For stubborn body fat, liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures due to its effective way to remove fat. Our certified cosmetic plastic surgeon in Westchester conveniently offers liposuction in our offices in Manhattan and Westchester.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure commonly performed to improve body contours and achieve a more proportionate appearance. Well-defined and excess fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise are the focus of the various liposuction procedures.
Basically, during liposuction, small incisions are made in the targeted area, and a thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted. The cannula is connected to a suction device, which gently removes the unwanted fat cells from beneath the skin. Various types of energy devices might be combined with the traditional liposuction to augment the result, help shrink tissue and decrease downtime.
This body contouring procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, tumescent anesthesia, tumescent or local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of treatment and your personal preferences. At Rothaus Plastic Surgery, we will traditionally treat most liposuction patients using a tumescent anesthesia without any sedation. This technique involves injecting a solution into the treatment area before the fat removal process. The solution contains a local anesthetic to numb the area, a vasoconstrictor to minimize bleeding, and a saline solution to aid fat removal. Tumescent liposuction can enhance precision, reduce postoperative discomfort and reduce the need for sedation. This increases safety and makes for an easier and faster day of surgery experience.
Different Liposuction Techniques
There are several types of liposuction techniques available, and each has its unique indications and advantages. Here are some common types:
Traditional Liposuction
Also known as suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), this is the standard and most widely used method. It involves manually breaking up the fat using a cannula and suctioning it out. It is effective for treating various areas, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, and arms.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
PAL utilizes a specialized cannula that vibrates rapidly, helping to dislodge fat cells for easier removal. The vibrating motion of the cannula makes the procedure helpful in very large liposuctions as it reduces surgeon fatigue and operating time.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
UAL involves the use of ultrasound energy to liquefy the fat cells, making them easier to remove. This technique is said to be useful in areas with denser fat deposits, such as the back or male breast tissue.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)
LAL employs laser energy to melt fat cells, allowing for their subsequent removal. The laser energy also helps stimulate collagen production, resulting in improved skin tightening and contouring effects. Our team is proud to be the first center for smartlipo & plastic surgery in New York to offer Lipo AI to our patients. Lipo AI is the first and only FDA approved body contouring device to utilize AI and dynamic algorithms to achieve tighter contours and smoother skin.
Radiofrequency assisted Liposuction (RAL)
A popular non-invasive liposuction procedure is RAL that uses radiofrequency energy to melt the fat similarly to devices that use laser energy.
Choosing the most appropriate liposuction technique depends on various factors, including your individual anatomy, the treatment area, the amount of fat to be removed, and the desired outcomes. During your consultation, we will thoroughly assess your situation, discuss your goals, and recommend the most suitable approach for you.
Recovery Time
It’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight-loss solution but rather a contouring procedure. It can provide excellent results when combined with a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. As with any surgical procedure, liposuction also carries potential risks and considerations, which we will discuss in detail to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding and can make an informed decision. While the recovery process varies depending on several factors, most patients can anticipate returning to normal activities within 10-14 days. Please feel free to ask any further questions you may have. We are here to address your concerns and guide you through the process.
Schedule a Consultation at our Westchester Cosmetic Office
Dr. Rothaus is on staff at The New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell and at The Hospital for Special Surgery. His Manhattan office and office-based surgery center are located on the Upper East side of Manhattan.
Dr. Rothaus has maintained for his Westchester and Connecticut patients a conveniently located Westchester office for almost two decades. He and his staff are available in their White Plains office to provide consultations and take care of all your pre-operative and post-operative care. If you have any questions or concerns about the liposuction procedure, we are here to address them and guide you through the process. Schedule a consultation to learn more about how to achieve your body goals.
About Dr. Rothaus
Kenneth O. Rothaus, MD is a board-certified Manhattan and Westchester plastic surgeon offering cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for the face, breast, body, and skin. Educated at Yale College and Harvard Medical School, Dr. Rothaus’ general and plastic surgery training was at the Columbia and Cornell campuses of the New York Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Rothaus values the wants and needs of his patients and strives to give them the best experience possible.
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