender in some spots
I’m back though gym!

Dr. Su is the best! Look no further! He is worth every penny