Liposuction

What are the Benefits of Liposuction?

Liposuction offers a range of aesthetic benefits for patients looking to slim and smooth bulges of excess fat. No matter how committed you are to living a healthy lifestyle, pockets of stubborn and isolated fat can remain unaffected by even the most rigorous toning efforts. When dieting and exercise fail to reshape your body, liposuction can be an effective and almost immediate solution to obtain:

• Slimmer, sleeker contours in the treated areas
• Improvement in a “double chin,” “muffin top,” “bra roll,” and other bulges commonly found throughout the face and body
• A smoother and firmer appearance in places of excess fat
• A well-defined silhouette in areas of localized fat

Liposuction is one of the least invasive cosmetic surgeries available compared to other body contouring procedures available today. There is a brief period of downtime required after surgery and most patients describe their recovery as very tolerable. Best of all, incisions made during liposuction are relatively short (about half-an-inch long) and leave a minimal amount of scarring in the treated regions.

Who Is A Candidate For Liposuction?

Because liposuction is such a common and popular procedure, some people have begun to think of it as a weight loss solution. This, however, is not the case. Good candidates for liposuction are healthy and already at a stable body weight. Individuals who undergo liposuction share some of the following characteristics:

• Persistent fat deposits
• Good skin elasticity
• Realistic expectations

If you’re frustrated by stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to dietary changes and exercise regimens, liposuction may be able to help you achieve your cosmetic goals. Once again, liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, but it can address small to moderate areas of excess fat. Candidates for this procedure should be in good overall health and have a reasonable expectation for the outcome. Smokers will need to quit for several weeks before and after the operation. Other considerations can be determined during your initial consultation with Dr. Neal Goldberg.

Liposuction Treatment Areas

Liposuction can be performed on virtually any area of the body that is prone to excess fat accumulation. These regions are typically the most difficult to shape and tone naturally, making them excellent treatment sites for surgical fat reduction. Depending on your aesthetic goals, liposuction can help improve the:

• Abdomen
• Upper arms
• Thighs
• Inner knees
• Submental area (neck)
• Hips
• Waistline
• Back

Patients often utilize liposuction to smooth bulges of fat colloquially known as “love handles,” “bra rolls,” and “muffin tops.” Facial liposuction to reduce a double chin can also be an effective treatment to attain an improved contour underneath the chin. While this technique has been proven to minimize fullness in the neck area, it should be noted that the procedure is not designed to tighten lax muscles or address excess skin—any neck laxity can often be improved with a neck lift rather than liposuction.

Subcutaneous Fat vs. Visceral Fat

There are two types of body fat that may be affecting the shape of your contours: subcutaneous and visceral fat. Meaning “just below the skin,” subcutaneous fat is pinchable tissue that helps protect the deeper internal structures. This type of fat can be resistant to dieting and exercise and is mainly found in the lower body and abdomen. As a result, liposuction and other fat removal procedures typically target stubborn subcutaneous tissue. In contrast, visceral fat is located between the internal organs inside the abdominal cavity, sometimes causing the appearance of a “pot belly” or hanging abdomen. Distribution of visceral fat is often determined by your genetics and hereditary factors. Excess visceral fat is also more associated with common weight-related medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease when compared to subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat is not usually removed via liposuction and can only be reduced with healthy living and an active lifestyle.

Types Of Liposuction

There are many different types of liposuction that can safely and effectively remove pockets of stubborn fat. Generally speaking, modern liposuction techniques available today include:

• Traditional: Uses suction-assisted technology to remove fat
• Tumescent: Administers a solution of medications to the blood prior to fat removal to decrease swelling, bleeding, and bruising
• SAFELipo^®: Utilizes an innovative three-step process to separate fat from its attachments, making removal of fatty tissue easier while minimizing bleeding and allowing for improved sculpting of the treated contours
• Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): Employs ultrasonic vibrations to more easily dislodge and remove excess fat
• Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL): Liquefies fat cells via laser energy to encourage the smoother removal of excess fat

Tumescent liposuction differs from standard liposuction because a solution of fluid and anesthetic is injected into the treatment site(s) before fat is removed, resulting in less discomfort during the recovery period. Many liposuction procedures incorporate the tumescent technique, including Dr. Goldberg’s preferred approach: SAFELipo^®.

SAFELipo^®

SAFELipo^® is a cutting-edge liposuction technique designed to remove fat with less trauma to the surrounding tissues, minimizing the risk of bleeding and complications during the procedure. The three-step process also creates the opportunity to more evenly sculpt your contours, preventing any irregularities or contour deformities.

Unlike traditional methods of liposuction that rely solely on suction to remove fat, which sometimes causes unnecessary trauma to surrounding tissues, SAFELipo^® uses a carefully structured process of separation, aspiration, and fat equalization to create a more refined silhouette with a lower risk of irregularities. The process involves:

1. Separation — A specialized vibrating cannula gently loosens and emulsifies fat without relying on heat or energy. Fatty tissue is separated from its attachments, making the removal process faster and easier than traditional liposuction. Since the technique is heat-free, there is no risk of thermal injury to the skin or deeper tissues, helping preserve blood vessels, nerves, and connective structures for smoother healing.
2. Aspiration — Once the fat is loosened, excess fat is easily extracted using controlled suction. The prior separation of fatty tissue allows for more precise removal, allowing Dr. Goldberg to more effectively sculpt the area. This also reduces the risk of contour deformities and minimizes trauma, swelling, and bruising.
3. Fat Equalization — After fat removal, Dr. Goldberg uses the cannula to distribute a thin, even layer of fat beneath the skin. This helps prevent lumps, ripples, or depressions and allows the skin to drape smoothly over your new contours. Patients often describe their outcomes as more natural and athletic-looking, with greater skin retraction and long-term stability in your results.

Dr. Goldberg performs SAFELipo^® to refine the contours with unmatched accuracy, even in zones that have previously been over-treated or scarred. This advanced, multi-step approach to selective fat removal prioritizes precision and safety for smoother, more natural-looking results.

Lipo 360°

Another technique available at our NYC-area practice is known as “Lipo 360°,” which simply refers to a standard liposuction procedure performed circumferentially around a patient’s midsection. While liposuction is usually designed to target a single treatment site (such as the abdomen or hips), Lipo 360° aims to address the abdomen, waist, “love handles,” and lower back for a comprehensive “360 degree” improvement. This approach not only allows patients to enhance their abdominal region circumferentially, but it can also help to highlight their natural curves. Dr. Goldberg would be happy to discuss this technique with you during an initial consultation if desired.

Is Liposuction Safe?

When performed by an extensively trained plastic surgeon on a good surgical candidate, liposuction can be a safe and effective procedure; however, any surgery comes with some degree of risk. Reducing these risks is a high priority for our medical team, and we will discuss your cosmetic plan in detail with you so that you are well-prepared for the most common contingencies. Dr. Goldberg will evaluate your health, medical history, current medications, and other factors to determine if liposuction is a suitable treatment for you. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have certain medical conditions, or take certain medications, liposuction is not recommended. Some of these factors can change with time and may simply require you to wait until a better opportunity arises. For other cases, we can help you select an alternative procedure that may be able to achieve your goals.

What Can I Expect During Liposuction Treatment?

While the specifics of each procedure vary based on the type of liposuction technique used, surgery generally takes place either in an outpatient center or a hospital. The operation by itself can take 45 minutes to two hours. Local anesthesia and intravenous sedation are usually used for minor procedures, and general anesthesia for major procedures.

In general, liposuction starts with the administration of anesthesia, after which Dr. Goldberg makes small incisions near the targeted areas. Next, the tumescent solution containing diluted lidocaine is injected into the area. A specialized cannula (thin tube) is then used to break up or dislodge the fat, separating fat cells from surrounding tissue. The cannulas used in tumescent liposuction are even thinner than those utilized in other liposuction approaches, and the incisions made are also smaller. The fat is suctioned out through a plastic tube with the assistance of a high-pressure vacuum mechanism.

What Will My Liposuction Scars Look Like?

Liposuction uses a series of small incisions, so the resulting scars should be quite small. Most patients find that these tiny marks heal very well and can be relatively unnoticeable. Dr. Goldberg strives to create results that are as natural as possible, including placing incisions in inconspicuous locations. The specific entry points will vary depending on your unique treatment plan and area of concern.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The price of liposuction will vary from person to person based on the unique details of their treatment plan. At our NYC practice, liposuction typically costs about $4,000 per treated area (both sides are considered one area). This number is inclusive of all standard fees. We want you to feel informed and knowledgeable about your options, and during your initial consultation we will go over all the anticipated expenses for your procedure, including the anesthesiology and hospital facility fees. To further assist you, we work with plastic surgery financing companies that offer qualified candidates appealing loan terms. You’re welcome to ask for more information during your first meeting with the doctor.

Is Non-Surgical Liposuction Possible?

Non-surgical fat removal procedures exist, but typically require multiple repeat treatments and offer less aesthetic control over the final outcome. Furthermore, fat is gradually reduced over a period of months with minimally invasive technologies, rather than suctioned out right away via liposuction. Due to the procedure’s ability to provide precise and near-immediate results, liposuction is generally considered the best way to remove stubborn fat compared to non-surgical treatments. However, patients who want to slim their facial appearance and prefer to avoid surgery may find a solution in KYBELLA^® double chin reduction. This injectable treatment can remove excess fat in the neck through deoxycholic acid, its main ingredient and a naturally occurring substance in the body. After injection, fat cells are naturally metabolized over the following weeks to achieve a sharper, more defined neck contour. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs and preferences with Dr. Goldberg. Our team would be happy to develop an ideal treatment plan tailored to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Complementary Procedures To Liposuction

Fat Transfer to the Face

Liposuction and facial fat injections are often considered a natural pairing. Fat removed during liposuction from areas like the abdomen, flanks, or thighs can be collected, purified, and re-injected into the face to restore lost volume. This combination approach allows patients to slim unwanted contours in the body while simultaneously rejuvenating the face with their own natural tissue, eliminating the need for synthetic dermal fillers. The result is often a leaner body contour and a more refreshed look achieved during a single surgical session with one shared recovery period.

Gynecomastia Surgery

For men bothered by enlarged or puffy-looking chest tissue, liposuction is frequently a core component of gynecomastia correction. Excess fat in the chest — a common contributor to a feminized chest appearance — can be precisely removed via liposuction, while any underlying glandular tissue is addressed through a small surgical excision if needed. Combining the two techniques in one procedure allows Dr. Goldberg to sculpt a flatter, more masculine chest contour with minimal incisions and downtime. Men with overdeveloped chest tissue who are already pursuing liposuction for the abdomen or flanks often find that adding gynecomastia treatment is a convenient and efficient way to comprehensively address their upper body in a single visit.

Other Procedures

Since liposuction is relatively less invasive than other cosmetic surgery procedures, some patients choose to combine their liposuction with additional treatment options designed to sculpt the body. A combination treatment plan can give men and women the opportunity to improve more than one region of the body while only contending with a single recovery period. Procedures that are commonly performed in conjunction with liposuction include:

• Abdominoplasty: A tummy tuck can complement the fat reduction achieved with liposuction if you’re also bothered by loose, excess skin on the abdomen. When performed together, a liposuction plus tummy tuck treatment plan can provide a smoother, tighter, and leaner abdominal profile.
• Arm Lift: When fat accumulates in the upper arms, it’s not uncommon for the skin to lose tone and elasticity. Arm lift surgery can be an excellent technique to circumferentially sculpt the arms and restore a more defined contour.
• Thigh Lift: Similar to an arm lift, thigh lift surgery is designed to eliminate excess skin around the inner thighs. Combined with liposuction, a thigh lift can allow patients to attain a smoother and leaner thigh shape.
• Brazilian Butt Lift: Often referred to as a “BBL,” a Brazilian Butt Lift can be performed at the same time as liposuction to plump the buttocks while also contouring another region of the body. This procedure is designed to transfer fat cells from the abdomen, thighs, or hips into the buttocks, allowing you to use your own fat as a natural filler.

If desired, Dr. Goldberg will go over potential treatment options that can pair well with liposuction and help you better achieve your aesthetic goals. If you’re interested in reversing changes that have occurred due to past pregnancy, a Mommy Makeover may be the ideal surgical plan for you.

Are There Alternatives to Liposuction?

Liposuction can be an excellent way to reduce excess fat in targeted areas, but there are also other options for patients who are not candidates or prefer another method. Patients who are bothered by a “double chin” may benefit from KYBELLA^®, a non-surgical injectable solution that can reduce fatty tissue from under the chin. This can not only provide a slimmer facial appearance, but also help sharpen the jawline. If you also have excess skin around the neck or under the chin, Dr. Goldberg also offers advanced non-surgical skin tightening with MyEllevate^®, which can help lift the tissues of the neck and improve skin tone without surgery.

On the other hand, you may realize you have aesthetic concerns in more than one region that you would like to address. Liposuction is very frequently incorporated into a Mommy Makeover, a combined treatment plan designed to reclaim the contours you had before pregnancy and having children. Pregnancy and breastfeeding have a tendency to cause excess fat buildup in the belly, hips, thighs, and upper arms, which can be resistant to dieting and exercise no matter the strenuousness of your workouts. A Mommy Makeover can be an efficient and convenient way to not only address stubborn fat, but also repair separated abdominal muscles, remove excess skin on the belly, and restore lost breast volume. Dr. Goldberg will be happy to discuss your options based on your characteristics and cosmetic goals during your initial consultation.

Can Liposuction Get Rid of Cellulite?

Cellulite, which refers to dimpling on the skin that resembles an orange peel-like texture, affects almost 90 percent of women and often develops on the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks. Although cellulite is medically harmless, it can disrupt the sleek and smooth skin texture often sought out by patients. That said, many individuals wonder whether liposuction or other fat reduction treatments are able to effectively correct cellulite and restore a smoother look in the skin. In general, liposuction is not designed to treat cellulite. Skin dimpling is often caused by excess fat accumulation, but hormonal changes, genetics, and other factors may also contribute to the formation of cellulite. For this reason, there is no guarantee that liposuction can reduce a bumpy or dimpled appearance. While the procedure may or may not improve the appearance of skin dimpling, liposuction should not be considered an effective treatment for cellulite.