Liposuction can be your best ally when exercising and dieting isn’t enough to help with stubborn fat. Tumescent liposuction is one of the most popular fat removal procedures available, as it has a shorter downtime than traditional liposuction. And with tumescent liposuction, you can remove excess fat from various body parts with no need for general anesthesia. Dr. Ariel Ostad can perform tumescent liposuction treatments under local anesthesia for anyone struggling with stubborn fat, regardless of the problem area.

What Is Tumescent Liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction is a procedure that uses a tumescent injectable solution as well as microcannulas to remove excess fat from underneath the skin. Its purpose is to target pockets of fat that are resistant to dieting and exercise. This form of liposuction procedure acts as a body contouring procedure.

The results you get after liposuction are permanent since the fat cells that are removed cannot return, though it is important to note that you may still get enlargement of remaining fat cells over time in the treated area. This is why you must adopt a healthy lifestyle, with a proper diet and consistent exercise after your liposuction procedure. Tumescent liposuction merely brings you to square one, after which you must focus on maintaining your weight and proper nutrition.

How Tumescent Liposuction Works

When performing the tumescent liposuction procedure, Dr. Ariel Ostad will inject epinephrine and a local anesthetic into the area (usually lidocaine). This solution will fill out your fatty layers, causing them to become firmer as they swell, otherwise known as becoming tumescent. This process allows the doctor to have better control over the area.

Moreover, the solution used in liposuction will temporarily shrink the blood vessels, minimizing blood loss. This will lessen pain and swelling after the procedure, which will ultimately reduce the recovery time. The unwanted fat will then be extracted through a microcannula in a sterile environment. 

Using back-and-forth motions, the microcannulas lead to more precision in removing fat, less bleeding, and faster recovery than larger cannulas. After your procedure, Dr. Ariel Ostad will recommend using an elastic compression garment to allow the skin to heal and contract.

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Common Treatment Areas

Tumescent liposuction may be used on different body areas, including the abdomen, waist, arms, flanks, double chin, thighs, legs, and ankles. Additionally, you may have stubborn fat removed from more than one body area, as long as Dr. Ostad deems it beneficial. The treatment can be used anywhere you have the subcutaneous type of fat. This procedure should be used in areas with pinchable fat, as excess weight is usually addressed with other medical treatments and personalized plans. Tumescent liposuction candidates are only about 10 to 20 pounds overweight, and the procedure only addresses fat pockets.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Customized Consultations

Whether you want to reduce your double chin or slim down the dreaded “saddlebags,” tumescent liposuction can offer a better-contoured aesthetic. All of Dr. Ostad’s treatments are customized, with the goals being discussed during the consultation. This ensures that the results you obtain meet your expectations. 

Treatment Process

Each tumescent liposuction session is carefully planned to fit every patient’s aesthetic goals. However, Dr. Ostad still follows a series of standard steps to ensure the efficiency and safety of the treatment. Here is what you can expect from the treatment process:

Initial Consultation: Dr. Ostad will evaluate your medical history, determining whether or not you have any known allergies to the ingredients in the tumescent solution. During the consultation, the areas needing tumescent liposuction will be identified, and Dr. Ostad will offer you post-op instructions. 

Marking the Area: To ensure the best-targeted results, Dr. Ostad will begin the procedure by marking the area requiring treatment. This will ensure that Dr. Ostad removes fat only from where you want. This can also offer a better visual of what you can expect. 

Solution Injection: Once the areas have been drawn, Dr. Ostad will inject the local anesthesia, usually in the form of lidocaine. The tumescent liposuction solution will then be injected, causing the fat cells to firm up and swell and the blood vessels to constrict. 

Fat Removal: Once the anesthesia and the tumescent solution have taken effect, Dr. Ostad will create small incisions in the skin and insert the cannula. This small, hollow tube is connected to a suction device, which gradually removes the fat in the target area. Dr. Ostad will slowly move the cannula underneath the skin to evenly remove fat. 

Finishing and Aftercare: The incisions created by the cannula don’t require stitches unless they are large in size. Dr. Ostad will drain the remaining liposuction solution through the cannulas, reducing the side effects. You may be asked to wear a compression garment after the procedure to decrease swelling.

Most patients should be able to notice the first results right after their procedure. However, as there will be some swelling, you may not be able to see the full extent of the effects. It generally takes one week for the swelling to go down. After this time, you should be able to see an improvement in your contour. Final results should be visible around three to four months after the procedure.

Benefits of Tumescent Liposuction

Minimal Blood Loss

The epinephrine present in the tumescent solution constricts blood vessels, making it easier for Dr. Ostad to move the cannula back and forth. This also leads to less bleeding during the procedure, thereby reducing post-op swelling and bruising. This also minimizes the risk of complications during the procedure.

No General Anesthesia

Unlike typical liposuction, which requires general anesthesia, tumescent liposuction only uses a topical numbing agent (usually lidocaine). This reduces the potential for complications and side effects brought by general anesthesia, such as grogginess or nausea. 

Fewer Side Effects

With traditional liposuction, most side effects and prolonged recovery time are often caused by intensive bleeding during the procedure, along with significant trauma. With tumescent liposuction, the bleeding is kept at a minimum and the treatment is more controlled, which allows for recovery symptoms to be less pronounced and the recovery much faster.

Fat Removal Precision

The tumescent liposuction solution helps the fat tissue swell up and firm, giving Dr. Ostad more control over the tissue that is removed. The result is a much smoother contour, especially in areas requiring more careful sculpting, such as your arms or thighs. 

Fewer Risks of Infection

Tumescent liposuction uses a mix of anesthetic and saline to create an environment unfriendly to infections. This improves patient recovery and outcome, reducing the risk of potential complications. 

Reviews

Tumescent Liposuction for Medical Conditions

Beyond Cosmetic Uses

Tumescent liposuction is mainly used for cosmetic purposes (i.e., body sculpting), but its uses go beyond aesthetics alone. For instance, the precision of the procedure makes it an effective option for treating lipomas, which are fatty, benign tumors under the skin. It can also be used to release fluid for those women and men dealing with lymphedema, and it can reduce the symptoms associated with gynecomastia. 

Success Stories

“Visiting Dr. Ostad is like visiting family. Dr. Ostad is caring and professional. He is approachable and has a very warm personality. There is never a wait. The staff is always warm and helpful. I truly love my visits to Dr. Ostad’s office.” – Ilene Y.

“I have been very pleased with the services I received from your practice. your operation is very efficient and runs like an oiled machine. Easy to make an appointment with very pleasant Office staff, and wonderful nurses who went above and beyond to help me. I would also like to mention that you are the best of the best! Thank you so much for the wonderful treatment. You have been a caring, passionate, skilled, and friendly doctor. I had an amazing experience and your skilled services were outstanding.”- Manijeh B.

“There is absolutely no one else that I would trust more than Dr. Ostad and his incredible team of women to perform any cosmetic or surgical procedure. (he has done two on me) Besides being an amazing doctor, he is always a delightful and compassionate person.” – Betsy P.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Liposuction at Dr. Ostad’s Office?

Tumescent liposuction is a technique that involves local anesthesia to be injected into the fat beneath your skin. This will eliminate the risk of using general anesthesia and any associated surgical complications with traditional liposuction. Recovery time, bruising, and risk of bleeding are significantly reduced with tumescent liposuction, making this the safest form of liposuction available.

How Does Tumescent Liposuction Differ from Traditional Liposuction?

Traditional liposuction is performed under some form of anesthesia, which can put you at a surgical risk. Tumescent liposuction is performed under local anesthesia using a microcannula. This results in a safer procedure, increased comfort, and a reduced recovery.

Will My Results Be Permanent Once They Reach their Final Stage?

Yes, with tumescent liposuction, your results are permanent. Once the fat cells are gone, they are gone for good. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle with exercise and diet to prevent other fat cells from growing large and noticeable. You will begin to see improvement in your body contour immediately, but full results will occur between three and four months after your procedure.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

Compared to traditional liposuction, the recovery time is minimal. The local anesthetic used on the target area will last about 24 hours, minimizing most of your post-op pain. Once the anesthetic wears off, you will likely feel a small amount of discomfort, but this can be easily managed with painkillers such as TYLENOL®. You will be required to wear your compression garment for one week. If patients have their procedure done on a Thursday, they can return to work the following Monday.

When Will the Side Effects Go Away?

Most of the swelling should dissipate within a couple of weeks. Your body will continue healing and adjusting over the next few months, although most discomfort should pass in one to two weeks. Besides swelling and occasional pain, other side effects are rare, especially as the risks of general anesthesia are avoided.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Tumescent Liposuction?

If you are dealing with unwanted fat that does not respond to diet or exercise, then tumescent liposuction may be exactly what you are looking for. However, keep in mind that liposuction is not an obesity treatment, so you must be within 30 percent of your ideal weight. At the same time, you should have relatively good muscle tone and skin elasticity. You may not be an ideal candidate if your purpose is to lose a significant amount of weight. However, tumescent liposuction can help if you want to sculpt your body.

Can I Move Around After Getting Tumescent Liposuction?

It is recommended that you walk around the house as usual after the procedure to encourage healing; you shouldn’t feel any grogginess or nausea. You may resume exercising within three to seven days after the procedure, and if your job does not involve any heavy labor, you may return to work within a few days.

Can I Drive Myself Home After Getting Tumescent Liposuction?

Due to the precision of the procedure, only local anesthesia is used, and Dr. Ariel Ostad employs a microcannula to remove the fat. You can go home after the procedure to comfortably recover in your own home. That said, because of the numbness and sensitivity of the area, it is advisable to have someone else drive you home.

About. Dr. Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is a board-certified dermatologist with a specialty in cosmetic surgery. After opening his practice in New York, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dr. Ostad has provided beautiful results for his patients. Known for using minimally invasive techniques and attention to detail, Dr. Ostad can offer advanced treatment plans to keep recovery time at a minimum. He offers his patients the highest standards of care and uses the latest technologies to ensure safety and optimal results. 

Tumescent liposuction treatments are available at Dr. Ostad’s practice in NYC, where he offers personalized treatments and beautiful results.

Have More Questions?

If you have any questions that we did not answer in this FAQ, you may contact our office, and we will contact you shortly. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that you get all the details you need to help lead to an informed decision.

Expert Answers

Will I have visible scars?

Tumescent liposuction is performed using small incisions, so any scarring is minimal and often fades over time. Scars are usually well-hidden and are typically not noticeable after healing.

Are the results permanent?

Fat cells removed during tumescent liposuction do not grow back. However, remaining fat cells can enlarge if there is significant weight gain. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help sustain the results long-term.

How long does the procedure take?

The duration depends on the areas treated and the amount of fat to be removed. Typically, it takes about 1-3 hours. However, your dermatologist will give you a more precise estimate during your consultation.

Combining Tumescent Liposuction with Other Treatments

Complementary Treatments

Tumescent liposuction is quite effective in contouring the body and reducing stubborn fat. However, when combined with the proper treatment, you can achieve transformative results beyond traditional liposuction. Because of this, Dr. Ostad frequently combines tumescent liposuction with radiofrequency due to the treatment’s ability to burn unwanted fat. 

Dr. Ostad may also choose to combine tumescent liposuction with skin tightening treatments to enhance smoothness in the treatment area. This prevents skin from sagging once the unwanted cells have been removed, as the laser can stimulate collagen production. Additionally, Dr. Ostad may recommend laser treatments to treat potential surgical scars after the tumescent liposuction treatment. 

Comprehensive Body Sculpting 

Dr. Ostad believes that body sculpting is more than just fat removal. It means creating a balance with the rest of your body, which can eventually lead to long-term results. For that reason, Dr. Ostad offers a complete rejuvenation plan, which means combining different treatments to reach optimal results. 

Patients can enjoy a slimmer, more youthful appearance by going for holistic, comprehensive body sculpting treatment plans. For instance, by combining tumescent liposuction with a fat transfer, you can obtain a balanced and complete physique. At your consultation, Dr. Ostad can create a plan to ensure that you get the desired results.

Latest Trends and Innovations

Advanced Techniques

Recent advancements in tumescent liposuction have significantly shortened the recovery time of the treatment while improving the results. One common trend for patients is the addition of ultrasound and laser assistance. These technologies break down the fat much faster than liposuction alone, therein leading to better results. 

The solutions used during the tumescent liposuction treatment are also becoming more and more effective at reducing complications with the procedure. Once injected into the fat layers, the solution expands the tissue and makes it easier to remove, which reduces potential complications.

Innovative Uses

One new aesthetic innovation that involves tumescent liposuction is fat grafting, where fat is harvested from one area of the body to be injected into a different area. This makes the procedure useful for those patients who deal with stubborn fat and areas that lack natural volume. Tumescent liposuction may also be combined with laser treatments to reduce cellulite, strengthen the fibrous bands in the skin, and reduce fat deposits.

Safety and Expertise

Why Choose Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad is one of the few cosmetic providers in New York with triple-board certification in facial cosmetic surgery, dermatology, and Mohs Micrographic surgery. His skills and continuous commitment to perfection led him to receive multiple awards, including New York’s Super Doctor and Top Doctor by RealSelf and Castle Connely. He’s also been named NYU Dermatologic Surgical Attending of the Year three times after teaching fellow residents how to flawlessly perform different procedures. 

Dr. Ostad had a vision when he created his practice: to bring the ultimate comfort experience to his patients. For this reason, he offers personalized care based on your specific concerns, ensuring that you are thoroughly content with your results. While his training is already top-notch, Dr. Ostad consistently stays ahead by adopting the most recent technologies in cosmetic rejuvenation. 

List of Credentials: 

  • Top Tumescent Liposuction Specialist
  • Top-Rated Mohs Micrographic Surgery Provider
  • Received Training at UCLA, Harvard, and NYU
  • Triple Board Certification in Cosmetic Dermatology, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, and Facial Cosmetic Surgery
  • Clinical Associate Professor at NYU Department of Dermatology
  • 3-Time Receiver of NYU Dermatologic Surgical Attending of the Year
  • Top Doctor, Listed by Castle Connoly and RealSelf: 2012-2024
  • New York Super Doctor: 2014-2024

Commitment to Safety

Dr. Ostad’s office is created to be aesthetically pleasing and an oasis for patients so that they can feel comfortable from the moment they step through the doors. At the same time, the team keeps strict standards of sanitation, safety, and cleanliness.

Over time, Dr. Ostad invested in a wide variety of technologies and therapeutic devices to ensure treatment precision and a positive experience. From lasers to advanced body sculpting technologies, Dr. Ostad consistently updates his procedures to make sure you get the ultimate care.

Awards and Certifications

Educational Resources

Latest Blog Posts

Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service, including BOTOX in NYC, from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

BOTOX in NYC Doctor - Dr. Ariel Ostad

Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

Medical-grade skincare products that will help maintain and enhance your results

These skincare products combined with your treatment plan customized by Dr. Ostad will help enhance your results and improve your overall skin texture. Click on a product below to learn more.

Dr. Ariel Ostad has seen patients for this service from all over the tri-state area, including Manhattan, Midtown, the Upper East Side, the Upper West Side, Brooklyn, New York City, the Bronx, Harlem, Astoria, Queens, Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut, and more. If you are interested in any of the services offered at the Office of Dr. Ariel Ostad, please contact us for more information.

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