Liposuction

There are few procedures in the history of plastic surgery that have received as much attention as liposuction. The ability to permanently remove unwanted fat cells captured the attention of the American public when liposuction was developed in the early 1980s. Liposuction has been shown to be a safe and effective way to contour areas of fat that can be difficult to remove with diet and exercise. When performed by a board certified plastic surgeon you are undergoing a procedure with a physician who has been properly trained and has the most experience in performing this procedure.

Liposuction is performed as a single procedure or often in combination with other body contouring procedures such as tummy tucks and breast procedures. Liposuction can be used as a contouring procedure in the neck and jaw line in specific cases where small amounts of fat can restore a more defined chin and jaw line.

Over the past 10 years there have been two factors responsible for improving liposuction technique, both of which lead to a safer procedure with greatly improved results. The tumescent technique is the first, which today is used nearly universally by all plastic surgeons when performing liposuction. The tumescent procedure, which involves injecting fluid into the area of liposuction prior to performing the actual procedure, reduces the local trauma, facilitates fat removal and shortens recovery time. The second factor is the use of smaller diameter liposuction cannulas which are better designed for fat suction. Smaller cannulas allow for more delicate and precise fat contouring (as if one is gently smoothing and contouring a sculpture). In addition to these innovations, Dr. Applebaum uses the latest, safest technology in liposulpture, called Power Assisted Liposuction. This technique is gentler to the tissues and creates a more complete contouring in areas of thickened fat such as the abdomen and back. In recent years several ultrasonic technologies have been developed to remove fat. These technologies have no advantages over tumescent liposuction in the recovery period or in the final results.

The first important step is to have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss if liposuction is the best procedure to consider in your case. There are several factors that Dr. Applebaum will review during a consultation that will help you in your decision to undergo a body contouring procedure.

Commonly Asked Questions about Liposuction

Q: When is the best time to consider liposuction as a contouring procedure?

A: The best results are always obtained when the patient has partnered with the doctor and has done his or her part to work on muscle tone and weight control. Under these circumstances, the results are longstanding and patients are usually very happy with the outcome of their liposuction procedure.

Q: How do I know if my skin has enough elasticity to consider liposuction as an option?

A: Skin elasticity does play a role in the result of liposuction; however, in the majority of patients the skin will tighten adequatelyafter the underlying fat has been contoured, leaving an improved appearance. As your skin ages the ability of the skin to tighten after liposuction does slowly diminish, but liposuction is performed on patients of all ages with excellent results.

Q: If you gain weight after liposuction does the fat come back in the original areas or can it return in other areas?

A: Weight gain after a liposuction procedure does not necessarily mean fat will return. If the weight gain is less than 5 lbs, then it may or may not be noticeable. With larger weight gain then the fat can return in part to the original liposuction areas or it may deposit itself in secondary fat stores where fat has never been accumulated. This point drives home the message that liposuction is best performed when diet and exercise have played some role in stabilizing one's weight.

Q: Are scars noticeable after liposuction?

A: Most liposuction scars are placed in very inconspicuous areas and are never seen. Scars that are placed in view measure 3 to 4 mm and heal very well after 3 to 6 months. Dr. Applebaum's patients do not complain about scars after liposuction procedures after these scars have had time to mature.

Q: Is cellulite corrected with a liposuction procedure?

A: Cellulite is a superficial problem that lies directly beneath the skin. It is not part of the underlying fat that is removed with a liposuction procedure. Liposuction contours the middle and deeper layer of fat, leaving the superficial fat to supply blood and sensation to the skin. Therefore, cellulite is not addressed with standard liposuction. There currently are no surgical procedures that can improve cellulite.

What our patients say

“ I was so frustrated that after working out and eating healthily forever, my hips and thighs didn't improve much. I'm so happy that Dr Applebaum made those pockets disappear with his liposuction technique?
– S.L., a 36-year-old publisher who had power assisted liposuction on her thighs and hips to contour those exercise and diet resistant pockets.

“ My love handles are gone and my stomach is flat. The result was great and with a short recovery! This procedure was simple and easy?
– M.H., a 40-year-old controller who always had a little extra fat around the stomach and sides which was easily removed with liposuction.

“ I really felt comfortable with Dr. Applebaum and his staff, and my liposuction results have given me a whole new outlook. I feel great about myself and have miles more self confidence?
– K. A. , a 30 -year-old T.V. producer who had inherited her full figure from her mother. She underwent liposuction and dropped several dress sizes, fitting into clothes she could never have worn before.