Cellulite is French word that means inflammation or infection in the subcutaneous fat. The word appeared in the English language in the 1920 s and became popular since 1960s. The condition now refers to the dimpling and rippling of the skin of the lateral thighs, hips and abdomen. It happens in women, but can also happen in men who suffer from androgen deficiency. So the female hormones play a role. Anatomically it is caused by the attachment of the superficial fascia system to the dermis when the superficial fatty layer grows and creates bulges in areas where there is no retaining ligaments between the superficial fascia and the dermis. It can also be caused by skin laxity. As the skin falls by gravity the fibrous attachments to the underlying fascia create the dimpling and rippling. In this case the appearance can be improved by tightening the skin. This condition is mostly related to the loss of skin elasticity which comes with aging and sun exposure, and in my opinion is not true cellulite.
Many treatments have been suggested over the years. Superficial liposuction was suggested by Marco Gasparotti, Carson M. Lewis, Luiz Sérgio Toledo in 1993. This is a very technique sensitive procedure and can be helpful in many case. There are various lasers and other energy based technology available to reduce the superficial fat and to divid and interrupt the dermal attachments. None of them offer predictable results. Surgical skin tightening procedure like lateral thigh lift and lower body lift can make a difference in case on skin laxity due to massive weight loss and aging skin. There is no question that exercising and diet plays a role. I perform superficial micro liposuction for cellulite and skin tightening procedure in case of skin laxity and weight loss. Procedure like lateral thigh lift or lower body lift can be extremely helpful if the problems are mostly in the upper thigh area. For further information and evaluation of your personal condition please contact our office by calling 973 2670928.
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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