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Liposuction in New Jersey
David Evdokimow, MD
You want a healthy looking shape that reflects all the hard work you've devoted to diet and exercise. When fat deposits don't respond to your efforts, liposuction could be just what you need to get the slim, smooth body contours you desire. Whether you're frustrated by excess fat on your back, hips, thighs, abdomen, buttocks, upper arms, neck, or chest, it may be time for you to consider liposuction from New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. David Evdokimow.
To learn more about New Jersey liposuction procedures with a board-certified surgeon, you can request your consultation online or call Dr. Evdokimow's cosmetic surgery New Jersey offices at 908-221-1136. We serve men and women from New Jersey, New York and the rest of the country.
With obesity being a major health problem in America, liposuction has attracted a lot of attention. It has lead to an unfortunate misconception – the false impression that liposuction is a miracle treatment for obese people. The reality is that liposuction is actually intended to treat localized fat deposits for people that are already relatively in-shape. Moreover, New Jersey liposuction patients should be motivated to implement a well-balanced diet, regular exercise and other healthy lifestyle modifications in addition to the surgical procedure.
Liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in the USA. Unfortunately, it is being performed by many unqualified physicians. Recent technological advances and the trend toward minimally invasive procedures exacerbate this problem. After all, liposuction is a SURGERY with risks and potential complications if it is performed by an inexperienced physician.
Patients should take the initiative and carefully check their surgeon's qualifications. Some warning signs that a practitioner lacks proper credentials are: the practitioner operates out of a medical spa, the practitioner does not have hospital privileges, the practitioner avoids questions about appropriate training, he or she is unable to discuss the pros and cons of different treatment modalities, and the practitioner is not certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Watch out for a doctor who boasts about owning a lot of lasers and fancy equipment – be sure that they also have appropriate training and experience.
Liposuction Techniques
There are several methods for performing liposuction. Dr. Evdokimow has the experience to choose the best procedure to achieve your specific goals.
- Suction-assisted liposuction (lipoplasty). This procedure utilizes a metallic cannula (small tube) connected to a suction-generating device. The procedure generally involves two stages. First, the treatment area is infused with tumescent solution (a sterile solution containing epinephrine and local anesthetic). Then, the fat is removed. This liposuction technique can be difficult to use in fibrous areas such as the flanks.
- Power-assisted liposuction (PAL). For this procedure, the cannula is connected to a device that facilitates forward and backward movements of the cannula. It works on the same principle as traditional liposuction. As with suction-assisted liposuction, this is a two-stage procedure involving aspiration after the area has been infused with tumescent fluid. This liposuction method in New Jersey is particularly effective for larger areas of fat. Although it can lead to improved results, it requires an experienced surgeon.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL). This procedure relies on ultrasound energy to liquefy fat cells. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction in New Jersey is a three-staged procedure. First, the treatment area is infused with tumescent fluid. The ultrasound waves then liquefy the fat cells. Then, finally, the fat is aspirated through a cannula. Because heat is generated, some degree of skin tightening is possible. In addition, the risk of blood loss and nerve damage is decreased. In experienced hands, UAL can achieve very impressive results.
- Pulsed ultrasound-assisted liposuction. In this procedure, the ultrasound energy is pulsed. Less energy is used and less heat is generated – this means that the risk of complications is reduced.
- Laser-assisted liposuction (such as Smartlipo™). During this procedure, laser energy causes fat cells to liquefy. It may allow some skin tightening and may improve cellulite. However, this is the liposuction modality most widely abused by unqualified providers. This poses a serious problem, as there is increased risk of thermal injuries when the physician is inexperienced.
- Combination procedures. The combination of UAL and PAL can achieve great results in experienced hands. This is currently the most frequently used technique at De'Omilia Institute of Plastic Surgery. Combined UAL and laser-assisted liposuction is also a possibility and can achieve additional skin tightening. Liposuction can also be combined with other surgical procedures such as abdominoplasty, breast enhancement (breast reduction, breast augmentation, and breast lift), and facial plastic surgery procedures.
Before the Procedure
During your initial consultation, Dr. Evdokimow will conduct a detailed medical history, discussing things such as your general health, medications and herbal supplements you use, use of tobacco, etc. He will also perform a physical exam. He'll assess your skin quality, the absence or presence of hernias, and whether or not your abdominal muscles are separated.
Consultation with a general practitioner is usually required if patients are over the age of 50 and have multiple medical problems, especially if a large volume of fat removal is anticipated. Liposuction is contraindicated for pregnant women, those with poor general health, morbid obesity, significant heart and lung disease, wound healing difficulties, excessive scaring, a large scar situated in the treatment area, body image perception disorders, and unrealistic expectations.
If excess fat in your abdominal area is your primary concern, you may be confused about your procedural options. Do you choose abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or liposuction? Liposuction cannot remove excess skin or tighten separated abdominal muscles. Excess skin, stretch marks, and separated abdominal muscles are often encountered by women after pregnancy and, for these women, abdominoplasty is probably a better option. However, liposuction – unlike an abdominoplasty – can actually be used in more varied body areas than the abdomen, making it a more flexible body sculpting tool. When deciding between the two, skin quality is the most important factor to consider.
The Procedure
Liposuction is generally performed as an outpatient procedure in a surgery center or hospital. When combined with other procedures such abdominoplasty, if multiple areas are treated, or if the patient has other medical problems an overnight stay in the facility may be required for safety and comfort. Different types of anesthesia can be used for patient comfort. The choice of anesthesia does not influence the result.
During the procedure, small incisions are made (in the areas of natural skin folds to decrease visibility). A large amount of diluted local anesthetic with epinephrine (to constrict blood vessels and cut down on the amount of bleeding) is infused into the treatment area (tumescent fluid). At this point, ultrasonic or laser technology can be used to liquefy the fat. Then the fat is removed through a cannula. The access incisions are closed and a compression garment is applied.
After Liposuction in New Jersey
Recovery from liposuction differs depending on the method of liposuction and the body areas being treated. In general, the liposuction New Jersey patient is discharged after full recovery from the anesthesia. Bruising and swelling may occur, but are different for each individual. Pain is usually moderate to mild and usually controlled with medication.
Large-volume (greater than 5 liters) fat removal requires administration of greater volume of fluids. Larger volume fat removal also leads to longer surgical times, longer recovery, and increased risk of complications (such as blood clots and emboli). Overnight observation in the hospital will most likely be required.
Minor complications associated with liposuction include skin numbness over the area suctioned and irregularities in the areas with damaged, overstretched skin. Major complications are rare and are usually associated with removal of greater quantities of fat. These may include blood clots in the calf or pelvic veins, emboli to the lungs, and infection. Taking the appropriate precautions in large volume liposuction or combination procedures significantly decreases the chance for serious complications. Diligently following the post-op care instructions of the highly experienced NJ liposuction surgeon Dr. David Evdokimow will ensure the swiftest and most comfortable recovery.
