Introduction

Liposuction, particularly when combined with filling the apple muscles, is a highly sought - after cosmetic procedure in New York City. As a global hub for medical excellence and cosmetic innovation, the city offers a plethora of doctors with varying levels of expertise and reputations. This article aims to provide a comprehensive ranking and overview of doctors well - known for performing liposuction and filling the apple muscles, along with essential information to help patients make informed decisions.

Understanding Liposuction and Apple Muscle Filling

Liposuction is a surgical technique used to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body. It is not a weight - loss method but rather a way to contour and reshape the body. The procedure involves using a cannula and a vacuum to suction out unwanted fat cells from areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, and more. When it comes to filling the apple muscles, also known as the malar fat pads, this can enhance facial volume and give a more youthful, attractive appearance. Surgeons may use fat harvested from liposuction procedures to fill the apple muscles, creating a more natural - looking result.

Importance of Choosing the Right Doctor

Selecting the right doctor for liposuction and apple muscle filling is crucial. A skilled and experienced doctor can significantly reduce the risks associated with the procedure, ensure better aesthetic outcomes, and provide comprehensive after - care. Patients should consider factors such as the doctor's certifications, experience, patient reviews, and before - and - after photos when making their choice.

Top Liposuction and Apple Muscle Filling Doctors in New York City

Based on Healthgrades

Healthgrades lists a total of 319 doctors who perform liposuction in New York. The doctors mentioned above have at least 6 or more past patient ratings, which adds to their credibility. Patients looking for a high - rated doctor may want to consider those with a 4.9 or 5.0 rating, such as Dr. Leila Rafla - Demetrious, Dr. Joshua Levine, and Dr. Philip Torina.

Other Reputable Doctors

Dr. Howard Sobel

Dr. Howard Sobel is a well - known manhattan liposuction expert. As the founder of Sobel Skin, he is a frontrunner in the development and popularization of med spa technology. He has extensive experience in liposuction, offering a range of minimally invasive and maximally effective treatments. Dr. Sobel uses tumescent liposuction, which eliminates the need for general anesthesia in most cases. His approach allows for minimal incisions, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery times. He can treat various areas of the body, from the abdomen to the neck. His aesthetic eye helps him create the perfect contour for the treated areas, and patients often report excellent results.

Dr. Arnold Breitbart

Dr. Arnold Breitbart is accomplished in the wide spectrum of plastic surgery. With offices in Manhattan and Long Island, he provides cosmetic surgery services, including liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, and more. He strives to provide the highest - quality care from the initial consultation to post - operative care. His reputation in the plastic surgery field has earned him a spot at the top.

Dr. Elliot Heller

Dr. Elliot Heller has an easy - going manner that makes patients feel comfortable. He completed his training at well - known medical centers in New York. Dr. Heller is a founding member of several professional societies and has published numerous articles about plastic surgery. He has perfected his smart liposuction plastic surgery technique through performing thousands of procedures for tri - state area patients. Smart liposuction involves using a tiny cannula and laser waves to “melt” the fat before suctioning it away.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Doctor

Certifications

It is essential to ensure that the doctor is board - certified in plastic surgery. Board certification indicates that the doctor has met the rigorous standards set by the relevant medical board. In the United States, the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) accreditation is a significant credential. Plastic surgeons must have completed appropriate training and passed oral and comprehensive written exams covering all plastic surgery procedures. Doctors with ABPS certification are more likely to have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform liposuction and apple muscle filling safely and effectively.

Experience

Experience plays a vital role in the success of any cosmetic procedure. A doctor who has performed many liposuction and apple muscle filling surgeries is more likely to be familiar with the nuances of the procedure, handle potential complications, and achieve better results. Look for doctors who have been in practice for several years and have a track record of performing these procedures. Some doctors, like Dr. Elliot Heller, have performed thousands of liposuction - related procedures, which demonstrates their expertise.

Patient Reviews and Testimonials

Reading patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the doctor's bedside manner, the quality of care, and the overall patient experience. Patients often share their experiences regarding pain management, recovery times, and the final aesthetic outcomes. Positive reviews from satisfied patients can be a good indication of a doctor's reputation. For example, at Sobel Skin, patients have praised Dr. Howard Sobel for his professionalism and the excellent results of his liposuction procedures.

Before - and - After Photos

Reviewing a doctor's before - and - after photos can give you an idea of their aesthetic skills and the types of results they can achieve. Look for photos of patients who have similar body types and concerns as you. This can help you determine if the doctor's style and techniques align with your expectations. A reputable doctor should be willing to share a portfolio of their previous work.

Location and Facility

The location of the doctor's office and the quality of the surgical facility are also important factors. It is preferable to choose a doctor whose office is conveniently located for you, especially for follow - up appointments. The surgical facility should be accredited by a recognized organization, such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF). Accreditation ensures that the facility meets high standards for equipment, staff qualifications, and emergency readiness.

Types of Liposuction Techniques

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is one of the most common and safest liposuction techniques. In this procedure, a large amount of medicated solution, typically a mixture of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine, is injected into the targeted areas before the fat is suctioned out. The solution helps to numb the area, reduce blood loss, and make it easier to remove the fat. This technique is often preferred for its effectiveness and relatively low complication rate. Many doctors, including those at NYC Liposuction Surgery Specialists, are experts in tumescent liposuction.

Laser - Assisted Liposuction

Laser - assisted liposuction, or laser lipo, uses laser energy to liquefy fat cells before they are removed. The heat from the laser also promotes collagen production, which can help tighten the skin in the treated area. This technique is particularly effective for treating smaller, more defined areas. It may result in less bruising and swelling compared to some other methods.

Ultrasound - Assisted Liposuction (Vaser)

Ultrasound - assisted liposuction, also known as Vaser lipo, employs ultrasound vibrations to break apart fat cells. This technique allows for a high level of precision, making it suitable for sculpting and contouring. It is also less damaging to surrounding tissues, which may lead to a smoother recovery process.

Pre - Procedure Considerations

Initial Consultation

The initial consultation with the doctor is a crucial step. During this appointment, the doctor will assess your suitability for liposuction and apple muscle filling. They will evaluate your skin quality, the amount of fat in the targeted areas, and your overall health. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, any current medications or supplements you are taking, and your expectations for the procedure. The doctor will also explain the different techniques available and help you determine the best approach for your needs.

Medical Clearance

In most cases, the doctor will require you to obtain medical clearance from your primary doctor. This is to ensure that there are no underlying medical conditions or medications that could interfere with the procedure. For example, patients with diabetes or heart conditions may need special precautions. Blood tests may also be necessary to check your overall health status.

Preparation for the Procedure

Before the procedure, the doctor will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare. This may include avoiding certain medications, such as aspirin and anti - inflammatory drugs, which can increase the risk of bleeding. You may also be asked to stop smoking, as smoking can delay the healing process. On the day of the procedure, you may be instructed to have a light breakfast if the liposuction is performed under local anesthesia.

During the Procedure

Anesthesia

The type of anesthesia used during the procedure depends on the extent of the liposuction and the patient's preference. Local anesthesia is often used for smaller - scale procedures, where the targeted area is numbed. The patient remains awake but does not feel pain. For more extensive fat removal or comprehensive body contouring, general anesthesia may be necessary, which renders the patient unconscious. Some doctors, like Dr. Howard Sobel, use the tumescent approach, which allows for local sedation and reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia.

The Liposuction Process

The liposuction process typically begins with the injection of the appropriate solution (such as the tumescent solution in tumescent liposuction). Then, a small incision is made in the skin, and a cannula is inserted to break up and suction out the fat. The length of the procedure depends on the amount of fat being removed and the number of areas being treated. It can range from one to four hours.

Filling the Apple Muscles

If the goal is to fill the apple muscles using the harvested fat, the fat is carefully processed and then injected into the targeted areas of the face. The doctor uses their aesthetic judgment to ensure a natural - looking result, enhancing the facial volume and giving a more youthful appearance.

Post - Procedure Care and Recovery

Immediate After - Care

After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area until the anesthesia wears off. You may experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which can be managed with medications prescribed by the doctor. Compression garments are often recommended to help reduce swelling and support the treated areas. You will also receive instructions on how to care for the incisions and any other specific post - operative care measures.

Recovery Timeline

The initial recovery period usually lasts between 4 to 7 days, during which you may return to work and light activities. However, it may take several weeks for the swelling to completely subside and for the final results to become apparent. It is important to follow the doctor's instructions during this time, which may include avoiding strenuous activities and wearing the compression garments as directed.

Long - Term Results

Once the recovery is complete, you should see a significant improvement in the contour of the treated areas and the volume of the apple muscles. The removed fat cells do not regrow, but maintaining a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise is important to ensure long - term results. If you gain a significant amount of weight, new fat may accumulate in other areas of the body.

Potential Risks and Complications

General Risks

Like any surgical procedure, liposuction and apple muscle filling carry some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, bruising, swelling, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia. However, these risks can be minimized by choosing an experienced and qualified doctor and following the pre - and post - operative instructions carefully.

Specific Complications

There are also some specific complications that can occur. For example, uneven fat removal can result in an irregular contour. In some cases, the skin may not tighten properly, leading to baggy or rippling skin. When filling the apple muscles, there is a risk of asymmetry or an unnatural appearance if the fat is not injected correctly. However, a skilled doctor can take steps to prevent these complications.

Conclusion

In New York City, there are numerous doctors with good reputations for performing liposuction and filling the apple muscles. From the high - rated doctors listed on Healthgrades to well - known experts like Dr. Howard Sobel, Dr.