Liposuction Is Safer and More Effective than Ever
Liposuction for the treatment of unwanted body fat is just as popular as ever. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 235,237 Americans had liposuction last year. Trusted Manhattan liposuction surgeon Dr. Joshua Greenwald thought it might be a good idea to blog about some of the ways that liposuction has improved in terms of safety and efficacy in recent years. Read on as he describes some of the most important advances in liposuction technique and technology.
Tumescent Technique Maximizes Results and Reduces Side Effects
Possibly one of the most important advances in liposuction is the introduction of the tumescent technique. Tumescent fluid containing lidocaine, saltwater and epinephrine is injected into the treatment area, where it numbs the area, constricts the blood vessels and firms up the fat.
The tumescent technique makes it easier to remove the fat while drastically reducing bleeding and bruising. In some cases, tumescent liposuction can be performed without general anesthesia, lowering the risks of surgery.
Power-Assisted Lipo Is Gentler on the Body
Another notable advance in liposuction is power-assisted liposuction, in which the tip of the cannula vibrates as the surgeon works. This vibration and power makes treatment easier on the surgeon and gentler on the patient’s body.
A New Use for Body Fat
Now, thanks to fat transfer technology, Dr. Greenwald can remove unwanted body fat and transfer it to other areas of the body that need fullness and volume. For example, he can remove fat from the abdomen or thighs and use it to enhance the breasts or buttocks.
Choice in Cannulas
Speaking of cannulas, these instruments are thin, hollow tubes that break up fat and then gently suction it from the body. Liposuction surgeons now have a variety of options to treat different areas of the body. Dr. Greenwald can choose from a sharp cannula, angled cannula or blunt-tipped cannula, depending on the area of the body that needs to be treated.
Non-Surgical Alternatives to Liposuction
From a patient’s point of view, the development of non-surgical alternatives is perhaps the most exciting development in body fat reduction. The ASPS claims that 333,082 people opted for non-invasive fat reduction treatment last year.
Dr. Greenwald offers CoolSculpting, which uses controlled cooling technology to freeze unwanted body fat. The body then naturally filters the destroyed fat cells and the treated area looks slimmer. CoolSculpting can’t treat all of the areas traditional liposuction can, and the results aren’t as dramatic, but it is a viable alternative option.
For more information about traditional liposuction, CoolSculpting or fat transfer, call Dr. Greenwald’s office at (914) 421-0113 or email us today. Serving Patients in Manhattan, Harrison & Carmel New York.
Dr. Joshua Greenwald is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who studied and trained at prestigious educational institutions including Columbia University, Emory University, and New York University School of Medicine. His keen aesthetic eye and refined surgical techniques have led him to be a top choice for cosmetic face, breast, and body procedures in NYC. His exceptional patient care has earned him the distinction of “Top Doc” by both Westchester Magazine and Castle & Connolly for over 10 years running. Dr. Greenwald is an active member of the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Medical Association, and the Westchester County Medical Society.