Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Liposuction (Lipoplasty)
Liposuction in NY at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC
According to the American Society for Plastic Surgery, liposuction (lipoplasty) is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States today. In recent years, liposuction techniques have become more sophisticated and new liposuction technologies have emerged, allowing for more precise, customized, and targeted results, often with faster and smoother patient recovery. At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, we offer a wide variety of liposuction techniques, including traditional liposuction, laser liposuction, and tumescent liposuction, which do not require general anesthesia, thus limiting patient risk, discomfort, and downtime.*
Liposuction can help shape and sculpt the body by removing excess fatty deposits in targeted areas. In some cases, liposuction can also promote skin tightening. Because Dr. Levine offers the full range of state-of-the-art liposuction techniques, he can provide patients with a truly tailored approach, specifically customized for each patient’s individual needs. With advanced techniques including traditional tumescent and super wet liposuction, SmartLipo™ laser technology, VASER® LipoSelection, and power assisted liposuction, Dr. Levine can combine a variety of methods to provide substantial results for fat removal, skin tightening, and overall body contouring. Liposuction can help provide outstanding results in a variety of treatment areas, including the hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, abdomen, upper arms, breasts, back, and neck.* This page provides information about traditional liposuction, including the tumescent and super wet techniques. For information about other liposuction options, please visit our pages on SmartLipo™ and VASER® LipoSelection.| WHAT CAN LIPOSUCTION DO FOR ME?* |
| Remove excess fat from targeted areas in the body, neck, and face |
| Sculpt and shape the body |
| Treat fat that is resistant to diet and exercise |
| Reduce tummy bulges, saddle bags, and love handles |
| Reduce enlarged male breasts |
Who is a good candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise. The best candidates for liposuction will be near their normal body weight, with good skin tone and elasticity. Liposuction may be an excellent option for people who wish to shape and sculpt their body by removing localized areas of excess fat. Liposuction can be particularly helpful to treat areas that have not responded to traditional weight loss or exercise.* Dr. Levine will meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations, and help you determine which liposuction technique, or combination of techniques, would be right for you.
| LIPOSUCTION AT A GLANCE | ||
| Procedure* | Recovery* | Post-Op Care* |
| Performed in our in-office surgical facility | Go home same day |
Compression garment recommended for 1-2 weeks |
| Surgery time varies, depending on the areas to be treated; can range from 1-4 hours | Back to work varies, depending on extent of procedure; can range from 1 day to 1 week | Sutures will dissolve on their own |
| Only minimal incisions needed | Light exercise in 3-7 days | Post-operative lymphatic massage may be recommended |
| Local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the procedure | More strenuous exercise in 2-3 weeks | |
| Mild swelling and bruising for 1 week | ||
What type of liposuction do you offer?
We offer a full range of liposuction options, including traditional tumescent and super wet liposuction, SmartLipo™ laser liposuction, VASER® LipoSelection, and power assisted liposuction. Often, a combination of different techniques will provide optimal results for both fat removal and skin tightening.* Dr. Levine will discuss with you the best liposuction techniques or combination of techniques to suit your specific needs, and answer any questions that you may have.
How is liposuction performed?
During tumescent and super wet liposuction, Dr. Levine injects a solution into the treatment areas, which will minimize discomfort and bleeding, while making fat easier to remove. Cannulas (hollow tubes) are introduced through tiny incisions in order to painlessly suction and remove fat from layers deep beneath the skin. Because the tumescent technique uses an extremely effective local anesthetic, there is no need for intravenous sedatives, narcotic analgesics, or general anesthesia. Liposuction procedure times may vary considerably, depending on which techniques are used and which areas are treated.
Can fat removed during liposuction be used for natural fat grafting?
Yes. One of the most exciting advancements in liposuction technology is the ability to allow patients to use their own natural fat to help smooth lines and wrinkles in the face, or enhance volume in other body areas, such as the buttocks. During natural fat grafting (also called autologous fat grafting), fat gently removed during liposuction is prepared and carefully reinjected into areas that may benefit from increased volume. Natural fat may also be used as an excellent alternative to temporary tissue fillers, in order to reduce the signs of aging and restore youthful contours in the face, and volumize other areas, such as the buttocks. To find out more about autologous fat grafting, visit our fat grafting page.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Absolutely. A combination of different liposuction techniques can often provide the best overall body contouring results. In addition, liposuction may be combined with other cosmetic procedures, including fat grafting, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, facelift, and tummy tuck. Dr. Levine will discuss with you which procedures or combination of procedures may best suit your specific needs.
How can I prepare for liposuction?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Levine will thoroughly examine areas of excess fat in order to determine the amount and distribution of fat, as well as the quality of skin elasticity. He will discuss with you which combination of liposuction procedures will help remove fat and tighten skin in targeted areas for the best body sculpting results. Dr. Levine will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery. He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have.
What type of anesthesia will be used for liposuction?
The type of anesthesia will depend on the extent of your procedure. Some patients may be candidates for Local Anesthesia Liposuction (tumescent liposuction), while other patients may require general anesthesia. You will discuss your procedure thoroughly with both Dr. Levine and our board-certified anesthesiologist to determine the best type of anesthesia for your needs.
What can I expect during liposuction?
Liposuction can be performed in our state-of-the-art, in-office operating suite, which is accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). The length of your procedure will vary, depending on the body areas treated, and can range from 1-4 hours.* After your procedure, you will be brought to our warm and caring recovery suite, where our licensed, registered nurse will make sure you are comfortable and assist in your recovery. You may return home the same day with a friend or family member.
What can I expect after liposuction?
Every surgery is different, and you will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs. In general, you can expect to have mild bruising and swelling for 1 week after your procedure.* At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you doesn’t end when you go home. We’re dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery. Dr. Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being.
Is there anything I can do before and after my procedure to maximize results?
One of the many wonderful qualities that sets us apart at Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC is our ability to use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results. With expertise in both plastic surgery and dermatology, Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine work together to help prepare, protect, and treat the skin before, during, and after your procedure. As one of New York’s leading dermatologists, Dr. Jody Levine will customize a skincare regimen that includes pre-surgical measures to optimize your skin, as well as post-surgical skincare that can help prevent irritation, alleviate bruising and inflammation, and promote faster healing. Unlike other practices, we include these unique pre- and post-surgery skincare packages as part of your surgical plan. Our pre-surgery facials and microdermabrasion treatments help prepare your skin for surgery and ensure the best recuperation. Post-operative packages include lymphatic massage with our skilled medical aesthetician in order to enhance circulation, support healing and improved immunity function, and leave the skin looking radiant and healthy.* With our extensive array of lasers, we are able to provide post-surgical laser treatments to best accelerate your healing. The Drs. Levine will be happy to discuss with you the best skincare approach for your specific needs.
Is there a minimally invasive alternative to liposuction?
Absolutely. At Plastic Surgery and Dermatology of NYC, we provide minimally invasive BodyTite™ treatment. Small pockets of fat can be selectively trimmed using the BodyTite™ system and loose skin can be tightened to further enhance contours. Radio frequency energy from the BodyTite™ machine liquefies fat cells and encourages the production of new collagen to improve structure. Dr. Levine can discuss if BodyTite™ treatment is an ideal alternative for you during your liposuction consultation.
