A Closer Look at Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most widely used cosmetic procedures today, with as many as 500,000 procedures performed nationwide every year. Sometimes referred to as lipoplasty, this procedure eliminates unwanted, localized pockets of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise. Liposuction can be used on nearly any area of the body where a smoother contour is desired.

Benefits

Liposuction is considered the treatment of choice for permanent removal of stubborn pockets of fat in the following areas:

• Buttocks and thighs
• Abdomen and waistline
• Back
• Face and neck
• Buccal fat removal
• Upper arms

While the procedure is not an effective treatment for obesity, it can help patients of average weight fight the “battle of the bulge” when the bulge is an isolated area of fat. Liposuction is considered minimally invasive and is usually done under local anesthesia with or without sedation. Most patients return home the day of the procedure and are back to normal activities within a few days.

Is Lipo Right for You?

If you are considering having liposuction in New York City, it helps to know whether this procedure will best suit your needs. It tends to work best on patients of average weight who are in good overall health. Skin should be both firm and elastic, allowing it to smooth over the newly sculpted area. Manhattan plastic surgeon Dr. Loeb recommends the procedure to patients who are within 10 percent of their ideal body weight for best possible results.

Types of Liposuction in New York City

Some of the more common procedures include:

• Tumescent – This is one of the most frequently used procedures. Treatment involves the use of a wetting solution, which minimized bleeding and bruising during the procedure. The wetting solution contains local anesthetic for increased patient comfort.
• Power-Assisted – Typically used in combination with the tumescent method, this technique uses a high powered suction device that breaks up the fat quicker for speedier removal. The advantage to a power-assisted procedure is a shorter procedure time, which means less anesthesia for the patient.
• Laser – Common brands of this treatment include SmartLipo and Cool Lipo. The procedure uses laser energy to soften up fat cells for easier removal. An added benefit of laser liposuction is the promotion of collagen production, which may lead to softer, firmer skin in the treatment area.
• Ultrasound-Assisted – This procedure works in a similar fashion to laser, only instead of laser energy, ultrasonic energy is used to soften and loosen fat deposits.

This fat removal procedure is considered a permanent solution to excess areas of fat, provided a normal weight is maintained after the procedure. Dr. Loeb offers liposuction in New York City to patients who wish to say goodbye to unwanted pockets of fat for good. Procedures are performed at his private surgical suite on Fifth Avenue. To learn more about having this procedure or other plastic surgery in NYC, please call  212.327.3700 to schedule a private consultation.