Are you looking to get rid of stubborn upper abdominal fat in New York City? Liposuction has become a popular solution for many individuals who want to achieve a more defined abdomen. In this article, we will explore some of the top hospitals and clinics in New York City that offer upper abdominal liposuction procedures, along with details about the procedure, recovery, and what to expect.
Understanding Upper Abdominal Liposuction
Upper abdominal liposuction, also known as upper belly liposuction, is a cosmetic procedure that targets the area between the rib cage and the belly button. It uses a suction technique to remove excess fat that is difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone. This procedure can help create a flatter and more toned midsection, enhancing your overall body contour.
Who is a Good Candidate?
- You are generally healthy, as liposuction may worsen existing health conditions. Make sure to disclose all your health conditions to your surgeon during the initial consultation.
- You are in relatively good shape and not extremely overweight. Having an average weight or slightly above - average weight is best, and your weight should be stable.
- If you are a woman, you are not planning to get pregnant in the future, as pregnancy can change the results of the liposuction.
- You have not had abdominal liposuction in the past, as it can make the fat tissue harder to treat.
- You have a reasonably good muscle tone and elastic skin.
- You have more subcutaneous fat (the pinchable fat under the skin) than visceral fat (the fat inside the abdominal cavity). Liposuction can only remove subcutaneous fat.
Popular Hospitals and Clinics for Upper Abdominal Liposuction in New York City
1. Forest Hills Plastic Surgery
This clinic has received a rating of 4.7. Patients have reported great experiences, with doctors explaining the procedure in detail. For example, one patient had an earlobe repair and was extremely satisfied with the quick procedure and minimal pain. While pricing information for upper abdominal liposuction is on request, the national average for tummy liposuction is around $2,704. Their surgeons are likely to use techniques like tumescent liposuction, which is a common and effective method for fat removal.
2. Aristocrat Plastic Surgery & Medaesthetics
With a rating of 4.7, patients have praised the smooth journey and excellent results of their procedures. One patient specifically mentioned loving the results and the fast healing process. The medical team, led by Dr. Kevin, ensures that patients are well - informed and comfortable throughout the procedure. As with other clinics, the price for upper abdominal liposuction is available on request.
3. RR Plastix NY Plastic Surgery Center
Located in Brooklyn, this center offers upper abdominal liposuction among its 32 available procedures across 2 different specialties. The lead specialist performs all procedures, and the clinic is accredited by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Although pricing is on request, the fact that it meets the accreditation standards adds to its credibility. They may use a variety of liposuction techniques, including ultrasonic - assisted liposuction (UAL) or laser - assisted liposuction (LAL), in addition to the traditional tumescent liposuction.
4. Leonard Grossman, M.D.
In Brooklyn, this clinic offers upper abdominal liposuction as part of its 36 available procedures across 3 different specialties. The lead specialist is in charge of all treatments, but the clinic is not accredited by any recognized accreditation institutes. Pricing is also available on request. It's important for patients to weigh the pros and cons of non - accredited clinics and have in - depth discussions with the surgeon about the procedure and safety measures.
5. New York Center for Facial Plastic & Laser Surgery
Based in Manhattan, this center provides upper abdominal liposuction among its 39 available procedures across 4 different specialties. Like some of the other clinics, pricing is on request, and the center is not accredited by recognized accreditation institutes. However, the wide range of procedures offered may indicate a high level of expertise among its surgeons. They may use advanced laser - based techniques for liposuction, which can provide more precise fat removal and potentially better skin tightening.
6. Park Avenue Smart Lipo™
This AAAASF - accredited facility in Manhattan offers a minimally - invasive abdominal liposuction treatment using the advanced FDA - approved SmartLipo Triplex™ laser lipolysis workstation. The laser operates on different wavelengths (1064 nm, 1320 nm, and 1440 nm) to effectively liquefy the targeted fat, making it easier to remove. It also promotes collagen contraction, which helps in skin tightening. Key benefits include reduced discomfort, minimal downtime, and the ability to be performed under local anesthesia. The plastic surgeons at this center, Dr. Speroj Theodoru and Dr. Christopher T Chia, are experts in laser - assisted abdominal liposuction and perform over 1000 procedures a year and train other physicians in SmartLipo Triplex procedures.
7. Elite Body Sculpture
They offer the Upper Stomach AirSculpt®, an advanced minimally - invasive upper abdominal liposuction procedure performed while the patient is awake. This allows for a quicker recovery and reduced risks. The procedure removes unwanted fat through a freckle - sized hole cell by cell with no needle, no scalpel, and no stitches, and it also tightens the skin while removing fat. Their team of experienced surgeons, including Dr. Maria Lotempio, Dr. Tony Perkins, Dr. Adam Schaffner, Dr. Matthew A. Del Mauro, Dr. Lauren Chmielewski, and Dr. Theodore Diktaban, are well - trained in this technology. Most patients are back to their normal activities in 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
8. Gotham Plastic Surgery
The plastic surgeons at Gotham Plastic Surgery perform liposuction on an outpatient basis at their JCAHO - accredited office - based surgery facility. They offer various liposuction techniques, including ultrasound - assisted liposuction and tumescent liposuction. With tumescent liposuction, a special solution is injected to ease fat removal, and ultrasound - assisted liposuction liquefies the fat before suction. The procedure may take one to two hours depending on the amount of fat being removed, and patients are required to wear a compression garment for several weeks after the surgery. They have a track record of successful cases in body contouring, including upper abdominal liposuction.
9. Manhattan Surgical Care
Dr. Basil Pakeman, a double - board - certified surgeon at Manhattan Surgical Care, offers an array of lipo techniques such as vaser® (ultrasound - assisted liposuction), SmartLipo™, tumescent liposuction, and power - assisted liposuction. He can help patients decide the right technique based on their body area and aesthetic goals. The clinic also offers lipodissolve™, which uses microinjections to break down fat cells. Liposuction here is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, and patients can expect minimal bruising, swelling, and tenderness during the recovery period.
10. Mount Sinai
At Mount Sinai, board - certified plastic surgeons perform liposuction procedures. They offer power - assisted liposuction (PAL), which uses a gentle vibration of a cannula to loosen fat, and SmartLipo MPX™, which uses a laser to heat the fat for easier removal and helps the skin retract after removal, especially useful for the upper arms, neck, and inner thighs. The clinic emphasizes that liposuction provides an alternative to traditional plastic surgery by eliminating fat from specific areas without large incisions and can balance an out - of - proportion body type.
The Liposuction Procedure
Consultation
Before the liposuction procedure, you will have a consultation with your surgeon. This is an important step where you can discuss your goals, ask questions, and determine if liposuction is the best option for you. The surgeon will also give you instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, which may include avoiding certain medications, not smoking, and arranging for someone to drive you home after the procedure. In some cases, the consultation can be done virtually, but an in - person consultation may be required depending on the situation.
Surgery Day
- Marking and Photography: The surgeon will start by marking the areas of your upper abdomen where fat will be suctioned out. Photos may also be taken to compare the before and after results.
- Anesthesia: You may be given local or regional anesthesia, which numbs only the treatment area but allows you to stay awake. A sedative may also be provided to help you relax. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used, which will make you unconscious during the procedure.
- Fat Removal:
- Tumescent Liposuction: The most common technique. The surgeon injects a sterile solution into the abdomen, creates small incisions, and inserts a thin tube called a cannula connected to a vacuum to suction out the fat and fluids.
- Ultrasound - Assisted Liposuction (UAL): A metal rod is inserted under the skin, emitting ultrasonic energy to rupture fat cell walls and break down the fat for easier removal.
- Laser - Assisted Liposuction (LAL): High - intensity laser light is used to break down the fat. A laser fiber is inserted through a small incision to emulsify the fat deposits, and then a cannula is used to remove the fat.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery Time
The total recovery time varies from person to person. In general, if your job is not physically demanding, you should be able to return to work within 5 to 7 days after upper abdominal liposuction. However, you have to avoid strenuous activities, such as exercise, for a few weeks or until your surgeon gives you the all - clear. Some patients may experience slight discomfort, similar to a light sunburn or muscle soreness, and swelling, which should subside quickly. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to manage the discomfort.
Aftercare Instructions
- Compression Garment: You will likely be required to wear a compression garment for several weeks after the procedure. This helps reduce swelling, support the newly contoured abdomen, and promote healing.
- Activity Restrictions: Avoid heavy lifting, bending, and strenuous exercise for the recommended period. Gradually increase your activity level as advised by your surgeon.
- Showering and Hygiene: Shower at least once a day and use an antiseptic wash as directed by your surgeon to prevent infection. Follow the instructions on how to shower safely to avoid any complications.
- Healthy Lifestyle: To maintain the results of the liposuction, it's important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise and a well - balanced diet. Liposuction is not a weight - loss solution, and weight gain can affect the final results.
Success Rate and Risks
Success Rate
Upper abdominal liposuction is a common and effective procedure for removing stubborn fat. After the procedure, your abdomen should have around 70% less fat cells. When performed by a licensed and skilled surgeon, it is considered a safe procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks.
Risks
- Numbness: You may experience temporary or permanent numbness in the treated area.
- Contour Irregularities: The skin may appear uneven or lumpy, which may require additional treatment.
- Fluid Accumulation: Excess fluid may build up in the treated area, which may need to be drained.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection at the incision sites.
- Fat Embolism: A very rare but serious complication where fat particles enter the bloodstream and can cause blockages in the blood vessels.
- Internal Organ Puncture: This is an extremely rare complication that can occur if the cannula accidentally punctures an internal organ.
Alternatives to Upper Abdominal Liposuction
CoolSculpting
This is a non - surgical alternative that involves freezing the fat cells to eliminate them. It is suitable for individuals who want to avoid surgery or have mild to moderate fat deposits. CoolSculpting typically requires multiple sessions, and the results are gradual.
Tummy Tuck or Panniculectomy
If you have a lot of excess skin along with the fat in the abdominal area, a tummy tuck or panniculectomy may be a better option. These procedures involve removing the excess skin and tightening the abdominal muscles in addition to fat removal.
What to Expect Before and After the Procedure
Before the Procedure
You may have excess fat in your upper abdomen that has been resistant to diet and exercise. This can make you feel self - conscious about your appearance and limit your clothing choices. The excess fat may also affect your confidence levels.
After the Procedure
Once you have fully recovered, you should see a flatter and more proportioned midsection. If you already had well - defined abdominal muscles covered by a layer of fat, you may now be able to see those muscles more clearly. However, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep the results long - lasting.
Conclusion
Upper abdominal liposuction can be an effective way to achieve a flatter and more toned abdomen. There are several reputable hospitals and clinics in New York City that offer this procedure, each with its own set of techniques and advantages. Before making a decision, it's crucial to do thorough research, have in - depth consultations with the surgeons, and understand the procedure, recovery, and potential risks. By choosing a qualified and experienced surgeon, you can increase your chances of a successful and satisfying outcome.
If you're considering upper abdominal liposuction in New York City, we encourage you to reach out to the clinics mentioned in this article to schedule a consultation. Take the time to discuss your goals and concerns with the surgeons, and they will be able to provide you with personalized advice and a treatment plan. Share this article with others who may be interested in learning more about upper abdominal liposuction in the city!
