Ranking of Doctors for Shoulder Liposuction and Fee Standard in New York City in 2025

Liposuction, especially shoulder liposuction, has become an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the top - ranked doctors for shoulder liposuction and the associated fee standards in the city.

Understanding Shoulder Liposuction

Shoulder liposuction is a specialized form of liposuction that targets the excess fat deposits in the shoulder area. This area can often be resistant to diet and exercise, making liposuction an appealing option for those looking to enhance their body contour. As with all liposuction procedures, it is important to understand that it is not a weight - loss solution but rather a body - contouring technique. The goal is to achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing appearance of the shoulders.

Before undergoing shoulder liposuction, patients should have a clear understanding of the procedure, its potential risks, and the expected results. It is also crucial to choose a qualified and experienced doctor to ensure the best possible outcome.

Ranking of Doctors for Shoulder Liposuction in New York City

Top Doctors in General Liposuction (Some May Specialize in Shoulder Liposuction)

Based on Healthgrades, there are several highly - rated doctors in New York City who perform liposuction in general. Some of these doctors may also have expertise in shoulder liposuction:

Doctors like Dr. Leila Rafla - Demetrious, who is on staff at New York - Presbyterian / Weill Cornell Medical Center, bring a high level of credibility and experience to their practice. Her 5 - star rating indicates a high level of patient satisfaction, which is a positive sign for those considering shoulder liposuction.

On Liposuction.com, some well - known plastic surgeons in New York also offer liposuction services. These include:

• Dr. Arnold Breitbart: He is accomplished in a wide spectrum of plastic surgery, including liposuction. His offices in Manhattan and Long Island serve patients seeking various body - contouring procedures. He is committed to providing high - quality care from the initial consultation to post - operative care.
• Dr. Elliot Heller: With an easy - going manner, he makes patients feel comfortable. He has extensive experience in performing smart liposuction plastic surgery and has published numerous articles in relevant media.

Newsweek's Ranking of America's Best Plastic Surgeons for Liposuction

In the Newsweek's 2024 ranking of America's Best Plastic Surgeons for Liposuction, some New York - based doctors were recognized:

These doctors have been recognized by a large - scale survey of medical experts, which adds to their credibility in the field of liposuction. While it is not explicitly stated that they specialize in shoulder liposuction, their overall liposuction expertise can be a valuable asset for patients considering shoulder - specific procedures.

RealSelf's List of Liposuction Doctors in New York

RealSelf lists 630 local doctors in New York who perform liposuction. Some of the well - reviewed doctors for liposuction that could potentially offer shoulder liposuction services are:

The high number of reviews for these doctors on RealSelf indicates a significant patient base, and their years of experience suggest they have a good understanding of the liposuction procedure. Patients can look through the real - life stories shared by previous patients to get an idea of the doctor's skills and patient - care quality.

Fee Standard for Shoulder Liposuction in New York City

Factors Affecting the Fee

The cost of shoulder liposuction in New York City can vary widely depending on several factors:

• Doctor's Experience and Reputation: Highly experienced and well - known doctors often charge more for their services. For example, doctors who are ranked in national or local lists like Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons or have a large number of positive reviews on platforms like RealSelf may have higher fees.
• Extent of the Procedure: If the shoulder liposuction involves removing a large amount of fat or is combined with other procedures, the cost will be higher. The complexity of the procedure, such as the technique used and the precision required, also plays a role in determining the fee.
• Location of the Clinic: Clinics in prime locations in New York City, such as Manhattan, may have higher overhead costs, which can be reflected in the procedure fees. High - end clinics with state - of - the - art facilities and advanced equipment may also charge more.
• Anesthesia and After - Care: The type of anesthesia used (local, general, or sedation) and the cost of post - operative care, including medications, follow - up appointments, and compression garments, are all part of the overall fee.

General Cost Range

According to RealSelf, the average cost of liposuction in New York is $6,175. However, for shoulder liposuction specifically, the cost can range from $3,000 to $10,000 or more. A simple shoulder liposuction with a less - experienced doctor in a less - prime location may cost around $3,000 - $5,000. On the other hand, a comprehensive shoulder liposuction procedure performed by a top - ranked doctor in a high - end clinic with advanced techniques and excellent after - care could cost upwards of $10,000.

It is important to note that these are just estimates, and patients should get a personalized quote from their chosen doctor after a thorough consultation. During the consultation, the doctor will assess the patient's specific situation and provide a detailed breakdown of the costs involved.

Choosing the Right Doctor for Shoulder Liposuction

Certifications and Qualifications

When choosing a doctor for shoulder liposuction, one of the first things to consider is their certifications. A board - certified plastic surgeon is a good indication of their training and expertise in the field. For example, doctors certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. This certification provides a level of assurance that the doctor has the necessary skills to perform the procedure safely and effectively.

Experience and Specialization

Look for doctors who have significant experience in performing liposuction, especially shoulder liposuction. You can ask the doctor about the number of shoulder liposuction procedures they have performed and their success rate. Some doctors may have a particular interest or specialization in shoulder liposuction, which can be an advantage as they are more likely to be familiar with the unique anatomical and aesthetic aspects of the shoulder area.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can give you valuable insights into the doctor's patient - care quality, communication skills, and the overall experience of having the procedure done with them. Platforms like RealSelf, Healthgrades, and Google Reviews provide a wealth of information from real patients. Look for reviews that specifically mention shoulder liposuction if possible to get a more relevant understanding of the doctor's performance in this area.

Before - and - After Photos

Request to see before - and - after photos of the doctor's previous shoulder liposuction patients. These photos can help you assess the doctor's aesthetic skills and the type of results they can achieve. Pay attention to the naturalness of the results and whether they match your own expectations for your body contour.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Shoulder Liposuction

Before the Procedure

Before undergoing shoulder liposuction, you will have an initial consultation with the doctor. During this consultation, the doctor will assess your overall health, the condition of your skin in the shoulder area, and your goals for the procedure. You will need to provide your medical history, including any pre - existing medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies. The doctor may also take measurements and photos of your shoulders for reference.

You may be required to stop taking certain medications, such as blood - thinners, for a period before the surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours.

During the Procedure

The shoulder liposuction procedure typically begins with the administration of anesthesia. The type of anesthesia used will depend on the extent of the procedure and your doctor's recommendation. For smaller areas of the shoulder, local anesthesia with sedation may be sufficient, while larger or more complex procedures may require general anesthesia.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the doctor will make small incisions in the shoulder area and insert a cannula, a thin tube - like device, connected to a vacuum. The cannula is used to suction out the excess fat from the targeted areas. The doctor will use precise movements to sculpt the shoulders and achieve the desired contour.

After the Procedure

After the shoulder liposuction, you will be monitored in a recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. You will experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the shoulder area, which is normal. The doctor will prescribe pain medications and antibiotics to manage the pain and reduce the risk of infection.

You will need to wear a compression garment on your shoulders for a period of time to help reduce swelling and support the healing process. The initial recovery period usually lasts a few days to a week, during which you should avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. It may take several weeks for the swelling to subside completely, and you may not see the final results of the procedure for a few months.

Potential Risks and Complications of Shoulder Liposuction

As with any surgical procedure, shoulder liposuction carries some potential risks and complications:

• Bruising and Swelling: Bruising and swelling are common after liposuction and usually subside within a few weeks. However, in some cases, the swelling may persist for a longer period.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision sites. Following the doctor's post - operative care instructions, including keeping the incisions clean and taking antibiotics as prescribed, can help reduce this risk.
• Irregular Skin Contours: In some cases, the skin may not contour evenly after the procedure, resulting in lumps or bumps. This can sometimes be corrected with additional procedures, but it is important to discuss this risk with your doctor before the surgery.
• Fluid Accumulation: Fluid may accumulate in the treated area, causing discomfort and prolonged swelling. Your doctor may need to drain the fluid if it becomes a problem.
• Blood Clots: There is a small risk of blood clots forming in the veins, which can be dangerous if they travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Your doctor will take steps to minimize this risk, such as recommending early mobilization after the surgery.

Alternatives to Shoulder Liposuction

If you are not ready for shoulder liposuction or are looking for non - surgical alternatives, there are several options available:

• CoolSculpting: This is a non - invasive fat - freezing procedure that can target the fat cells in the shoulder area. The procedure works by applying controlled cooling to crystallize the fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated from the body over time. CoolSculpting is suitable for people who are close to their target weight but have small pockets of stubborn fat.
• Ultrashape: An ultrasonic non - invasive body - sculpting treatment that uses ultrasound waves to destroy fat cells. It is a non - surgical option that can provide gradual fat reduction and body contouring without the need for anesthesia or incisions.

Conclusion

In New York City, there is a wide range of highly - qualified doctors available for shoulder liposuction. The rankings and fee standards provided in this article can serve as a starting point for your research when choosing a doctor. It is essential to thoroughly evaluate