The Plastic Surgery Department of the People's Hospital Ranks at the Forefront for Posterior Thigh Liposuction in New York City in 2025!

Introduction

Posterior thigh liposuction is a popular cosmetic procedure in New York City. The plastic surgery department of the People's Hospital has gained a reputation for ranking at the forefront in this area. This article will explore the various aspects related to posterior thigh liposuction, including the procedure itself, different hospitals and surgeons in New York City, and the importance of choosing the right facility for this surgery.

Understanding Posterior Thigh Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction device to remove fat cells from targeted areas of the body. Its main purpose is to contour the area, creating a sleek and natural appearance. As mentioned in the Mount Sinai source, if you have specific areas of your body that do not respond to weight loss or exercise, liposuction may be an ideal solution. However, it's important to note that liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite on the thighs and buttocks, and it will not tighten overly loose skin lacking significant elasticity. If a doctor determines that liposuction is not appropriate, they may suggest alternatives such as a tummy tuck or face lift.

Posterior Thigh Liposuction in Particular

When it comes to posterior thigh liposuction, the goal is to reduce excess fat in the back of the thighs, improving the overall shape and contour. This can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the legs and make clothing fit better. Patients often opt for this procedure when diet and exercise have failed to achieve the desired results in this specific area.

Types of Liposuction

Power - Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Power - assisted liposuction uses a gentle vibration of a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) that loosens the fat to help remove it with suction. Mount Sinai offers this type of liposuction. Dr. John E. Sherman also uses power - assisted liposuction as part of his approach, usually combining it with other methods for the best results. The vibrating cannula enables the surgeon to remove the fat with less mechanical work and force, resulting in a more efficient procedure with a smoother outcome.

Smartlipo MPX™

This type of liposuction uses a laser to heat the fat to help with its removal and helps the skin retract after removal. It is especially useful for upper arms, neck, and inner thigh areas according to Mount Sinai. Although its application in posterior thigh liposuction may not be as commonly emphasized as other areas, it could potentially be considered depending on the patient's specific needs and the surgeon's recommendation.

Ultrasonic Liposuction (UAL)

Ultrasound liposuction was first introduced in 1993 in Europe and 1995 in the United States. Dr. John E. Sherman was one of the first practitioners to use it. It is similar to a dental hygienist’s ultrasound apparatus used to remove plaque, where a sound wave is delivered through a probe that helps emulsify the fat in the surrounding tissue. UAL is most effective for male patients as it helps break up dense breast tissue and fat with minimal effort and is also helpful in revision cases where patients have uneven contours.

Radiofrequency - Assisted Liposuction (RFAL, BodyTite)

Dr. David Rapaport believes that BodyTite is beneficial among the various liposuction technologies. It differentiates itself from other ‘tissue tightening’ technologies by offering true bipolar radiofrequency energy delivery. This means that heat energy transferred across the skin is precisely controlled, allowing for measurable improvements in skin tightness as collagen shrinks when heated. It could potentially be used in posterior thigh liposuction to address skin laxity concerns in addition to fat removal.

Vaser Liposuction

Dr. Rapaport often chooses to use vaser technology when treating particularly dense tissues or areas that have previously undergone liposuction. Vaser (vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance) assisted liposuction is the third generation of ultrasound - assisted liposuction device. Solid titanium probes deliver pulsed energy into the fatty tissue to break down the targeted fat. The pulsing nature of the energy delivery reduces heat generation, allowing for increased safety and better results than previous ultrasound technologies. For patients desiring improved contour of the posterior thighs, vaser liposuction could be a suitable option, especially if the fat in that area is dense.

Benefits of Liposuction

There are numerous benefits to having liposuction, which also apply to posterior thigh liposuction:

• Alternative to traditional plastic surgery: Liposuction eliminates fat from specific areas like the posterior thighs without making large incisions. As stated in the Mount Sinai source, it provides an option for body contouring without the more invasive nature of some other surgeries.
• Balance body type: It can balance an out - of - proportion body type by reducing bulges on the posterior thighs. For example, if a person has disproportionate fat distribution in the thighs compared to the rest of their body, liposuction can help create a more harmonious look.
• Enhance other procedures: It can enhance the results of other facial or body surgeries. Although more relevant to facial surgeries when it comes to chin fat removal, in general, overall body contouring through liposuction can contribute to a more aesthetically pleasing appearance when combined with other cosmetic or reconstructive procedures.
• Add to diet and exercise results: Liposuction contours the stubborn areas that do not respond to diet and exercise efforts. Many patients who have worked hard to lose weight but still have trouble getting rid of excess fat in the posterior thighs find liposuction to be a solution to achieve their desired body shape.
• Long - lasting results: If a patient maintains a stable weight, the results of liposuction can last indefinitely. However, it is up to the patient to avoid gaining extra weight after surgery to keep the slimmed - down, contoured look.

New York City Hospitals and Surgeons for Posterior Thigh Liposuction

NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital

The expert team of plastic surgeons at NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital is dedicated to improving patients’ quality of life through various cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. Their surgeons are specialists in addressing problems related to trauma, cancer, or congenital disabilities and also provide extensive options for elective cosmetic procedures. They have specialists with a wide range of expertise in aesthetic procedures, including liposuction. The surgical departments at both NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital / Columbia University Medical Center and NewYork - Presbyterian Hospital / Weill Cornell Medical Center offer extensive reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Patients can expect high - quality care and a variety of treatment options when considering posterior thigh liposuction at this hospital.

Columbia University

Plastic and reconstructive surgery care at Columbia University is known for its high - level expertise. The plastic surgeons on their clinical staff are proficient in multiple areas of specialization, ranging from routine, non - surgical cosmetic procedures to complex reconstructive operations and body contouring surgery after significant weight loss. Their division is at the forefront of clinical and laboratory research in plastic surgery, and is a recognized national and international leader in the field. They offer liposuction as part of their body contouring services, which could include posterior thigh liposuction. The department has a comprehensive approach to patient care, with a focus on research and innovation to provide the best possible outcomes for patients.

Surgeons Recognized in Rankings

Newsweek has partnered with statista for annual rankings of America's best plastic surgeons. In the 2024 ranking for liposuction, several New York - based surgeons were recognized. Alan Matarasso, MD, FACS; David Hidalgo, MD, FACS; Adam Schaffner, MD, FACS; Adam R. Kolker, MD, FACS; and David Rapaport, MD were among those from New York City who made the list. These surgeons have likely demonstrated high levels of skill and expertise in performing liposuction procedures, including potentially posterior thigh liposuction. Patients may consider these surgeons when looking for a qualified professional to perform their liposuction.

Choosing the Right Surgeon and Hospital for Posterior Thigh Liposuction

Qualifications and Experience

When choosing a surgeon for posterior thigh liposuction, it is crucial to consider their qualifications. Surgeons should be board - certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). As mentioned in the Newsweek ranking methodology, ABPS accreditation is a voluntary credential for plastic surgeons in the U.S. that requires them to have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. Experience is also key. Surgeons like Dr. John E. Sherman, who has been performing liposuction since 1987 and was one of the first to introduce ultrasound liposuction, bring a wealth of knowledge and skill to the table. Look for surgeons who have a significant number of successful liposuction procedures, especially in the posterior thigh area.

Reputation and Patient Reviews

Check the reputation of the surgeon and the hospital. Patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, the quality of care, and the final results. A surgeon with positive reviews and a good reputation is more likely to provide a satisfactory outcome. Hospitals that are well - known for their plastic surgery departments, such as NewYork - Presbyterian and Columbia University, often have a track record of providing high - quality care and can be a reliable choice.

Technology and Techniques

Ensure that the surgeon uses the latest and safest liposuction technologies and techniques. As described earlier, there are various types of liposuction, and the right surgeon should be able to determine which method is most suitable for your posterior thigh liposuction based on your individual needs, such as the amount and density of fat, and the condition of your skin. For example, if you have dense fat in the posterior thighs, a surgeon who is proficient in vaser liposuction or ultrasonic liposuction may be a better choice.

Communication and Consultation

A good surgeon will have clear communication with you during the consultation process. They should listen to your goals and expectations, perform a thorough examination, and explain the procedure, potential risks, and expected results in detail. For instance, at the consultation with Dr. John E. Sherman, he discusses the possible use of ultrasound, the predictable results, and all potential complications. You should feel comfortable asking questions and expressing your concerns before making a decision.

Preparing for Posterior Thigh Liposuction

Medical Evaluation

Before the surgery, you will need to undergo a medical evaluation. This may include blood tests, a physical examination, and a review of your medical history. Your surgeon will use this information to assess your overall health and determine if you are a suitable candidate for liposuction. For example, if you have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, special precautions may need to be taken.

Lifestyle Changes

You may be asked to make certain lifestyle changes before the surgery. As mentioned in the source about Dr. John E. Sherman's practice, you may need to stop smoking well in advance of surgery as smoking can affect the healing process. You may also need to avoid taking aspirin, certain anti - inflammatory drugs, and some herbal medications that can cause increased bleeding. Additionally, maintaining a stable weight for several months before surgery is ideal, as liposuction is not a weight - loss technique.

Arrangements for Recovery

Plan for your recovery period. You will likely need someone to drive you home after the surgery and to help you at home if necessary. Make sure to stock up on any necessary supplies such as compression garments, which are often recommended after liposuction to reduce swelling and promote healing. You may also need to take time off work, depending on the nature of your job. Most patients can return to work three to five days after the procedure, but it may take up to two weeks to resume exercise and regular activity.

The Posterior Thigh Liposuction Procedure

Anesthesia

The choice of anesthesia for posterior thigh liposuction depends on various factors, including the extent of the procedure and your personal preferences. Dr. David Rapaport performs most lipo procedures under iv sedation, also called “twilight” anesthesia. During this type of anesthesia, the patient has an iv, and a board - certified anesthesiologist delivers sedating medications via the iv. The patient is breathing on their own and is responsive to verbal input but typically has no memory of the procedure. For smaller areas of liposuction, local anesthesia may be used. This may include areas such as the posterior thighs if the amount of fat to be removed is relatively small. In such cases, the patient may either rely completely on the surgeon's injections to numb the area or could take oral medications to provide relaxation and mild sedation for the procedure.

The Actual Procedure

Most surgeons use the tumescent technique, which is considered the gold standard. This technique involves the injection of a dilute solution of lidocaine as a local anesthetic and epinephrine to control bleeding prior to the actual suctioning of the fatty tissue. Once the tumescent fluid has taken effect, a cannula (a thin, hollow tube) is inserted through small incisions in the skin. The surgeon then uses the cannula to suction out the excess fat from the posterior thighs. The suctioning is carefully performed to sculpt the area and achieve the desired contour. The length of the procedure depends on the amount of fat to be removed and the complexity of the case, but it generally takes one to one - half hours or more.

Recovery and Results after Posterior Thigh Liposuction

Immediate Recovery

After the surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area. You may experience some bruising, swelling, and soreness in the treated areas for the first few days. You will likely be given pain medication to manage any discomfort. As mentioned in the source about Dr. Rapaport's practice, patients typically leave the office within 30 - 60 minutes after the procedure under iv sedation and feel relaxed and comfortable. However, if you are traveling from outside the New York area, it may be recommended to spend the night after surgery at a local hotel with a private nurse to ensure proper care.

Long - Term Recovery

Most patients can return to work three to five days after the procedure, but it may take up to two weeks to resume exercise and regular activity. You will be instructed to wear a compression garment for four or five days after the liposuction procedure. After this time, support garments such as exercise bra or shorts may make you more comfortable, but they are not necessary for the final result. Post - operative massage and ultrasound may also be helpful in promoting healing and reducing swelling, which may be available through your surgeon's office.

Results

Patients can typically see some slimming effects immediately after liposuction, but swelling may initially obscure the results. Final results are visible in a few months when all swelling has resolved. The new contour of the posterior thighs is usually permanent as long as the patient maintains their weight. If the patient gains weight, the new contours will become less noticeable and eventually disappear. On the other hand, if the patient loses weight, the newly acquired shape may improve.

Potential Risks and Complications of Posterior Thigh Liposuction