Liposuction, which is also referred to as lipoplasty (fat modeling) or liposculpture suction lipectomy (suction-assisted fat removal), can be used to enhance and contour your body shape. During this procedure, Drs. Miller and Steinbrech will remove unwanted or excess fat from different areas of the body.
Liposuction is ideal for those areas of the body that do not respond to diet or exercise. Common areas to perform liposuction include the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, cheeks, waist, upper arms, hips, and knees. It is the most common cosmetic operation performed in the United States and in the UK.
WHY HAVE LIPOSUCTION?
Liposuction is an ideal procedure for those who generally have a stable body weight, but would like to remove excess fat to achieve a more aesthetic shape to the body. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, but will permanently remove fat cells from the body in those specific areas. It can alter the shape of a body, which can have a positive effect on how you view yourself. Liposuction can boost confidence and in some cases, relieve discomfort; liposuction can be used to treat certain medical conditions, including lymphedema, gynecomastia, and to remove excess fat after extreme weight loss.
There have been many advances in medicine, technology, and techniques which have made liposuction safer than ever to remove fat, reduce cellulite, and improve any health issues related to fat accumulation. It can also be paired with other procedures such as breast augmentations, tummy tucks, or facial plastic surgery to help acquire your ideal body contours.
LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE
Liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis, at an accredited, office-based surgery facility at Gotham Plastic Surgery of New York City. Of course, there will be a consultation first to fully discuss the procedure and any risks, as well as discuss treatment areas.
Before beginning the procedure, you will be given anesthesia. Anesthesia amounts vary depending on the amount of fat being removed. It may only need to be locally applied for a small area, or the patient may need to be given a general application and put to sleep, to remove larger amounts of fat.
When it’s determined that the anesthesia has taken affect, the liposuction procedure is performed by the plastic surgeon, using a cannula. A cannula is a small, stainless steel tube which is inserted into fatty areas between skin and muscle, through small incisions, to remove excess fat.
There are a few different techniques for removing the fat:
- Suction assisted is the most common method; this uses a vacuum to pull out the fat.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasonic energy to disrupt and melt fat cells before removal. This is done before the actual liposuction procedure, to allow for a larger amount of fat to be extracted with better ease. This type of technique is best for larger areas, compressed fat, and for male patients.
- Tumescent liposuction involves an injection of saline, a local anesthesia called lidocaine, and small amounts of adrenaline. This is given prior to the procedure and cases blood vessels to tighten, which decreases bruising and bleeding; it also only requires that you receive local anesthesia.
- Laster-assisted liposuction is a relatively new technology. Similar to the ultrasound method, this melts the fat cells and makes the extraction less painful and more effective.
ABOUT GOTHAM PLASTIC SURGERY & DR. DOUGLAS STEINBRECH
Dr. Douglas Steinbrech is one of the co-founders of Gotham Plastic Surgery and one of the most lauded and respected plastic surgeons in New York state. Dr. Steinbrech is a fully-trained Plastic Surgeon, Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons under the American Board of Medical Specialties. Dr. Steinbrech specializes in Minimally Invasive Aesthetics. He incorporates this philosophy into all of his surgical and non-surgical techniques. He has been selected as one of America’s Top Plastic Surgeons by the Consumers’ Research Council of America.
To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Steinbrech, fill out our contact form in this page.
ARE YOU A CANDIDATE?
The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone who has a pretty stable body weight and desires more contoured body shape. They may have exhausted all diet and exercise efforts. The ideal candidate will also be mentally and physically healthy and stable. They should fully understand all the risks and have a realistic expectation of what the procedure may be able to offer them. Ideally, those with firm, elastic skin experience better results, where old patients or those with less skin elasticity may not get the same results. Before you have your procedure, you will have a consultation with Drs. Miller and Steinbrech. You will go over your health history and they will determine if you are both physically and mentally an ideal candidate for liposuction.
LIPOSUCTION FAQS
How long will the procedure last?
Generally, liposuction procedures can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the amount of fat being removed, and the size and/or number of areas of treatment.
What can I expect after the procedure?
After your liposuction procedure, there is some level of pain or discomfort to be expected, which may be managed with medication. Treatment areas may be wrapped with compression garments or flexible bandages to aid in reducing inflammation and constricting the skin to maintain the new shape. These may have to be worn for several weeks during healing. In some cases, short term drains may be inserted into incision areas to collect any excess blood or fluid.
There will be bruising or swelling, but this will subside, usually within three weeks. You will be able to see immediate changes in your body and shape right after surgery, and this will continue to improve as your body heals and swelling goes down. The amount of time it takes to recovery depends on the size or number of areas of treatment and amount of fat removed.
Are there risks?
As with any surgery there are risks involved which Drs. Miller and Steinbrech will discuss during the consultation process. It is important be transparent about your medical history so Drs. Miller and Steinbrech can adequately assess your current health statues.. Always disclose any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications you are taking.
How soon can I return to work?
Although any strenuous activity should be postponed for 2-4 weeks, you will be able to go back to work a few days after surgery. If you work physical labor, you may need to wait a little longer. Consult with Drs. Miller and Steinbrech to be sure.
Schedule your consultation today by filling out the form on this page.