Introduction
New York City, a bustling metropolis known for its fashion, culture, and beauty trends, is also a hub for top - notch plastic surgery. In 2025, a new ranking of doctors with a good reputation for liposuction and cheek augmentation has been released, sparking the interest of those looking to enhance their appearance. These surgical procedures, liposuction for body contouring and cheek augmentation for facial rejuvenation, are popular choices among both locals and visitors. Let's explore the best doctors in New York City for these procedures, their backgrounds, and what sets them apart.
Understanding Liposuction and Cheek Augmentation
Liposuction
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that surgically removes excess pockets of subcutaneous fat. At its core, it involves the removal of excess and unwanted fat through tiny access sites by means of suction techniques. The art of liposuction expands on this basic principle by aesthetically slimming, smoothing, shaping, and sculpting to achieve beautiful and natural contours. Skillful administration of such techniques can bring about excellent results in areas that are otherwise unresponsive to training or diet. Some key benefits of liposuction include targeted fat removal precisely where needed, minimal recovery time, being suitable for a wide variety of patients, taking place in an outpatient setting, and being an excellent complement to surgical procedures such as tummy tucks. It effectively targets stubborn areas of fat that resist diet and exercise efforts. There are several types of liposuction procedures, including tumescent liposuction (using a large volume of solution for maximizing safety, comfort, and cosmetic results), super wet liposuction (using a moderate volume of solution), suction - assisted lipectomy (classical liposuction using thin cannulas), power - assisted lipectomy (adding an oscillating tip to break up dense, fibrous attachments), ultrasound - assisted lipectomy (using an ultrasound - emitting tip for fat emulsification), and Smartlipo™ (which is claimed to "tighten skin" in addition to removing fat).
Cheek Augmentation
Cheek augmentation is a facial plastic surgery procedure that aims to enhance the appearance of the cheeks. It can be achieved through various methods, such as using implants, injectable fillers, or fat grafting. Cheek implants are a popular choice as they provide a long - lasting solution. Injectable fillers, on the other hand, offer a non - surgical option with temporary results and less downtime. Fat grafting involves transferring fat from one part of the body to the cheeks, providing a natural - looking result. The goal of cheek augmentation is to create more defined, fuller, and youthful - looking cheeks, which can improve facial symmetry and overall appearance.
Top Liposuction Doctors in New York City
Dr. Arnold Breitbart
Dr. Arnold Breitbart is accomplished in the wide spectrum of plastic surgery. From his offices in Manhattan and Long Island, he provides renowned cosmetic surgery services to patients seeking abdominoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, face lift, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, gynecomastia surgery, and other body contouring procedures. He strives to provide the highest - quality care in plastic surgery to each of his patients. From the initial consultation to the surgical procedure and post - operative care, Dr. Breitbart is committed to ensuring his patients’ safe treatment with beautiful, natural results. With a reputation that spans beyond his Manhattan and Long Island practices, he has earned his spot at the top of the plastic surgery field.
Dr. Elliot Heller
Elliot Heller, M.D., F.A.C.S. (plastic surgeon) has an easy - going manner and sensitivity that makes patients feel comfortable and relaxed. He completed his training in general and head and neck surgery at NYU Medical Center and plastic surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in New York. Dr. Heller is a founding member of the New Jersey Cosmetic Surgery Society and the American Academy of Aesthetic and Restorative Surgery and has practiced plastic surgery since 1989. As a plastic surgeon, he has published numerous articles about plastic surgery in newspapers, magazines, and scientific journals, including the Star - Ledger, the News Tribune, the Review, and the Highland Park Herald. He has perfected his smart liposuction plastic surgery technique by performing thousands of smart liposuction plastic surgery procedures for tri - state area patients. Smart liposuction plastic surgery is achieved by inserting a tiny cannula under the skin. Laser waves “melt” the fat which is then suctioned (liposuction) away. A firm garment is usually worn for two weeks after the smart liposuction procedure.
Dr. Michelle Copeland
Dr. Michelle Copeland, D.M.D., M.D., F.A.C.S., P.C. is certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American College of Maxillofacial Surgeons, and other professional societies. Dr. Copeland will begin by talking to you about your goals — why you’re considering a procedure and what kind of options you have, as well as what sort of outcome you should expect. Using state - of - the - art digital imaging, she’ll help you visualize how you might be able to change your looks. Her knowledge and experience — combined with realistic visual images of the projected result — will help you make an informed choice. If additional discussions would be helpful to you, Dr. Copeland encourages you to have a second consultation, which may include family members or significant others.
Dr. Deborah Marciano
Dr. Marciano graduated with summa cum laude and biology department academic achievement awards from W. Post - LIU. She attended medical school at NYCOM in Old Westbury, NY. She completed her internship and residency in pediatrics at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, NY. Dr. Marciano received her board certification in pediatrics (1999 - 2013) and was also given an outstanding attending award from Winthrop University Hospital in 2001. She developed a strong interest in aesthetic medicine and continued her education and special training in aesthetic medicine with an emphasis in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and liposuction. After completing training with some of the best doctors in the country, she founded Great Neck Medical Spa in March of 2009. Dr. Marciano has performed over 800 smartlipo procedures and continually expands her knowledge base by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars.
Dr. Adam R. Kolker
Dr. Adam Kolker is a board - certified NYC plastic surgeon who provides remarkable results for his patients, helping them to achieve their optimal body goals with unparalleled experience and care. He first injects tumescent fluid into the target site and then breaks apart the adipose cells with a range of different liposuction technologies available at his New York City practice. He then suctions out the fat cells through a cannula, leaving the treated area noticeably slimmer and more defined. His ideal candidate for liposuction has realistic cosmetic goals, is not pregnant or breastfeeding, is committed to a healthy lifestyle, maintains a stable weight long - term, has a body mass index of 25 or less, does not have serious medical ailments, does not have a history of poor scarring, refrains from nicotine use or is willing to quit, and accepts the potential risks of cosmetic surgery. During the consultation, he spends time listening to and understanding the patient's desires and will examine and evaluate the physical requirements. He will then thoroughly inform the patient about the best liposuction techniques or alternative treatments.
How These Doctors are Ranked
Various factors are considered when ranking plastic surgeons for liposuction and cheek augmentation. Newsweek has partnered with Statista for annual rankings of America's best plastic surgeons, including those in New York City. The ranking process involves several steps:
- Recommendations: Medical experts with knowledge of plastic surgery (doctors, surgeons, plastic surgery clinic managers, and medical professionals) are invited to an online survey. They are asked to name the leading plastic surgeons for each procedure both within and outside their respective states. The order in which recommendations are provided is relevant to the ranking (number 1 has the highest weight), and self - recommendations are not allowed and lead to disqualification. In - state and out - of - state recommendations constitute 45 percent of the overall score. The in - state recommendations of plastic surgeons from the previous year's survey period are also considered.
- Quality Assessment: For in - state recommendations, participants are asked to assess the quality of care, such as consultation with the doctor, complications, follow - up, and outcome. For each recommended plastic surgeon, participants rate the quality of care on a scale from 1 ( "poor") to 10 ( "excellent"). A quality score is assigned to each plastic surgeon, and this score accounts for 15 percent of the total score.
- Certification: The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) accreditation is a voluntary credential for plastic surgeons in the U.S. Plastic surgeons who have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures receive 5% towards their total score if they have an ABPS certification.
It's important to note that these rankings are a reflection of the past 12 months and any events outside of the specific survey period are not considered. Also, the results should not be used as the sole source of information for choosing a surgeon, and patients should consider other available information and visit the clinic if possible.
Patient Testimonials and Success Stories
Patient testimonials play a crucial role in understanding the quality of a doctor's work. For example, Dr. Adam Kolker has received numerous positive testimonials from his patients. One patient, A.H. from New York City, said, "Dr. Kolker truly listens to your wishes and goals. He is gentle in his approach, honest in his assessment, and unequivocally clear in his vision. He has an impeccable aesthetic eye, undoubtedly attributed to both his artistic background and very own sense of what is beautiful." Another patient shared that Dr. Kolker "made the impossible, possible" by correcting asymmetrical breasts and bringing great happiness. These testimonials highlight the doctor's ability to understand the patient's needs and deliver satisfying results.
Preparing for Liposuction and Cheek Augmentation
Liposuction Preparation
Before undergoing liposuction, patients should take several steps to ensure a smooth procedure and optimal results. First, they should be at or close to their ideal body weight. Diet and exercise should be optimized before the surgery to reduce the amount of fat in the targeted areas and improve overall health. It's also important to have a clear understanding of the procedure, including the type of liposuction to be used, the expected recovery time, and the potential risks. During the consultation with the surgeon, patients should ask questions about the surgical process, the expected outcome, and post - operative care. Smoking should be stopped well in advance of the surgery as it can impede the healing process. Patients may also need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, as advised by the surgeon.
Cheek Augmentation Preparation
For cheek augmentation, patients should have a detailed consultation with their chosen doctor. They should discuss their desired outcome, whether it's a more subtle or dramatic change. If using injectable fillers, patients may need to avoid blood - thinning medications and supplements a few days before the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising. In the case of cheek implants, patients should be prepared for a surgical procedure, which may involve a longer recovery time. They should follow the pre - operative instructions provided by the doctor, which may include fasting before the surgery and arranging for someone to accompany them home after the procedure.
Recovery Process
Liposuction Recovery
Liposuction is an ambulatory procedure. After surgery, patients will rest in the recovery room, attended to by a registered nurse, until they are awake and comfortable, generally for about one hour after surgery. A liposuction compressive garment is worn home. Return to work may be as early as two days after liposuction, however, more extensive lipoplasty may require up to one week. The liposuction compression garment is worn religiously for 2 weeks, with more respites during weeks 3 and 4. The garment is worn only for exercise during weeks 5 and 6. In many cases, spanx can be used in place of a surgical garment. Swelling predominates for the first two weeks, then begins to resolve quickly; at 6 weeks, swelling decreases even more rapidly, with an approximate result achieved around 12 weeks after the NYC liposuction. After most liposuction procedures, light cardio (treadmill, elliptical, outdoor walking) can be resumed around 5 days, more vigorous workouts can resume around two weeks, and exercise and training are generally unrestricted at 4 - 6 weeks.
Cheek Augmentation Recovery
The recovery process for cheek augmentation depends on the method used. If injectable fillers are used, there may be minimal swelling and bruising, which can resolve within a few days. Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately after the procedure but may need to avoid strenuous exercise for a day or two. In the case of cheek implants, the recovery is more involved. There will be some swelling and bruising, which may last for a week or two. Patients may need to take pain medications as prescribed by the doctor. They should also avoid touching or putting pressure on the cheeks during the initial recovery period. Full recovery can take several weeks, and the final results may not be fully visible until the swelling has completely subsided.
Potential Risks and Complications
Liposuction Risks
Like any surgical procedure, liposuction carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, uneven fat removal, which can result in an irregular appearance, and skin numbness or changes in skin sensation. In rare cases, there can be more serious complications such as damage to internal organs, fluid accumulation, or an adverse reaction to the anesthesia. However, choosing an experienced and qualified surgeon can significantly reduce these risks. Surgeons take various precautions, such as using proper sterilization techniques and closely monitoring the patient during and after the surgery.
Cheek Augmentation Risks
For cheek augmentation, risks vary depending on the method. With injectable fillers, there is a risk of allergic reaction, infection, and the formation of lumps or bumps under the skin. In the case of cheek implants, there is a risk of implant displacement, infection, and an unnatural appearance if the implants are not placed correctly. Additionally, there may be scarring, although in many cases, the incisions are made in inconspicuous locations to minimize the visibility of scars.
Conclusion
The new ranking of doctors with a good reputation for liposuction and cheek augmentation in New York City in 2025 provides valuable information for those considering these procedures. Doctors like Dr. Arnold Breitbart, Dr. Elliot Heller, Dr. Michelle Copeland, Dr. Deborah Marciano, and Dr. Adam Kolker have demonstrated their expertise, commitment to patient care, and ability to deliver excellent results. However, choosing the right surgeon is a personal decision that should be based on multiple factors, including the doctor's experience, reputation, patient testimonials, and the patient's own comfort level. It's important for patients to thoroughly research their options, have detailed consultations with potential surgeons, and understand the procedures, risks, and recovery processes. Whether it's achieving a slimmer body through liposuction or enhancing facial features with cheek augmentation, these surgical procedures can have a significant impact on a person's self - confidence and appearance.
If you're considering liposuction or cheek augmentation, we encourage you to take the next step and schedule a consultation with one of the top - ranked doctors in New York City. Explore their websites, read more patient testimonials, and gather all the information you need to make an informed decision. Your journey to a more confident you starts now!
