Liposuction
Consultations offered at our two convenient locations in Fairfield, CT and White Plains, NY
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and hips. It is an effective way to contour the body and achieve a sleeker, more proportionate appearance.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution, but rather a targeted approach to remove stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. Dr. Alfred Sofer is a double-board-certified plastic surgeon that uses advanced techniques and technology to provide patients with optimal results with minimal downtime. During your consultation, Dr. Sofer will assess your individual needs and goals to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique anatomy and desired outcome.
If you’re considering liposuction, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sofer. Call (203) 336-9862 to reach our offices in Fairfield, Connecticut, or White Plains, New York. Or, just fill out our online form to request an appointment. Let us help you achieve the body you’ve always wanted.
Contents
Before and After Photos
About Liposuction
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction was the most sought-after cosmetic procedure from 2021-2022, and it remains one of the top five most frequently performed cosmetic surgical procedures. (1)(2) Liposuction can permanently remove unwanted fat deposits, and is performed using minimally invasive techniques that result in little to no visible scarring.
How Does Liposuction Work?
Liposuction is the permanent removal of fat cells from the body using specialized equipment. A long, slender, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted into a small incision near the treatment area. The cannula is attached to a suctioning device, and as the surgeon passes the cannula back and forth beneath the skin, they are able to suction away the unwanted fat and sculpt the patient’s desired results.
Liposuction, as we know it today, has come a long way from the procedure that was originally pioneered by French surgeons in the 1970s. Important developments in this surgery include the introduction of blunt cannulas, which allowed fat to be removed with less trauma to the surrounding tissues, and tumescent fluid. By infiltrating the treatment area with this specialized fluid before the procedure, less bleeding and fewer complications occur. (2)
What is PAL?
Power-assisted liposuction, or PAL, is a type of liposuction that uses a specialized cannula to remove excess fat from the body.
This minimally invasive procedure can help patients achieve their desired body contouring goals by targeting stubborn areas of adipose tissue that are resistant to diet and exercise.
During a PAL procedure, tumescent anesthesia is used to numb the targeted area and reduce bleeding. The cannula, which is attached to a power-assisted device, is then inserted through small incisions in the skin. The device vibrates rapidly, allowing for more precise and efficient fat removal. This technique is particularly effective for larger areas of fat.
Dr. Sofer uses power-assisted liposuction (PAL) to perform treatments. It has many benefits, including:
- Better fat removal: PAL uses a cannula that moves in small, quick vibrations to break up fat cells more effectively. This makes it easier to suck out tough fat.
- Faster: The efficient technique means PAL can remove more fat in less time and with greater precision.
- More gentle: PAL causes less pain and swelling to the patient, and they recover faster.
Is Liposuction For Me?
Liposuction is an excellent option for those who have achieved significant weight loss but still struggle with pockets of fat that won’t budge through diet and exercise alone.
It is particularly effective for patients with good skin elasticity who have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with the surgery. This procedure can target areas such as love handles, saddlebags, bra bulge, double chin, abdominal fat, thigh gap, arm fat, and even provide buttock enhancement through fat transfer.
Although liposuction is an effective way to remove fat, it is not for everyone. You may not be able to undergo a liposuction procedure if:
- You are pregnant
- You have a serious health condition
- You have poor skin laxity
- Your BMI is over 35
If you are recovering from pregnancy and have excess skin in your abdomen, or abdominal muscle weakness, Dr. Sofer may recommend a tummy tuck procedure.
Preparation
Before undergoing a liposuction procedure, it is important to properly prepare yourself. Dr. Sofer and his team will provide you with detailed preoperative instructions to ensure a smooth surgery and optimal results.
One crucial step is to discontinue the use of blood thinners, supplements, and other medications as instructed by Dr. Sofer. This will help prevent complications and ensure a speedy recovery. In addition, nicotine use should be stopped in the weeks leading up to the surgery and avoided completely throughout the recovery period.
It is also recommended to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure if sedation or general anesthesia is used. It is important to take enough time off from work and social commitments to allow your body to rest and heal. Dr. Sofer may prescribe pain medication and antibiotics before the procedure, so it is best to fill these prescriptions beforehand to avoid any delays or inconvenience.
Liposuction Procedure
On the day of your surgery, Dr. Sofer will briefly go through the details of your procedure with you before he begins. He will then map the areas of your body that will be targeted. Once your chosen anesthesia has been administered, Dr. Sofer will use a cannula with a vibrating tip to break up and suction out adipose tissue in the treatment area, resulting in a more sculpted and defined appearance. Once he has expertly removed the necessary amount of fat, he will carefully close the small incision points.
Recovery & Results
After undergoing liposuction, you can expect some swelling and bruising in the treated area. This is a normal part of the healing process and will gradually subside within a few weeks. Dr. Sofer will provide you with a special compression garment to wear for several weeks to help reduce swelling and promote proper healing. He may also prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort during this time.
During your recovery period, it is important that you take it easy for a few days after the procedure, and avoid any strenuous activities for at least two weeks. Light walking is encouraged to help improve circulation and speed up the healing process. Dr. Sofer will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly.
Once the swelling has subsided, you will begin to notice the full results of your liposuction procedure. You will enjoy a more sculpted and toned appearance in the treated area, with improved contours and definition. The results are long-lasting, as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet. Dr. Sofer takes great care to ensure that any scarring is minimal and well-concealed.
Cost of Liposuction in White Plains, NY
At our practice, we offer power-assisted liposuction to help patients achieve their desired body contour. The cost of this procedure can vary depending on several factors such as the amount of fat being removed, anesthesia fees, and the number of areas being treated. During your consultation with Dr. Sofer, he will discuss your individual needs and provide you with a personalized treatment plan that includes an accurate estimate for the total cost of the procedure. We understand that affordability is important to our patients, which is why we also offer financing options to make your cosmetic goals more accessible. To schedule your consultation with Dr. Sofer, please call us at (203) 336-9862 or fill out our online contact form today.
Get more information about liposuction by reading Dr. Sofer’s blog.
FAQ
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical process that breaks up unwanted fat and then uses suction to remove it. With the fat gone, the skin molds itself to your new form.
The body contouring surgery takes 1-3 hours, depending on how much fat you need removing. If a session will take longer than this, Dr. Sofer breaks it into two for your safety and well-being.
Who benefits from liposuction?
Liposuction works best if you’re within 30% of your ideal body weight, and can maintain it to within 10-15 pounds. You get the smoothest results if your skin has good tone and elasticity.
Depending on where you get liposuction, you can expect a flatter stomach, slimmer limbs, or a more defined shape. The results are permanent as long as your weight remains stable.
Dr. Sofer wants you to get the most from your liposuction treatment. He discusses with you what you hope to achieve so he can create your desired results.
In what areas is liposuction possible?
Liposuction is effective at removing fat from specific areas of the body, including:
Abdomen
Buttocks
Calves and ankles
Chest and back
Chin and neck
Hips and thighs
Upper arms
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Inaugural ASPS Insights and Trends Report: Cosmetic Surgery 2022.; 2022. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Trends/2022/trends-report-cosmetic-surgery-2022.pdf
- Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculpture: Review. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017;24:53-60. Published 2017 Nov 6. doi:10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024