Liposuction, which is a cosmetic operation, is the most frequently, performed cosmetic procedure. When done by the untrained providers, it can be a dangerous procedure causing complications including death. But can Liposuction be healthy for you, reducing the bad, artery clogging fats? This is exactly what was presented at the recent annual meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
A new study, measured triglyceride and cholesterol levels in 322 patients undergoing liposuction and/or a tummy tuck. Most of the patients, 71 percent, had liposuction only. Triglyceride levels in patients with normal preoperative levels were unchanged. However, patients with at-risk levels, defined as greater than or equal to 150 mg/dl, experienced an average post surgery reduction of 43 percent – about twice the effect achieved with a commonly prescribed drug. The study also found that white blood cell counts decrease an average of 11 percent after the procedure.
Eric Swanson, M.D., ASPS Member Surgeon and study author, said “For years, it has been assumed that ‘visceral fat’ surrounding the internal intestinal organs has greater metabolic importance and is more directly linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk than ‘subcutaneous fat’ that lies under the skin. These new findings support recent studies suggesting subcutaneous fat, which can be reduced by liposuction, is just as metabolically important.”
The results need to be reproduced and further investigation is necessary, but I found this to be great news. The fact that reducing the fat around the abdomen would have such a great effect on blood lipids is indeed groundbreaking news. Imagine the day when insurance companies would pay for liposuction for people who have high triglycerides. To find out more about liposuction and see before and after pictures go to www.BetterPlasticSurgery.com.
Common Questions Patients Search About Liposuction
How much does liposuction cost in New Jersey?
Liposuction cost in Northern New Jersey depends primarily on how many areas are treated and how much fat is removed. A single small area (e.g., chin or flanks) typically runs $3,500–$6,000; a multi-area case (abdomen, flanks, and back) runs $8,000–$14,000 all-in. Dr. Rafizadeh provides a flat quote during the consultation that includes anesthesia, the facility, and follow-up garments and visits.
Which is safer, liposuction or CoolSculpting?
Both are safe when performed by qualified providers, but they're not equivalent. Liposuction physically removes fat cells with cannulas; CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis) freezes fat cells through the skin. Liposuction has more dramatic and predictable results, especially for moderate-to-large volumes. CoolSculpting has carried a small but real risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (the area getting larger, not smaller), which is why Dr. Rafizadeh has chosen not to offer it. For most patients seeking real contour change, liposuction in experienced hands is the better tool.
What is the recovery like after liposuction?
Most Northern New Jersey liposuction patients wear a compression garment for 4–6 weeks and feel sore for the first 7–10 days. Bruising peaks in week one and resolves in 2–3 weeks. Most patients are back to desk work in 3–5 days and full activity by 4 weeks. The final contour emerges as residual swelling resolves over 8–12 weeks. Performing liposuction under local anesthesia with light sedation (Dr. Rafizadeh's standard approach) keeps the first 24 hours dramatically more comfortable.
What happens 10 years after liposuction?
Liposuction removes fat cells, and those cells don't regenerate. If weight stays stable, the result is essentially permanent — the treated areas continue to look proportionally slimmer than they would have. If a patient gains significant weight, the remaining fat cells in the treated areas enlarge, but the proportional contour change usually persists. Patients who maintain a stable weight tend to be very happy with their result a decade out.
What is the hardest part of liposuction recovery?
Patients consistently say it's not pain — it's the compression garment and the patience for swelling to resolve. The garment has to be worn around the clock for the first 2–3 weeks to optimize the contour, and the final result isn't fully visible until 2–3 months in. Patients who follow the garment protocol get noticeably better contours than those who don't, so it's worth the inconvenience.
How much fat can be removed in one liposuction session?
Safety guidelines limit a single session to about 5 liters of pure fat (roughly 11 pounds), though most cases involve significantly less. Removing more than that in one sitting increases the risk of fluid shifts, blood loss, and complications. For patients needing more, Dr. Rafizadeh stages the procedure across two sessions spaced several months apart. The goal is contour and safety, not maximum volume.
Can liposuction tighten loose skin?
Liposuction itself does not tighten skin — it removes fat, and the skin envelope shrinks if it has good elasticity. For patients with good skin tone, the result looks tight and contoured. For patients with stretched, post-pregnancy, or aged skin, isolated liposuction can leave loose skin that looks worse than before. In those cases, Dr. Rafizadeh recommends combining liposuction with a skin-tightening procedure (tummy tuck, arm lift, etc.) for the best result.
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