Lipo Surgery

It can be easy to dream about the new, slimmer you when resolving to lose weight. Reality, however, doesn’t always line up. Even when hitting your weight loss goals, it can be frustrating to still have fat cells that don’t budge. Liposuction has been a tried and true option for body contouring with a great track record for natural, easy results, making it one of the best options for putting the finishing touches on your new body. Dr. Diktaban offers safe, modern liposuction techniques so New York patients can achieve the best possible results.

Contents

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that aims to reduce the appearance of excess fat throughout different stubborn areas of the body. The human body carries a set amount of fat cells on it that swell with weight gain (rather than increasing the number of cells). The goal of liposuction is to remove these cells through surgical techniques so that they no longer affect the appearance of a given area.

Most liposuction procedures involve only a few small incisions through which a cannula, a thin, hollow tube, can be inserted to break up fatty tissue and remove it with gentle suction. Other liposuction methods involve the use of laser or radiofrequency energy to generate heat and tighten loose skin. Often, liposuction is also used to enhance the results of another plastic surgery procedure. For example, liposuction is often used as one part of a mommy makeover, tummy tuck, or Brazilian butt lift.

Liposuction Candidates

It’s important to know that liposuction should not be considered a weight-loss procedure. As such, the best candidates for liposuction are those who are at or near their ideal weight, but have some fat deposits that disrupt their ideal body contour. Before undergoing liposuction, your weight should also be stable so that it won’t be subject to fluctuations that can negatively affect your results. It’s also important to discuss any plans for becoming pregnant in the future, since this can also affect your liposuction results.

Liposuction can be performed to contour many areas of the body. Some of the most commonly treated areas among New York City patients include the abdomen, flanks, back, hips, thighs, upper arms, or neck and chin. Prior to your procedure, Dr. Diktaban will evaluate your treatment area to determine if you are a suitable candidate and which technique will yield your best possible liposuction results.

What Happens During Liposuction?

Liposuction surgery can be performed at our certified, on-site surgical suite. As is standard practice, tumescent liposuction, whether performed with traditional liposuction or newer technologies like laser liposuction, uses a tumescent solution injected into the treatment area to both numb the area and reduce bleeding and bruising. Once you’re comfortable, a tiny incision is made and the cannula is used to break up the underlying fat with gentle movements, after which the unwanted pockets of fat are removed with a surgical vacuum from multiple areas.

There are multiple options for liposuction tools, including power-assisted liposuction and RFAL (radiofrequency-assisted liposuction), which utilize their various energy sources to liquefy the fat for easier removal. The heat generated by this process can also contract loose skin and deep tissues, which makes it ideal for those looking to remove stubborn fat cells and ensure the skin doesn’t look hollow after the procedure.

After the surgical procedure, your incisions are closed and you’ll be fitted with a compression garment for your recovery. Most patients require only local anesthesia, but some will require general anesthesia and will need to arrange a ride home after their procedure. This is especially true for patients who are pairing their liposuction procedure with another plastic surgery.

RFAL Liposuction

Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction, or RFAL, is a liposuction procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia. Prior to suctioning away fat deposits, a transmitter is inserted into the treatment area to direct radiofrequency waves through the fatty tissue. This essentially liquefies fat, which is then suctioned away from the body using the suction device. In addition, the radiofrequency waves stimulate new collagen production, creating a skin-tightening effect. The result of RFAL liposuction is both reduced fat and an overall firmer, more toned appearance.

Results and Recovery

Although liposuction can require less than a week of downtime, you can expect residual swelling to last for a few months, with your final liposuction results emerging around three to six months after undergoing liposuction. You can expect some discomfort within the first few days, but this can be managed with prescribed medications.

You should wear your compression garment according to Dr. Diktaban’s instructions throughout your recovery time, since this can help reduce swelling and help the skin adhere to the new contours. Although you can walk and move around in the few days after surgery, you should wait a few weeks before you return to your full exercise regimen. Most liposuction patients return to work about a week after their plastic surgery.

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Liposuction Cost

The cost of your liposuction surgery will vary based on different factors including anesthesia, the extent of your surgery, and any other procedures that you may add to your cosmetic surgery. You’ll receive a full cost estimate of your liposuction surgery and an expert recommendation on achieving your cosemetic goals during your free consultation with Dr. Diktaban.

Cocktail Anesthesia

Cocktail anesthesia is Dr. Diktaban’s preferred tool for ensuring your procedure is relaxing and low-risk. Dr. Diktaban has used cocktail anesthesia for surgical procedures for over 10 years with resounding success. Patients are safe and comfortable during the entire procedure. It is predictable and consistent for men and women of all ages. There are no IVs or any tubes down your nose or throat. Patients describe the experience as “floating comfortably” rather than dropping into sleep from IV sedation. Patients are even allowed and instructed to have a light breakfast before coming to the office for their procedure. The cocktail anesthesia entails the ingestion of a few pills followed by two medicine injections into the arm. One big advantage with cocktail anesthesia is that during body contouring procedures, the patients are able to turn their body into different positions that enables Dr. Diktaban to sculpt their bodies in an enhanced manner. The following list of procedures can be performed under cocktail anesthesia: browlifts, facelifts, eyelid lifts, necklifts, liposuction, BBLs (buttock enlargement), fat transfer to the breasts, breast lifts, FaceTite, AccuTite, and BodyTite.  Learn more about how cocktail anesthesia can transform your surgical experience during your consultation.

Schedule a Consultation

Liposuction is an excellent option for refining your contours and putting the finishing touches on your targeted areas after weight loss or when you still have localized fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. To meet with Dr. Diktaban and explore your options for liposuction in Manhattan, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you put to sleep for liposuction?

Local anesthesia for liposuction is safe and comfortable when performed by a plastic surgeon experienced in this technique.

Can I get liposuction if I am overweight?

Excess fat can always be removed from overweight people too but you must deal with the healing of the overlying skin that might be in excess. There are skin tightening modalities to address the excess skin at the same time.

Can visceral fat be removed?

NO surgical procedure can reduce visceral fat!!! Visceral fat can only be reduced by diet and exercise.

Does a tummy tuck remove fat?

A tummy tuck removes both fat and excess skin at the same time to achieve your desired outcome.

How can I lose tummy fat fast?

The fastest way to lose excess fat cells is with liposuction.

How can I reduce my stomach fat?

Stomach fat is reduced with liposuction, diet and exercise.

How do I prepare for liposuction?

Preparation for liposuction will be dictated by your surgeon because every plastic surgeon has his or her specific instruction checklist.

How long do you need off work after liposuction?

Time off can be as little as 2-3 days or up to 1 week.

How much fat can lipo remove?

There are guidelines sometimes dictated by state law that limits the amount of stubborn pockets of fat that can be removed at one time. In general, 4 to 5 liters of fat removal at one time is accepted as a limit by most plastic surgeons.

What can you eat after lipo surgery?

The first day after your procedure it would be prudent to eat light to avoid post-anesthesia nausea and vomiting. On the second day, you can pretty much eat whatever your heart desires but watching calories is important.

What do they do with liposuction fat?

The fat that is removed goes into medical waste.

Who is good candidate for liposuction?

The ideal candidate is healthy with localized fat and good skin tone. For those with loose skin, there are skin tightening devices that can help contract the skin.

Does fat come back after lipo?

Fat can come back after liposuction because of dietary caloric intake. Protect your investment by watching what you eat.

Does liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Cellulite is a common accompaniment to excess fat, but is simply a result of how the body stores fat and the skin’s anatomy and connective tissue. Although liposuction can somewhat improve the appearance of cellulite by reducing fat, it can’t directly address it. Dr. Diktaban can recommend your best options for cellulite treatment during your consultation.

Does liposuction really work?

Liposuction absolutely does work to remove fat to enhance your bodily size, shape and proportion.

How can I avoid weight gain after surgery?

Good old diet and exercise works to avoid weight gain after surgery. Any calories that are not metabolized will turn into fat.

How do you shower after liposuction?

Normal showering after liposuction is acceptable provided no other procedure is performed. Your surgeon will advise you.

How does fat transfer work?

Fat is taken from one area using liposuction technique and then transferred to the desired area. There are many different techniques employed by surgeons.

How long do you drain after lipo?

Most of the drainage from the small access incisions will stop within 1 to 3 days.

How painful is liposuction recovery?

Most patients describe it as soreness as if they worked out at the gym excessively.

Is it easier to lose weight after liposuction?

Liposuction alone will not make it easier to lose weight. Losing weight will be related to your metabolism, diet and exercise.

Is Lipo permanent?

The fat cells that are removed with liposuction are gone forever. The remaining fat cells can enlarge with excess caloric intake.

Is liposuction an outpatient procedure?

The overwhelming majority of liposuction cases go home the same day. If a patient has medical condition that requires observation then perhaps they need to stay in the facility overnight.

What is Lipo Laser?

Laser liposuction is a device that melts the fat to facilitate fat removal and it also heats the skin to tighten the skin for enhanced contouring.

What is the best type of liposuction?

That question needs to be addressed by a plastic surgeon familiar with the different techniques so that it can be tailored to you. There is traditional liposuction that is always needed to remove the fat plus the use of lasers, radiofrequency or helium gas to melt the fat and heat the skin and connective tissue for skin tightening.

What types of liposuction are there?

Traditional liposuction, laser liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction and radiofrequency liposuction.

How much does it cost to get liposuction on your stomach?

Prices vary greatly depending on the scope of work, technique, surgeon, facility, anesthesia and other factors. A rough estimate could be $2000 to $7000.

Which areas can I get liposuction on?

Liposuction is an extremely versatile procedure that can be used on most areas of the body that have excess fat. Some of the most popular areas include the stomach, thighs, back, butt, upper arms, chest, chin, calves, and ankles.

Can I gain weight after liposuction?

Even though liposuction removes the individual fat cells, it’s still possible to gain weight after liposuction if you don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is because liposuction does not remove all fat cells from the area. A small amount of fat will be left behind as a cushion to add softness to the contours and allow for skin mobility.

Can I get fat transfer after liposuction?

Fat transfer procedures like the Brazilian butt lift or natural breast augmentation are an excellent way to boost your figure with your own natural tissue. If you’re interested in augmenting your body with fat removed during liposuction, you should be sure and discuss your options with Dr. Diktaban. Opting for certain types of liposuction may disqualify you from fat transfer procedures.

How much does liposuction cost without insurance?

The cost of liposuction depends on how many areas to be operated upon, how much work for each area and do you need the application of technology like laser, radiofrequency or helium gas. It also involves the cost of anesthesia if needed, operating room costs and the surgeons fee. It could range from $1500 - $25,000.

What is ultrasonic liposuction?

Ultrasonic energy is wave energy that will disrupt the fat cells mechanically. It facilitates the fat removal using traditional liposuction instrumentation.

How does Lipo work?

Liposuction works by permanently removing unwanted fat cells with the goal of sculpting the area into a more pleasing size and shape.

Theodore Diktaban, MD, FACS
Double Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

For over 35 years, Theodore Diktaban, MD, FACS, has made it his life's work to enhance the natural beauty of his patients in the Upper East Side and surrounding areas of New York City. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Diktaban provides the ideal blend of realistic, aesthetic, and safe cosmetic treatments and procedures.