Liposuction is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses a small, hollow tube known as a cannula, to remove localized areas of fat in your body. After creating very small incisions, the cannula is inserted through the incision and swept back and forth in targeted areas to loosen excess fat which is then removed with either a vacuum or cannula-attached syringe. While liposuction is not a method of weight loss, it does not eliminate cellulite or tighten loose or sagging skin. After a liposuction procedure you will have swelling and bruising for about a week. Swelling will subside in a few months and the results of the procedure are long lasting.

While liposuction has been very popular and is one of the top cosmetic procedures, non-surgical or minimally invasive procedures have been gaining in popularity. These non-surgical body contouring procedures do not require an incision or anesthesia and the downtime after the non-invasive procedure is less than liposuction.

There are many different types of non-surgical or, non-invasive fat reduction surgery to consider. They can include, but are not limited to:

• CoolSculpting® is a fat-freezing technology that reduces pockets of fat in areas such as your abdomen, flanks, or under the chin. It has been shown to reduce fat layer thickness up to 20-25% after a single session.
• Radiofrequency or Ultrasound technology can be used to eliminate fat cells on your hips, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.

The results after a liposuction procedure are more dramatic with a longer recovery period. A liposuction procedure typically costs more than a non-surgical body contouring procedure. While non-invasive procedures are gentler on your body, with less discomfort, your results may take longer to be noticeable. While soreness and swelling are expected with either procedure, it takes longer for the swelling to subside with a liposuction procedure than it does for a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure. If you are at your ideal weight and don’t need significant reshaping, a non-invasive non-surgical procedure may be the right option for you. If you are not at your ideal weight and have larger areas of excess fat, you may want to consider liposuction for your body contouring procedure.

Making the choice to undergo a body contouring procedure depends on how much fat needs to be removed, how much time you want to spend recovering and how precise your procedure needs to be. In making your decision, please contact Dr. Scot Glasberg at (212) 717-8550 to schedule an appointment.

He knows that the first step in deciding to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure includes making sure that your surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Dr. Glasberg and his team are committed to providing you with the best possible results and look forward to scheduling your consultation and answering any questions you may have.