Liposuction

An Overview of Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures and has changed tremendously in the last few years – making it easier than ever. Dr. Patel consistently performs Liposuction with his minimal recovery process that can help you get back to your lifestyle quickly and easily. The worst experience anyone typically has is being really sore – just like a very hard workout – and it is as easy as that. Don’t settle for a week of pain or downtime when you can have it done better and be back to your normal self in just a day or two.

Safety – Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, so there is no need to take more risks with general anesthesia.

Results – Consistency is important and Dr Patel gets tremendous results that are noticeable and far better than average.

Recovery – With his rapid recovery process and surgical technique, you can get back to normal in about a day or two and only feel some soreness like a hard workout rather than like you got hit by a truck.

Results – you can see results in just a few weeks. “I tell anyone undergoing liposuction that you should see results in just a few weeks and that you can see your new body in clothing by 6 weeks and be ‘bikini ready’ by about 12 weeks.”

“Liposuction is one of the most common procedures that I perform today and is indeed one of the most common procedures in the United States. “ – Nikesh Patel MD

Liposuction is a procedure that allows the removal of unwanted deposits of fat from specific body areas. Most people have multiple areas that are treated at one time and in general are looking for improvement of their overall shape or figure. Common areas of treatment include the abdomen or tummy, flanks or sides, chin, thighs, knees, neck, and arms.

At New Reflections Plastic Surgery, Dr. Nikesh Patel specializes in liposuction and body contouring. Generally liposuction or liposculpture is performed through small incisions in the body with tubes or cannulas that remove or vaporize fat cells. Many doctors believe that this is a simple procedure and many physicians with only weekend training have begun to offer this procedure to patients. This is of course far from the truth. To perform liposuction well or even adequately you have to have an understanding of anatomy and have the experience to know how much to take out without compromising your results. In essence, it is more important to understand how much you want to leave behind like a stone sculptor does with his art piece. It’s not as simple as just taking out all of the fat cells. You have to follow the contours of the skin, the fat, muscles and even bones to achieve a stunning result that is in harmony with the rest of the body and yet accentuates the whole.

“Most people come in understanding what parts of their bodies they are unhappy with. Everyone is unique, so I spend the time to understand where their dissatisfaction lies and what will make them happy. We then talk about the techniques that I will need to achieve the result that will best match their goals. Since everyone is different, everyone gets a customized treatment plan to achieve their own flattering contours and stunning shape.” – Nikesh Patel MD

Liposuction Treatment Areas

Stubborn fat can collect in different parts of the body and make it difficult for you to see the shape you want, even when you work hard to stay active and maintain a healthy routine. We use liposuction to carefully target these areas so you can reduce fat in specific zones.

• Stomach liposuction removes fat from the abdomen and helps create a flatter, smoother midsection.
• Arm liposuction targets the upper arms, where fat can cause a heavier appearance.
• Neck liposuction reduces fat beneath the chin and along the neck to improve contour.
• Thigh liposuction focuses on the inner or outer thighs, where fat often lingers.
• Back liposuction can slim areas like the bra line or lower back.
• Flank liposuction addresses the love handles that can be resistant to diet and exercise.

What Are the Different Types of Liposuction?

Liposuction can be performed in multiple settings and with several different techniques. The method we use depends on the location, patient preferences, the amount being removed, the amount of skin laxity and many more factors. Common methods include:

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent technique is the most popular form of liposuction to date and has a long history of clinical study. This type of liposuction allows a plastic surgeon, such as Dr. Nikesh Patel, to remove a great deal of fat or adipose tissue with little blood loss or other complications. There are safe limits for this type of liposuction in one sitting, and that lines up with the idea that liposuction is not a form of weight loss surgery but a type of contouring or sculpting surgery.

Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction uses focused laser energy to break down fat cells before removing them through a small tube. The heat from the laser also stimulates the surrounding tissues, which can help tighten the treated area. We use this method when patients want fat reduction with the added benefit of improved skin firmness.

How to Prepare for Your Liposuction Surgery

Before your liposuction surgery, we review your medical history and medications to make sure the procedure is safe for you. You may need to stop taking certain medicines or supplements that thin the blood, such as aspirin or fish oil, because they can increase the risk of bleeding. Plan to arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first night, since you may feel a little tired, even if we just use a local anesthetic.

It helps to prepare your home with loose clothing, easy meals, and a comfortable space where you can rest with minimal effort. We also recommend that you stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol and follow all of our instructions carefully so your body is in the best condition for surgery and recovery.

What to Expect From Your Liposuction Surgery

Anesthesia

We typically use local anesthesia so you remain comfortable and pain-free during your liposuction surgery without the risks of general anesthesia. The choice depends on the size of the treatment area and your overall health, and we review these details with you beforehand so you know what to expect.

Incisions

We create very small incisions in discreet locations near the treatment area so the surgical tools can reach the fat deposits. These incisions are usually just a few millimeters long, which helps them heal with minimal scarring. We place them carefully to keep them as hidden as possible once you have fully healed.

Fat Removal

We insert a thin, hollow tube called a cannula through the small incisions to loosen and remove fat. A suction device then draws out the fat deposits, allowing us to sculpt the treated area. We remove fat evenly from the area while keeping the final shape in mind.

Closing the Incisions

We usually close the small incisions with stitches, although some are small enough to heal on their own. After the area is closed, we apply dressings and place a compression garment to help reduce swelling and support your new contour. Following these steps helps your body recover smoothly and protects the results of your surgery.

What to Expect From Your Liposuction Recovery

During your liposuction recovery, you can expect some swelling, bruising and soreness in the treated areas, which improve gradually in the weeks following surgery. Keep wearing your compression garment to help control swelling, support healing tissues and encourage your body to adjust to its new contour.

You should plan to rest for the first few days, but light walking is helpful to keep your circulation moving and reduce the risk of complications. Most people return to desk work within a week, but more strenuous activities like heavy lifting or exercise should wait until we confirm that your body has healed enough.

How Much Downtime Should I Expect After Liposuction Surgery?

Dr. Patel’s advanced surgical technique allows most patients to return to their normal routine much faster than traditional liposuction methods. You can typically get back to desk work and light activities within one to two days after your procedure.

Physical labor and more demanding jobs usually require three to four days of rest before you can safely return. Most patients find they can return to exercise and more strenuous activities within one to two weeks, depending on the areas treated and the total amount of fat removed. Dr. Patel provides personalized recovery guidelines based on your specific procedure and lifestyle needs so you know exactly what to expect.

How Much Pain Is Associated With Liposuction?

Post-operative discomfort is often less than you may be anticipating. Dr. Patel’s refined surgical approach and use of local anesthesia help minimize pain throughout the entire process. During the procedure itself, you remain comfortable and pain-free, and most patients describe the recovery as a feeling of soreness rather than intense pain..

After your surgery, the treated areas will feel sensitive and achy. This sensation is typically most noticeable during the first 24 to 48 hours and gradually improves each day. We provide pain management strategies and medications if needed, though many patients find that over-the-counter pain relievers are enough to comfortably endure the recovery process. The compression garment you wear also helps reduce discomfort by supporting the treated areas as they heal.

How Long Will My Liposuction Results Last?

Liposuction provides long-lasting body contouring results because the fat cells removed during surgery do not regenerate. Once Dr. Patel removes fat cells from the treated areas, those specific cells are gone permanently. This means the improvements you see in your body shape can last for many years and even decades with proper maintenance.

Your long-term results depend largely on maintaining a stable weight after your procedure. If you gain a significant amount of weight following liposuction, the remaining fat cells in your body can expand, which may affect your contour. However, the treated areas typically remain more proportionate compared to how they looked before surgery. Staying committed to a balanced diet, regular physical activity and healthy lifestyle habits helps you preserve the sculpted appearance you achieve through liposuction. Most patients find that their results motivate them to maintain their weight and continue making positive choices for their overall health.

About Laser Liposuction

What Is Laser Liposuction?

Recently, lasers have been added to the liposuction repertoire and do seem to have a useful effect. Our laser liposuction in New Jersey differs from traditional liposuction in a few ways. It typically will vaporize the fat cells in the areas it is used on rather than suctioning them out. Although SmartLipo was the first, many companies have come out with laser-assisted liposuction machines. Most of these machines work on identical principles, and more is dependent upon the operator of the machine.

Laser lipo NJ is performed by threading a small fiber in the cannulas for liposuction and then utilizing the laser light to heat up and melt the fat. A beneficial secondary gain is the shrinking or contraction of the surrounding tissues that produces skin tightening when performed properly. Other laser liposuction machines include Prolipo Plus, Slim lipo, Lipotherme, AccuSculpt and many more. Each utilizes a laser wavelength to achieve heating of tissues to produce the vaporization and skin-tightening effect.

How Does Laser Liposuction Work With Liposuction Expert Dr. Nikesh Patel?

Generally, our laser liposuction in NJ can be performed under local anesthesia, allowing patients to forgo general anesthesia. Small incisions are made for access for cannulas to introduce lasers and remove fat, just like in tumescent or traditional liposuction. Laser liposuction also allows people to return to work and activities within 1-3 days with only a limited amount of swelling and bruising.

The time for laser liposuction treatments will vary based on the size and number of areas that you want treated. Most people are good candidates if they have small to medium-sized areas that they want treated and do not have major medical problems.

What Areas Can Laser Lipo Expert Dr. Nikesh Patel Treat?

Many of the same areas are easily treated with laser liposuction. The best results often come from treating smaller regions of the body, especially those with some loose skin that also benefit from tightening. These areas heal rapidly and respond very quickly. Larger areas or volumes can also be treated, but they require more energy and effort as well as attention in the postoperative period. That being said, most areas and volumes can be treated with 2-3 days of downtime without much trouble. Some common areas that people have treated are the abdomen, flanks or sides, outer thighs, inner thighs, inner knees, back, bra bulge, and chin.

What Should I Expect After Laser Lipo NJ?

Often, after liposuction, you will have a garment that you will wear continuously as directed by Dr. Nikesh Patel. You may see some swelling, which will resolve over just a few days. Some bruising is expected and will last depending upon the amount of liposuction performed. The smaller the area, the smaller the bruising, and either way, it will usually resolve in less than a week. No annoying sutures to be removed, no horrible drainage from incisions, and only a bit of soreness like you had an extremely tough workout the day before! You will be back to work and play in less than a weekend’s time!

What Are the Limitations of Our Laser Lipo in NJ?

There are also limitations with laser liposuction, as the amount of heat that the body can withstand before having a complication becomes critical. For your own safety, beware of someone who is not a fully trained Plastic Surgeon who offers a surgical procedure to you, as they have likely purchased the machine and have taken only a weekend course or two on how to perform liposuction. Be safe and look for someone who has the proper training and experience to help assure that you are well taken care of.

Frequently Asked Questions About Liposuction

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The cost of a liposuction procedure depends on the size of the treatment area, how many areas you want to address, the type of anesthesia used and the length of the surgery. Fees also include operating room costs, medications and any necessary follow-up care. We provide a detailed estimate during your consultation so you understand the financial aspect before scheduling your surgery.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Good candidates are generally people who are close to a stable weight but struggle with isolated fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise. You should be in good health, have realistic expectations and understand that liposuction targets body contouring rather than overall weight loss. We also evaluate your skin tone and elasticity.

Will I Have Scars After Liposuction?

Small scars can form where we place the incisions, although we keep these openings very short and position them in areas that are less noticeable once healed. In most cases, the scars continue to fade and become much harder to see as time passes, blending into the surrounding skin. Careful attention to aftercare, including keeping the area clean and avoiding sun exposure while the skin heals, impacts how well the scars fade.

How Long Will My Liposuction Results Last?

The fat cells removed during surgery do not come back, so the results can last for years as long as you maintain a stable weight. If you gain weight later, the remaining fat cells in your body can enlarge and cause changes in your contour, although they typically do not return in the same way as before surgery. Staying consistent with regular exercise, mindful eating and healthy routines is the best way to protect your results and enjoy the benefits of surgery long term.

Learn More About Our Liposuction Services in Freehold, NJ

New Reflection Plastic Surgery is located in Freehold, NJ; however, we offer our services for residents in the surrounding Townships of Trenton, Marlboro, Manalapan, Princeton and Toms River, NJ.

We now offer both tumescent and laser liposuction to all of our patients. Come in for a consultation to our offices in New Jersey to discuss your liposuction options! Call us at 732-354-3792 or click the ‘Contact Us’ pane on the right of this page.