Liposuction (Lipoplasty / Suction Lipectomy) in Albany

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses a thin, hollow tube called a cannula to remove localized areas of body fat. The cannula is inserted through extremely small incisions, and then moved back and forth to loosen excess fat, which is suctioned out using a vacuum or a cannula-attached syringe. Treated areas look slimmer and more contoured, and in better overall proportion to the rest of the body. However, liposuction is not a method for losing weight, and is not effective in eliminating cellulite, or tightening loose and sagging skin.

Candidates for Liposuction

The ideal candidate for liposuction is in good overall health, but has one or more areas of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. Areas that are often treated with liposuction include the thighs, abdomen, arms, back, hips, buttocks, chest, face, calves and ankles. Liposuction can be performed alone, or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, such as thighplasty and abdominoplasty.

Liposuction Procedure Albany NY

How is the procedure performed?

One of the most common liposuction techniques is tumescent liposuction, which may get an assist from ultrasound or laser. It is performed on an outpatient basis.

During tumescent liposuction, a solution comprising saline solution, lidocaine (an anesthetic) and epinephrine (a blood-vessel contractor) is injected into the area being treated. The solution causes the targeted tissue swell and become firm, which makes it easier to remove via the cannula. The advantages to this technique are that the anesthetic is built in, so there is no need for general or IV sedation, and blood loss is minimized because the epinephrine constricts blood vessels.

In laser-assisted tumescent liposuction, a laser is used to liquefy the fat, which makes removing it easier. The laser can also be used to tighten treatment-area skin after fat is removed. Similarly, ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat.

Recovery From Liposuction

After liposuction, patients experience mild swelling, bruising and discomfort in the treated area. Compression garments or elastic bandages are typically worn to help reduce these symptoms as the area heals. Patients can return to work and other regular activities as soon as they feel comfortable, which is usually after a few days. Exercise and other strenuous activities should be avoided for a few weeks.

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What are the potential risks?

In addition to the usual risks associated with surgery, risks associated with liposuction include the following:

  • Loose or rippled skin
  • Worsening of cellulite
  • Asymmetry
  • Contour irregularities
  • Pigmentation irregularities

When large amounts of fat are removed, surgery to remove excess skin may be necessary.

Results Of Liposuction

Results of the liposuction procedure may not be apparent until swelling and bruising subside, which usually takes a week; swelling should completely subside within a few months. Incisions are rarely sutured, and scarring is almost nonexistent, because the incisions used for the cannula are so small. The results of liposuction are long-lasting, unless a substantial amount of weight is gained.

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“Not only is he a great surgeon, but he has great compassion, empathy and an outstanding bedside manner. He is the only surgeon who actually came out and spoke to my family. He went above and beyond! Highly recommend him.”

What Is Arm Liposuction?

Arm liposuction is a less invasive alternative to an arm lift (brachioplasty); it is performed to remove the loose, hanging skin that often develops on the underside of the upper arm as a result of aging, weight loss or weight gain. Arm liposuction slims the contour of the arm, and is ideal for patients with stubborn areas of localized fat that do not respond to diet and exercise, and who are no more than 10 to 15 pounds overweight. There are four basic types of liposuction: traditional, tumescent, ultrasound-assisted, and laser-assisted.

Candidates for Arm Liposuction

Those with severe heart problems or blood-clotting disorders, or who are pregnant, are not candidates for arm liposuction.

How is the procedure performed?

During the arm liposuction procedure, a thin cannula (an instrument similar to a thin straw) is inserted into a tiny incision in the targeted area.

With traditional liposuction, the cannula is moved back and forth manually, which can damage blood vessels and cause significant swelling. Traditional liposuction is often used when large areas of fat are being removed.

With tumescent liposuction, an anesthetic liquid is injected into the tissue, which causes blood vessels to shrink or constrict, resulting in less swelling and bruising.

Ultrasound- and laser-assisted liposuction both liquefy the fat. They use smaller cannula, and are much less invasive the traditional and tumescent liposuction. Laser-assisted liposuction is the only type that firms the skin over the treatment area; with the other types, skin gets firmer over time.

In each type of procedure, fat is suctioned out through the cannula. Once the cannula is removed, incisions are closed with tiny sutures. The procedure, which requires only a local anesthetic, usually takes 1 to 2 hours to perform. Patients can return home the same day.

Recovery From Arm Liposuction

After liposuction, patients have soreness and bruising. Typically, a compression sleeve is worn around the arm for up to 4 weeks. Resting the arms for 4 to 5 days is recommended; most patients are completely recovered after 4 weeks.

Will there be potential scarring?

Scarring from liposuction is minimal because of the small incision size.

Risks Of Arm Liposuction

In addition to the risks associated with any surgery, risks related to arm liposuction, depending on the technique used, include the following:

  • Indentations
  • Light or dark pigmentation
  • Scarring
  • Contour irregularities
  • Nerve and skin damage

Schedule Your Consultation In Albany Today!

If you’re interested in learning more about Liposuction or other minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, please contact us for a consultation at 518-262-2229 or fill out our contact us form below. We will discuss your needs and concerns, and determine your best course of action.

Please Contact Us to set up a consultation at our Albany office for any of our procedures.

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