Liposuction is a cosmetic treatment that removes excess fat and helps sculpt the body. It’s best for people of normal or near normal body weight who deal with areas of stubborn fat. Treatment is commonly requested for the following areas:
neck/chin
breasts
upper arms
back
waist
hips
abdomen
thighs
buttocks
knees
Liposuction is not intended to be a substitute for proper diet and exercise, even though it can dramatically improve one’s shape. Anyone considering liposuction in should be in generally good health and have realistic expectations to be discussed with their cosmetic surgeon.
Liposuction is usually performed in an office-based facility or one of the city area’s hospitals or surgical centers. The actual surgery can take one to two hours under general or local anesthesia. There are different methods of liposuction, yet the standard is suction-assisted liposuction (SAL).
SAL involves a small cannula (similar to a straw) which is attached to a vacuum device, being inserted through a small incision. The cosmetic surgeon pushes and pulls it in a back and forth motion, carefully through the fat layer, breaking up and drawing out fat cells from the body by suction. Recovery involves the patient wearing a compression garment for two to four weeks. This garment can be easily removed and must have elasticity. Depending on the specific procedure, pain may last as long as two weeks, and can be alleviated by prescription or over-the-counter medications. The final result can be apparent anywhere from one to six months after surgery, although the difference will be noticeable within a few days or weeks, as swelling eases.
If considering treatment, schedule a consultation for liposuction with Dr. Schwarcz in his New York City practice, where his emphasis on tremendous patient care is apparent.
