Plastic Surgery Guide for Ultrasonic Lipolysis Hospitals in

Introduction

Ultrasonic lipolysis, also known as ultrasound - assisted liposuction (UAL), has emerged as a popular plastic surgery option for individuals looking to contour their bodies by removing unwanted fat. In New York City, a hub of cosmetic and plastic surgery, there are numerous hospitals and providers offering this procedure. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of ultrasonic lipolysis, including how to choose a hospital, the procedure itself, preparation, recovery, and much more.

Plastic Surgery Guide for Ultrasonic Lipolysis Hospitals in New York City!

Understanding Ultrasonic Lipolysis

What is Ultrasonic Lipolysis?

Ultrasonic lipolysis is a relatively new liposuction technique that uses sound waves to “liquefy” unwanted fat. Unlike traditional liposuction, which mechanically breaks up fat cells, ultrasonic liposuction uses ultrasonic energy to target and disrupt the cell membranes of fat cells. When a metal cannula connected to an ultrasound generator is inserted beneath the skin through a small incision, the ultrasonic energy causes the walls of the fat cells to break down, allowing the fat to flow out of each cell. The “liquefied” fat then combines with the injected fluid (usually salt water containing local anesthesia and adrenaline) to create an emulsion, which is removed from the body by vacuum pressure.

Advantages of Ultrasonic Lipolysis

More precise fat removal: It can be an ideal procedure for treating the more muscle - bound regions of the torso, such as the male chest, the back or the hips. The muscles in these areas are left untouched while the fat cells are expertly targeted and eradicated. Also, it can be excellent for addressing delicate areas of the neck and lower face.
Reduced trauma: The potent sound energy gently breaks up the fat cells while perfectly preserving the surrounding tissues, nerves and skin. This leads to less bruising, swelling, and post - operative discomfort compared to traditional manual liposuction.
Faster results: Ultrasonic lipo allows for more rapid and focused fat loss. It vacuums out more fat in a shorter time while smoothing and tightening the outer skin layers, making it highly effective at toning the buttocks, thighs and abdomen.

Limitations

Although ultrasonic lipolysis is a useful technique, it is not a substitute for traditional liposuction. In many cases, traditional liposuction is performed along with UAL to help shape UAL - treated areas or to treat areas of the body not suited for ultrasonic liposuction, such as the neck and inner thighs.

Choosing an Ultrasonic Lipolysis Hospital in New York City

Research the Providers

There are multiple providers in New York City offering ultrasonic lipolysis. For example, American Health and Beauty lists 14 ultrasonic liposuction providers near New York. Some well - known ones include:

Dr. Michelle Copeland: A skin care, cosmetic, plastic & reconstructive surgeon in New York, NY 10028. Offers liposuction services.
Sharon Giese, MD: A cosmetic surgeon in New York, NY 10021. Also offers liposuction.
Bodysculpt® (Dr. Spero J. Theodorou and Dr. Christopher Chia): Located in New York, NY 10019. Offers Vaser, Vaser Hi - Def, and liposuction.

Check Surgeon Credentials

It's crucial to ensure that the surgeon performing the ultrasonic lipolysis is board - certified in plastic surgery. For instance, Dr. Scarpidis, a board - certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan, is passionate about recreating patients' physiques with minimally invasive techniques and reduced downtime. Surgeons like Dr. Zevon have also been trained and certified in liposuction techniques and have a long - standing experience in the field. He has performed over 2,000 successful breast surgeries since 1986, demonstrating his surgical proficiency.

Read Patient Reviews

Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of service, patient experience, and results achieved at a particular hospital or by a specific surgeon. Look for reviews on independent platforms, social media, and the hospital's official website. These reviews can give you an idea of the surgeon's bedside manner, the level of post - operative care, and the overall satisfaction of previous patients.

Visit the Facility

If possible, visit the hospital or surgical facility where the ultrasonic lipolysis will be performed. A well - maintained, clean, and modern facility is a good sign. For example, Scarpidis Aesthetics in NYC is an accredited outpatient medical facility. It offers convenience, tranquility, and strict safety protocols, along with luxurious waiting areas, state - of - the - art surgical suites, and soothing recovery rooms.

Preparing for Ultrasonic Lipolysis Surgery

Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation with a plastic surgeon like Dr. Zevon, the surgeon will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie, and assess the condition of your skin. They will explain the body contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” may more effectively meet your goals, or that a combination of traditional liposuction and UAL would be the best choice. You should be frank in discussing your expectations, inform the surgeon about any significant weight losses or gains, if you smoke, and if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or other drugs.

Medical Preparations

Understand the instructions: Carefully read and follow all the instructions provided by the surgeon. For example, you may need to stop taking certain medications, vitamins, or iron tablets for a period before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
Health assessment: The surgeon may require you to undergo a series of medical tests, such as blood tests, to ensure that you are in good health for the surgery. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your procedure may have to be postponed.

Lifestyle Preparations

Arrange transportation: Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after your ultrasonic liposuction surgery and, if needed, to help you out for a day or two.
Protect your home and car: To protect your bedding and mattress from liquid oozing from the incision sites, you may place a plastic drop cloth or shower curtain liner beneath your sheets. Also, use old sheets covered with large bath towels. You may also want to protect the car in which you will be driving home after liposuction surgery, for example, by covering the car seats with a plastic garbage bag.
Clothing preparation: For women having lower body liposuction, buy some support - style pantyhose to wear under the post - surgery compressive garment after the first week or so. Dark sweatpants are the ideal attire post - liposuction.

Pre - operative Instructions

The day before surgery: Unless you are having local anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything after midnight. If you are having local anesthesia or your liposuction surgery is in the afternoon, check with the doctor as to what or when you may eat or drink before surgery.
The morning of surgery: Shower or bathe with anti - bacterial soap. Wash the liposuction surgery areas thoroughly. Do not apply any moisturizers, deodorant, talcum powder or other products afterwards. Do not use hairspray or perfume. Wear simple, comfortable, loose - fitting, dark - colored clothing. Wear tops with front closures, such as zippers or buttons, bottoms that are easy to pull on, and comfortable shoes. No pantyhose or high heels. Do not wear new clothes. Sweat pants are ideal. Do not bring jewelry or valuables with you.

The Ultrasonic Lipolysis Procedure

Anesthesia

The choice of anesthesia depends on the amount of fat being removed and the patient's preference. If only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved, liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia. Intravenous sedation or regional anesthesia, such as an epidural, can also be used. If a large volume of fat is being removed, general anesthesia may be preferable. The surgeon will discuss anesthesia options with you during the liposuction consultation.

The Surgery Process

The time required for ultrasonic liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the amount of work. Generally, it takes longer than traditional liposuction because of the extra “fat - liquefying” step involved. The procedure begins with the injection of salt water containing local anesthesia and adrenaline into the area to be treated. Then, a metal cannula connected to an ultrasound generator is inserted beneath the skin through a small incision. The ultrasonic energy causes the walls of the fat cells to break down, allowing the fat to flow out of each cell. The “liquefied” fat combines with the injected fluid to create an emulsion, which is removed from the body by vacuum pressure. If you are awake, you may feel some warmth and vibration during the procedure, and you will probably be given some fluid through an IV tube to keep your fluid level balanced. Typically, only a small amount of blood is lost during ultrasonic liposuction, but if the surgeon determines that a blood transfusion may be needed, you can donate your own blood in advance of the procedure.

Recovery After Ultrasonic Lipolysis

Immediate Post - operative Care

Rest: When you arrive home, be prepared to rest in bed for the first 48 hours after liposuction surgery. Protect your bed with plastic, old sheets, and bath towels, and wear dark - colored old clothes or sweatpants. Eat and drink lightly. You may go to the bathroom with assistance as needed. If you feel nauseated, lie on your back with your head down and remain still. Any sensation of nausea should pass by the morning after your surgery. If you feel fine, light activity will not harm you.
Medications: Take the antibiotics and pain medication prescribed by the surgeon according to the pharmacy instructions. Don’t take the pain medication on an empty stomach, as this will induce nausea and vomiting. Have another adult give you the pain medication at the correct time and/or keep written records of how much you take and when you take it. You do not have to take the pain medicine if you are not in pain, but you must take all of your antibiotics. The period of greatest discomfort usually does not last more than 12 to 14 hours. Do not drive while taking pain medication.
Contacting the surgeon: If you have severe pain not responding to pain medication or dressings that feel too tight, don't take chances! Call the surgeon if you are concerned about anything you consider significant. During office hours, call the provided office number, and after hours, there will be an emergency contact number.

What to Expect During Recovery

Aspect	Details
Drainage	There will be some fluid draining or oozing from the operative sites into the dressings. The appearance of this fluid may be clear red - it is blood - tinged fluid. This is normal drainage.
Bruising	Extensive bruises (black & blue discoloration) and swelling in and around the liposuction surgery areas are common after liposuction. The areas of your body where you have had liposuction surgery may be covered with unsightly bruises. Bruising usually lasts 3 to 6 weeks. If you had liposuction of the abdomen, you may have bruising, swelling, and discoloration of the genitalia, as blood and other fluid may descend into the soft tissues of the genitalia. This is normal and is not cause for alarm.
Swelling	Swelling reaches a plateau at 48 to 72 hours after liposuction surgery and persists at peak levels for several days. During the first week after liposuction surgery, you will notice that your clothes are tight and that you have gained weight due to fluid retention. This is normal. About 50% of the expected contour reduction occurs within 30 days, another 25% at 2 months, and most of the final 25% by 3 months.
Pain	Patients who have liposuction of the abdomen may experience more postoperative pain than in other areas, probably from irritation of the underlying tissues, which is aggravated every time you breathe deeply, sit up, or bend and straighten.
Lumps	The liposuction surgery areas may feel irregular and lumpy. This will resolve as you heal. When permitted (usually 10 days after liposuction surgery), massage may speed the softening of any lumpy areas.

Wearing Compressive Garments

After your liposuction surgery, the surgeon will apply dressings to the areas where the surgery was performed and place you in a specially ordered restrictive garment, called a compressive garment. The compressive garment, which resembles a tight girdle, helps reduce swelling, compressing the skin as it re - adjusts after the liposuction surgery. You should wear the compressive garment day and night for 2 weeks after your liposuction surgery (except when showering as instructed) and then at night only for 2 more weeks. If your compressive garment has zippers, when instructed by the surgeon, you may wear support - style pantyhose beneath the garment to minimize contour depressions from the zippers.

Activity Restrictions

General activities: Most liposuction patients may return to full activities other than sports within 4 days. More vigorous activity is resumed gradually after the first week.
Smoking and alcohol: Do not smoke for 48 hours after your liposuction surgery to prevent coughing and bleeding. Do not drink alcohol for 5 days after surgery or while you are taking the pain medication. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels and could cause bleeding, and mixing pain medication and alcohol is dangerous.
Driving: You may drive a car with power steering after one week, if you are no longer taking pain medication.

Massage

Approximately 10 days after liposuction surgery, you may begin to massage the surgery areas if it feels comfortable to you. This may hasten the resolution of swelling, lumpy areas, and/or hardness. You can massage with your hands and/or with a rolling pin, use a massage oil, moisturizing lotion or cream, or visit a massage therapist. Areas benefiting most from massage include the lower abdominal area and the medial and lateral thighs.

Post - operative Appointments

It is important to see the surgeon as scheduled after liposuction surgery. The surgeon will see you approximately one week after surgery. Follow - up visits will continue for several weeks, and then after several months. At each post - operative appointment, the surgeon will advise you how soon the next one should be scheduled.

Liposuction Recovery Time

Initial: 3 to 4 weeks. You should expect maximum swelling from 3 to 5 days after liposuction surgery. Bruising should begin to resolve in 3 weeks, and most of the swelling resolves in 3 to 4 weeks.
Substantial: 3 months. The treated areas may remain hard for 6 to 8 weeks. 50% of the expected contour reduction occurs within the first month, another 25% at 2 months, and most of the final 25% by 3 months.
Final: Occasional patients, especially those who undergo calf and ankle liposuction, have significant additional diminution in contour up to 6 months after liposuction surgery.

Resuming Normal Activities

Work: Follow the plan you and the surgeon have agreed upon. Most patients are able to return to work within 4 days after liposuction surgery. By one week, all liposuction patients can be back at work if they want to be.
Exercise: Avoid vigorous activity, including strenuous sexual activity, and contact sports for at least four weeks. During this time, walking is fine and is recommended, but use common sense. If you have been sedentary for a