Complete Guide to Liposuction Procedures

Fat removal doesn’t have to be complicated. You can work toward your ideal body shape with highly targeted cosmetic services carried out by board-certified plastic surgeons.

As you move through the world, you deserve to have confidence in your figure. Liposuction may be the body contouring procedure you’ve been waiting for. With the help of liposuction, you can permanently get rid of stubborn fat cells in specific areas of the body.

You may have questions: What is a liposuction procedure like? How do you know if you’re a good candidate? Here’s everything you need to know about this popular cosmetic procedure in NYC.

How Liposuction Works

Liposuction (lipoplasty) is a type of cosmetic surgery that permanently removes fat deposits from specific areas underneath your skin. Your surgeon will use a cannula, which is a special suction tube, to extract fatty tissue from one or more targeted areas.

Once these fat deposits are extracted, they’re gone for good. Since liposuction removes stubborn surface-level fat that interferes with showing off your physique, it tends to offer the best results toward the end of a weight loss or body sculpting journey.

The most common liposuction treatment areas include:

• Thighs

• Upper arms (“bat wings”)

• Back (“bra bulge”)

• Midsection

• Hips

• Ankles

• Knees

• Neck (“double chin”)

These areas of your body tend to accumulate excess fat deposits even if you follow a healthy diet and exercise routine. They can be especially resistant to weight loss efforts.

Removing Subcutaneous Fat for a Contoured Figure

The type of fat removed during liposuction is called “subcutaneous fat.” It’s different from the fat that surrounds your organs (visceral fat).

Subcutaneous fat settles right underneath your skin and creates specific pockets of fat for surgeons to target. Visceral fat accumulates over time and is most common in overweight and obese patients. It’s considered more unhealthy than subcutaneous fat because of its impact on your overall health.

Unlike visceral fat, subcutaneous fat isn’t intertwined with as many blood vessels and doesn’t pad your organs. This makes it easier to target for removal through liposuction procedures.

Because of the distinct differences between subcutaneous and visceral fat pockets, patients should recognize that this is not a weight loss surgery or obesity treatment. Liposuction is used to complement healthy lifestyle habits, not to replace them.

Other weight loss services may be best for you if you still have a large amount of weight to lose.

Types of Liposuction Procedures and What They Do

There are some key differences in the liposuction techniques that surgeons use to achieve impactful results. The method your surgeon uses will depend on how much fat you have to lose, the size of the treatment area, and your preferences for recovery. You’ll discuss this more during your initial consultation.

All liposuction procedures start with small incisions to make room for the suction device to remove excess fat. From there, the methods your surgeon uses to get rid of fat deposits can vary.

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional lipo is the most well-known liposuction surgery and has been used for decades to remove excess fat. It’s formally called “suction-assisted liposuction” since it relies on suction power to get rid of fat cells. This method works best for patients with a large amount of fat to lose in bigger target areas.

Standard liposuction surgery requires general anesthesia, which means you won’t be awake during the procedure. It’s more intensive than some other methods.

During traditional liposuction procedures, the surgeon uses a cannula to remove stubborn fat from the treatment areas. The power of the suction device pulls fatty tissue through a thin tube for permanent removal.

The high volume of instant fat loss can interfere with skin elasticity. Many patients choose to pair traditional lipo with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or other skin-tightening procedures for a more contoured look.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (SmartLipo)

In a laser-assisted liposuction procedure, the surgeon uses a special laser to liquefy (break down) fat cells before removing them with a cannula. Thanks to the power of the laser, this treatment can also help with skin elasticity. It’s considered a less invasive liposuction procedure and only requires local anesthesia to numb the area.

Laser-assisted lipo is best for patients who want more definition and contouring in smaller treatment areas. For example, it works well for targeted areas on the arms, under the chin, or around the hips (“love handles”). The result is a precise, well-defined contour that you can be proud of.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction procedures use a special injectable solution that temporarily enlarges your fat cells. This makes the cells much easier to remove, so you only need local anesthesia for the procedure. Tumescent lipo is known for its fast recovery time and gentler approach to fat removal.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

Ultrasound-assisted lipo (UAL) is sometimes known as Vaser liposuction. It’s a surgical procedure that uses ultrasound waves to break down stubborn fat deposits and make them easier to remove with a cannula.

UAL can target more precise areas than some other methods. If you have a specific area of your body that you want to refine and contour, UAL may be right for you. Post-operative symptoms and recovery are generally lighter and less intense with this technique.

You can opt for a local anesthetic with mild sedation or general anesthesia for this procedure.

Power-Assisted Liposuction

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) surgery uses a vibrating cannula to disturb the fat cells and make them slightly easier to remove. The surgeon can extract fat pockets while protecting the surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and muscle tissue.

PAL is less precise than UAL. It works best for targeting high-volume fat deposits in larger areas of the body.

General anesthesia is the most common choice for PAL. The procedure is usually quicker than traditional lipo, thanks to the vibrating cannula’s efficiency in breaking up and removing fat cells.

Flank Liposuction (Love Handle Reduction)

Flank liposuction, often referred to as love handle liposuction. This type of liposuction targets stubborn fat deposits along the sides of the waist, where excess fat commonly accumulates between the abdomen and lower back. These areas can be particularly difficult to slim down through diet and exercise alone, making them one of the most popular areas for liposuction.

Liposuction of the flanks is designed to refine the waistline and improve overall body proportions by smoothing the transition between the midsection and hips. By removing localized fat from the love handles, surgeons can create a more defined, streamlined silhouette that looks natural from both the front and side profiles.

At New Look New Life, flanks liposuction in NYC is commonly performed using advanced techniques such as laser-assisted or ultrasound-assisted liposuction. These methods allow for more precise fat removal while supporting skin tightening, which can help minimize laxity and enhance contouring results.

Flank liposuction may be performed on its own or combined with abdominal liposuction for more comprehensive body sculpting. Even modest fat removal in this area often leads to noticeable improvements in how clothing fits and how the waistline appears, especially when viewed from multiple angles.

Enhancing Your Liposuction Results: What to Pair With Lipo for a Smooth, Contoured Body

After liposuction, loose skin is often a concern for patients. Your body has just lost several fat pockets. Without enough skin elasticity, the area may lose its smooth contours. Skin tightening procedures like tummy tucks and body lifts enhance your results and help you achieve the tight, youthful figure you’re after.

Loose Skin Removal Surgery

A skin removal procedure will get rid of hanging, sagging skin that often appears after losing a lot of weight or removing fat through liposuction. Surgery can tighten the treatment area for a more sculpted, athletic look.

Some options for skin removal include:

• Arm lift procedure

• Thigh lift procedure

• Tummy tuck

• Full-body lift (combo procedure)

Tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) are frequently used in combination with lipo for a more contoured midsection.

One unexpected benefit of skin removal surgery is that it can reduce the appearance of cellulite. Cellulite is caused by structural changes in the connective tissues that make up your skin fiber network. By tightening and removing loose skin, the surgery can effectively smooth areas of cellulite and dimpling for a more refined appearance.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction in NYC?

If the results of liposuction sound appealing to you, you might be wondering whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure. You could be eligible for liposuction and related cosmetic surgery procedures if you meet these criteria.

In a Healthy Weight Range

Patients with BMIs under 30 are generally the best candidates for liposuction. Liposuction only removes superficial fat deposits; it will not help you lose significant amounts of weight. You should be within 20 to 30 pounds of your goal weight before getting the procedure done.

Being in a healthy weight range also protects you during and after surgery. Having a BMI under 30 will help you recover more quickly.

Stubborn Fat Deposits

If you have areas of fat that just won’t respond to diet and exercise, liposuction may be a good option for you. The fat cells go away permanently after surgery, so as long as you maintain a stable, healthy weight, you’ll enjoy your results for years!

Gynecomastia Patients

Liposuction is beneficial for men struggling with gynecomastia, a hormonal condition that causes male breast growth. It will remove fatty and glandular tissue to flatten your chest. If you’ve lost a lot of weight, you may want to pair gynecomastia surgery with a skin tightening procedure for the best results.

Realistic Expectations

You should have realistic ideas for how your body will look after surgery. Liposuction is helpful for reshaping your body, but it will not get rid of all of your body fat or cure obesity. Talk to your surgeon about your aesthetic goals before opting for surgery.

Able to Follow Post-Operative Instructions

After liposuction surgery, you will need to wear compression garments to accelerate healing and maintain your new body shape. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications and schedule follow-up appointments as well. It’s important to follow all post-op instructions carefully.

Book Your Liposuction Procedure at New Look New Life in NYC

The New Look New Life team of doctors is here to help you achieve your goal physique. Our skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons will explore with you how liposuction techniques can enhance your figure and boost your confidence.

If you need a pricing estimate or want more information, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with us today!