Liposuction (lipoplasty) by Dr. Tae Ho Kim in New York
Liposuction of the face, neck, and body is a highly effective technique for sculpting and refining these areas. This clinic employs advanced liposuction methods, particularly the use of microcannulas, to achieve superior results with minimal trauma.
Face and Neck Liposuction
As individuals age, the lower face and neck may start to sag, often beginning in the mid-thirties to early forties. The accumulation of fat in the anterior neck can create the dreaded "turkey neck" appearance. Utilizing microcannulas in liposuction significantly enhances the ability to treat the lower face and neck, improving contour and skin tightness. This improvement results from the dual action of fat removal and collagen reorganization, which tightens the skin.
Liposuction is frequently incorporated into traditional face and neck lifts, offering a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation. Recovery time varies, typically ranging from a few days to a week, depending on the extent of the procedure. Patients are usually advised to wear a face and neck band at night for the first two weeks to support the healing process.
Body Liposuction
Certain body areas tend to retain fat deposits despite diligent efforts with diet and exercise. These stubborn areas often include the abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, anterior neck, and upper arms. Liposuction offers a solution to sculpt these regions, providing a more contoured and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
While liposuction presents numerous benefits, it's crucial to manage expectations. Liposuction is not a weight loss solution but rather a body contouring technique. Understanding the limitations of fat removal during a single procedure is essential for achieving satisfactory results.
Preferred Technique: Microcannulas
The clinic's preference for microcannulas over larger traditional cannulas stems from their advantages in precision and reduced trauma. Microcannulas cause less pain and swelling, allowing for a more meticulous and controlled fat removal process. This method minimizes the risk of contour irregularities, ensuring smoother and more natural-looking results.
Liposuction Procedure
The liposuction process begins with a thorough planning stage, where the desired treatment areas are carefully marked. The procedure involves several steps to ensure safety and effectiveness:
- Preparation: The skin is cleansed with betadine, and discrete markings are made for local anesthesia injection.
- Incision and Infiltration: Small incisions (less than a quarter of an inch) are made, and tumescent fluid, containing local anesthesia and epinephrine, is infiltrated into the targeted fat areas. This fluid helps numb the area and shrink blood vessels, reducing pain and bleeding.
- Fat Removal: After a 15-minute waiting period, the microcannula is inserted through the small incisions to suction out the fat. Different sizes of microcannulas are used to remove as much fat as possible while ensuring a smooth contour.
- Shaping: The liposuction process continues until the desired shape is achieved and no more fat can be extracted from the marked areas.
Recovery and Results
Recovery times vary based on the extent of the procedure and the number of treated areas. Swelling typically subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks. For smaller areas, recovery is quicker. Patients may be advised to wear a compression garment for support during the first two weeks to a month.
The final results of liposuction become visible over six months to a year as the body adjusts and heals. Liposuction not only sculpts the face, neck, and body but also tightens the skin, enhancing overall shape and contour.
Comprehensive Body Contouring
Liposuction is a versatile technique, often combined with other procedures for optimal results. For instance, harvested fat from liposuction can be used for natural fill breast or buttock augmentation. Additionally, liposuction is a crucial component of abdominoplasty, helping to refine the waistline and achieve a balanced, aesthetically pleasing figure.