Liposuction

Liposuction is a popular surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body, helping to improve overall body contour and shape. ⁽¹⁾ Many individuals struggle with stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise, and liposuction offers an effective solution to enhance their appearance. This procedure allows patients to regain or uplift their confidence by sculpting their bodies to align with their desired image.

At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, we offer a full range of liposuction techniques, performed with utmost precision and care. Our practice, led by Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine, specializes in plastic surgery, dermatology, laser services, and skincare. Renowned for our comprehensive, patient-centered approach, we consistently deliver exceptional results that set us apart as one of New York’s premier cosmetic practices. By taking the time to fully understand a patient’s goals, we can help them transform their bodies to their ideal appearance and physique, helping them reach a new level of confidence!

If you would like to explore your liposuction treatment options further, take a moment to schedule a consultation today. You can get in touch with our office by submitting our online contact form or calling our Manhattan office directly at (212) 988-1800.

Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC regularly welcomes patients from outside of New York who seek Dr. Elie Levine’s expertise. If you are traveling domestically or internationally for treatment, our staff will happily help you plan your trip!

Before and After Photos

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About Liposuction

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or liposculpture, is an effective and widely-performed procedure that can remove excess fat from targeted areas. Liposuction can sculpt and shape the body, remove fat that is resistant to diet and exercise, reduce tummy bulges, saddle bags, and love handles, reduce enlarged male breasts, and more. ⁽¹⁾ Dr. Elie Levine has also had great success using liposuction as a supplemental procedure in breast reduction procedures to provide further shaping of the breasts and lateral breasts. Liposuction can target essentially any part of the body burdened with fat deposits.

A key element in liposuction is focusing on what happens to the skin after fat removal. It’s not just about eliminating fat, it’s about achieving smooth, natural contours. Many patients require skin tightening in addition to fat reduction to prevent laxity or sagging, especially in areas like the back folds. Dr. Elie Levine is a leading expert in this field, known also for treating patients who were previously undertreated or left with unsatisfactory results elsewhere. He performs many revision procedures like these and has helped countless patients who needed more than just basic fat removal. His expertise ensures a comprehensive approach that addresses not only fat but also skin laxity and overall aesthetics.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States. ⁽²⁾ In 2023 alone, liposuction was performed more than 347,000 times, and it saw a 7% increase from previous years. ⁽²⁾ In recent years, liposuction techniques have become more sophisticated, and new liposuction technologies have emerged, allowing for more precise, customized, and targeted results, often with faster and smoother patient recoveries. ⁽³⁾

Additionally, as weight loss through the use of GLP-1 medications becomes more common, many people have undergone liposuction treatments to remove pockets of fat that have persisted throughout their weight loss journey.

Liposuction improves body contours by removing excess fatty deposits in targeted areas. In some cases, like in BodyTite™ treatments, liposuction can be performed alongside skin tightening. Because our practice offers a full range of state-of-the-art liposuction techniques, Dr. Elie Levine can provide a truly tailored approach, specifically customized for each patient. With advanced techniques including traditional tumescent and super wet liposuction, SmartLipo™ laser technology, VASER® LipoSelection, and power-assisted liposuction, Dr. Elie Levine can help you achieve impressive, transformative results!

Candidates

The best candidates for liposuction will be near their normal or target body weight with good skin tone and elasticity. Liposuction is an ideal option for people who wish to shape and sculpt their bodies by removing localized areas of excess fat that have not responded to traditional weight loss or exercise. Patients who wish to target multiple areas around their midsection may benefit best from a Lipo 360 procedure. All prospective patients should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations regarding the results of their procedure. Dr. Elie Levine will meet with you to discuss your goals and expectations and help you determine which liposuction technique, or combination of techniques, would be right for you.

Personal Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Elie Levine will thoroughly examine areas of excess fat to determine the amount and distribution of fat as well as the quality of skin elasticity. He will then discuss which combination of liposuction procedures will achieve the best body sculpting results. Dr. Elie Levine will thoroughly discuss your goals and expectations, including possible risks and the best way to prepare for your surgery. He will let you know what to expect before, during, and after your procedure, and he will answer any questions that you may have.

Begin your liposuction journey today by submitting our online contact form to schedule a consultation. If you have any questions or prefer to handle appointments over the phone, please call our office at (212) 988-1800.

Patients from across the country and around the world regularly travel to New York City to receive treatment from Dr. Elie Levine. If you will be traveling for your treatment, we can help you make travel and lodging accommodations.

Preparation

After establishing your treatment plan, you will receive preparation instructions. Patients may be required to adjust their medication intake, especially if they regularly take any kind of blood-thinning medications or supplements. Additionally, those who smoke or use other forms of nicotine will be asked to quit before and after treatment, and alcohol consumption should also be ceased throughout this time. Patients are recommended to arrange transportation home and have someone assist them during their initial recovery. Please take time away from work and other responsibilities to focus on your recovery as well.

Procedure

We offer a full range of liposuction options, including InMode BodyTite, BodyTite Turbo, VASER®, traditional tumescent and super wet liposuction, SmartLipo™ laser liposuction, and power-assisted liposuction. Often, a combination of different techniques will provide optimal results for both fat removal and skin tightening. In many cases, QuantumRF complements a liposuction procedure by tightening the loose skin that is left behind after fat removal. ⁽⁴⁾

In most cases, Dr. Elie Levine injects tumescent fluid into the treatment areas, which will minimize discomfort and bleeding while making fat easier to remove. ^(1,3,4) Cannulas (thin, hollow tubes) are introduced through tiny incisions to suction and remove fat from layers deep beneath the skin. Because the tumescent technique uses an extremely effective local anesthetic, there is no need for intravenous sedatives, narcotic analgesics, or general anesthesia. Liposuction procedure times may vary considerably, depending on which techniques are used and which areas are treated.

Recovery

Recovery after liposuction is generally one to two weeks. You will receive detailed post-operative instructions for your specific needs. In general, you can expect to have mild bruising and swelling after your procedure. Key recovery recommendations include wearing compression garments to support healing, limiting physical activity for as long as your surgeon advises (although light walking is encouraged to promote circulation), and attending follow-up appointments so we can monitor your progress and ensure proper healing. Swelling and soreness are common, but Dr. Elie Levine employs long-lasting pain relief to maximize your comfort.

At Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC, our concern for you does not end when you go home. We are dedicated to providing ongoing care to ensure a fast, safe, and smooth recovery. Dr. Elie Levine will see you for post-operative visits, and he and our staff stand ready to answer any questions you may have about your recovery, as well as your overall health and well-being. If you are traveling for your liposuction procedure, you will need to receive clearance from Dr. Elie Levine before embarking on your journey home.

Results

Your liposuction results will become more evident as you continue to heal. Patients can expect a more contoured physique with marked improvement in targeted areas and enhanced confidence in social settings. Patients emerge from treatment excited and confident to showcase their new physique, even in the most revealing apparel! Because of Dr. Elie Levine’s careful incision techniques, scars are minimal and easily hidden. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through balanced nutrition and regular exercise will contribute to sustaining the new contours achieved through liposuction.

One of the many wonderful qualities that sets Plastic Surgery & Dermatology of NYC apart is our ability to use a multidisciplinary approach to optimize results. With expertise in both plastic surgery and dermatology, Dr. Elie Levine and Dr. Jody Levine work together to help prepare, protect, and treat the skin before, during, and after your procedure. As one of New York’s leading dermatologists, Dr. Jody Levine will customize a skincare regimen that includes pre-surgical measures to optimize your skin, as well as post-surgical skincare that can help prevent irritation, alleviate bruising and inflammation, and promote faster healing.

Corresponding Procedures

Liposuction can easily be combined with other procedures to achieve impressive and comprehensive results.

Fat Grafting

One of the most exciting advancements in liposuction technology is the ability to allow patients to use their own natural fat for cosmetic reasons. During fat grafting (also called autologous fat grafting), fat gently removed during liposuction is prepared and carefully reinjected as microdroplets into areas that may benefit from increased volume. It can be used in areas such as the buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift), breasts (breast augmentation), and more. Facial fat grafting may also be used as a longer-lasting alternative to temporary dermal fillers to reduce the signs of aging and restore youthful contours.

Nonsurgical Skin Tightening

Dr. Elie Levine offers multiple nonsurgical skin tightening treatments. Two of these include QuantumRF and Morpheus8. Both of these treatments can complement a liposuction procedure by tightening the loose skin that is left behind after fat removal. QuantumRF is a revolutionary treatment that uses radiofrequency energy to stimulate collagen production, which leads to tighter, healthier skin. Morpheus8 also uses radiofrequency energy, but it combines this with microneedling to further stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin.

Excisional Body Contouring

Many patients will receive a tummy tuck procedure after their liposuction treatment, especially if their liposuction targets the abdomen after weight loss. In a tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, excess skin is removed from the abdomen, and the muscles are tightened to create a smooth, toned, and attractive torso. Thigh lifts, arm lifts, body lifts, and more are also common additions to liposuction, especially if a patient is targeting fat deposits in these areas.

Cost of Liposuction in New York City

The cost of a liposuction procedure varies depending on the number of areas being treated, how much fat is being removed, the liposuction methods used, whether or not additional procedures are being performed, and a handful of other factors. After you meet with Dr. Elie Levine to discuss your goals, you will receive a comprehensive price quote. Our practice also offers financing plans to help patients access their treatments.

Schedule your consultation today to begin sculpting your ideal body. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office at (212) 988-1800.

FAQ

References

1. Bartow MJ, Raggio BS. Liposuction. PubMed. Published 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563135/
2. ASPS. American Society of Plastic Surgeons ® Endorsed Partner.; 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2023/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2023.pdf
3. Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Annals of Medicine and Surgery. 2017;24:53-60. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024
4. Wu S, Coombs DM, Gurunian R. Liposuction: Concepts, safety, and techniques in body-contouring surgery. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine. 2020;87(6):367-375. doi:https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.87a.19097