Body Contouring
Liposuction in Montclair, NJ with Dr. Caroline Szpalski
Despite a healthy diet and active lifestyle, stubborn fat pockets can persist, leaving unsightly bulges and frustration. Safe, effective body contouring procedures like liposuction can help reduce stubborn fat to help you achieve a trimmer, firmer physique, restoring your confidence and body image.
You deserve to feel comfortable in your skin and identity. Fellowship-trained female plastic surgeon Dr. Caroline Szpalski and her team want to help you achieve your vision. Together, you will develop a customized procedural plan to realize your aesthetic goals, making her your choice as one of the best liposuction surgeons in the tri-state area of NJ.
Contact us today at (646) 777-0170 or complete our online form to begin your liposuction journey today! We are located in Glen Ridge, NJ and proudly serve patients in the Montclair, Bloomfield, Clifton, The Oranges, Paramus, and Franklin’s Lakes areas.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical body contouring procedure that aims to extract excess fat deposits safely, effectively, and permanently. As liposuction is a versatile procedure, it targets pockets of stubborn fat in many locations to sculpt a sleeker, trimmer, more toned physique. Liposuction provides an optimal solution for patients with body fat that has been unresponsive to diet and exercise.
With minimal downtime and long-lasting results, liposuction:
- Eliminates stubborn fat
- Rejuvenates slimmer contours
- Restores areas impacted by weight loss or pregnancy
- Recontours chin, neck, and lower face
- Creates a firmer, shapelier figure
- Improves overall tone and proportions
- Renews self-image and increases self-confidence
What Areas Can Be Treated With Liposuction in New Jersey?
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure aimed at enhancing body contours rather than a weight loss treatment. As such, liposuction is intended for patients who are at or near their ideal body weight, with a BMI of 30 or less. It’s a perfect solution to address stubborn fat and complementing a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and exercise regimen. Liposuction can be performed on multiple areas of the body at one time. It can also be added as a complimentary procedure to breast surgery, tummy tuck surgery, body contouring, or facial surgery.
Liposuction can treat many areas, including:
- Arms
- Abdomen
- Axillary area
- Back
- Buttocks
- Calves and ankles
- Cheeks, chin, and neck
- Chest (enlarged male breasts)
- Flanks
- Hips
- Knees
- Thighs
- Waist
Why Choose Dr. Caroline Szpalski as Your Liposuction Surgeon in Montclair, NJ
Fellowship trained in microsurgery and the most complex cases in the world at MD Anderson, Dr. Caroline Szpalski is a board certified plastic surgeon and a female plastic surgeon born into a family of medical professionals and caregivers. She knew from an early age she wanted to become a surgeon. Growing up in Africa and Europe, Dr. Szpalski brings an international flair and sophisticated European sense of style to her practice. With this distinct multicultural perspective and a unique Ethnic identity, Dr. Szpalski recognizes that there are many standards of beauty, identity, color, and culture, so she doesn’t offer a single approach for all patients.
As a busy surgeon, wife, mother, and New Yorker, Dr. Szpalski understands the diverse challenges many of her patients face. With a less is more philosophy, Dr. Szpalski tailors her approach to each patient’s needs with meticulous detailing to provide natural-looking, long-lasting results for a sense of timeless elegance.
Your Liposuction Consultation with Dr. Szpalski in New Jersey
Patient consultations are a critical element of Dr. Szpalski’s practice. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski identifies your goals and realistic expectations to determine whether she is the right surgeon for you. With a focus on providing patients with exemplary care, Dr. Szpalski has created a warm, welcoming, nonjudgmental environment, making it safe to share your concerns.
With great honesty and compassion, Dr. Szpalski loves answering patient questions and thoroughly explaining procedures. By educating patients about possible complications, risks, and outcomes, Dr. Szpalski empowers each patient to make informed choices about their cosmetic procedures.
Meet Caroline Szpalski, MD
Female Plastic Surgeon in New Jersey
Rediscover your identity with the help of Dr. Caroline Szpalski, a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in New Jersey. With a unique multicultural upbringing and a European flair, Dr. Szpalski crafts elegant sophistication into every natural-looking patient transformation. Dr. Szpalski takes a less-is-more approach to plastic surgery to help patients maintain and appreciate their unique appearance and cultural beauty. No matter your aesthetic goals, start your journey toward a more confident you by scheduling your consultation with Dr. Szpalski and her expert team today!
Am I an Ideal Candidate for New Jersey Liposuction?
Candidates for liposuction are in good physical and mental health, including following a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine. They are looking to address small pockets of stubborn fat, but they’re not looking to lose a significant amount of weight or treat cellulite.
Candidates interested in a Montclair liposuction should:
- Be in good overall health and living a healthy lifestyle
- Not smoke, or be willing to quit at least six weeks prior to and after surgery
- Be at a healthy, stable weight for at least six months
- Have a BMI of 30 or less with good skin elasticity and muscle tone
- Have no conditions that impair healing
- Have realistic expectations
- Understand the surgical risks and benefits
Again, good candidates for liposuction include healthy individuals of normal weight with good skin tone and elasticity, both men and women who have concentrated pockets of fat resistant to weight loss, and people who have achieved the maximum possible results with regular exercise and healthy, balanced diet.
Liposuction is not an alternative to weight loss and should be postponed if additional weight loss or pregnancy is planned in the near future for the best possible results.
Preparing for Liposuction in Montclair, NJ
It is essential to be in good physical and mental health prior to your liposuction surgery. While each procedure will be unique, here is some general information to help you feel prepared.
- Before surgery is not a good time to diet. You should be at a stable weight for at least six months and avoid crash dieting or weight fluctuations. Stick to a consistent exercise regimen and well-rounded diet.
- Proper nutrition supports a successful recovery. Eat healthy, balanced meals with plenty of proteins to optimize results and recovery.
- Stay well-hydrated before and after your procedure.
- See your primary physician for a full examination and appropriate testing, such as bloodwork or a mammogram, to ensure you are medically fit for surgery.
- For two weeks prior to and after surgery, refrain from medications, vitamins, and supplements that increase bleeding or bruising risks.
- Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs (Excedrin, Motrin, and Aleve) must be discontinued two weeks before and after surgery to limit bruising.
- You should quit if you currently smoke, vape, or use nicotine products. As smoking is detrimental to your health, especially during recovery from surgery, patients should stop smoking at least six weeks before and after surgery. Dr. Szpalski orders a nicotine test for all patients who smoke to help avoid complications caused by smoking or the use of nicotine products.
- Prepare your home and schedule for recovery. Take time off work, purchase necessary supplies, fill pain medication prescriptions, freeze meals for easy preparation, and arrange a clean, comfortable place to rest.
- Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to drive you home from your procedure and assist you with household management or childcare.
New Jersey Liposuction Procedure Overview
Dr. Szpalski performs all liposuction procedures in fully accredited facilities at Freedom Surgical Center, St. Joseph’s Health University Medical Center, or Hudson Regional Hospital.
On the day of your procedure, you’ll arrive approximately an hour prior to your scheduled surgery to meet with Dr. Szpalski and your anesthesia provider. Dr. Szpalski will review your surgery details and answer any final questions you have.
During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will determine the appropriate liposuction technique based on your anatomical needs. Typically, Dr. Szpalski will inject a solution containing saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine into the treatment area. This solution restricts blood loss and numbs the area postoperatively to help with pain, allowing Dr. Szpalski to remove fat effectively.
Dr. Szpalski will make tiny incisions that are easily concealed within natural folds or creases of the skin. Then, she inserts a cannula into the incisions to loosen and extract unwanted fat using traditional liposuction. The treated areas will be dressed, and compression garments will be applied to minimize swelling.
Liposuction may last for one to three hours depending on the extent of the procedure. It is usually a same-day procedure unless large amounts – usually more than five liters of fat – are suctioned.
Liposuction Recovery in Glen Ridge, NJ
As liposuction surgeries are outpatient procedures, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the surgical facility and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
Following your liposuction, incision sites will be dressed. You will also be fitted with a compression garment to help minimize swelling and support your new contours by aiding in the removal of unwanted fat cells. You should wear this support garment for at least six weeks.
You should expect swelling, bruising, tenderness, or numbness in the treated areas for several days following your procedure. You may be prescribed pain medication to reduce discomfort during your liposuction recovery.
Liposuction recovery greatly depends upon the extent of the procedure. Most patients need three to five days off work for the initial recovery. Avoid strenuous activities like exercise and heavy lifting for at least three to four weeks. Instead, take short walks to promote circulation and healing.
Transform Your Figure with NJ Liposuction!
Get ready to love your new figure and boost your confidence when you partner with one of the best liposuction surgeons in Montclair, NJ—Dr. Caroline Szpalski! Learn about liposuction near me options in Glen Ridge, NJ by calling (646) 777-0170 or completing our online form to schedule your consultation today.
Liposuction New Jersey - FAQs
How Much Does Liposuction Cost in New Jersey?
Liposuction in New Jersey cost is based on your anatomical needs and aesthetic goals, the extent of the procedure, and the type of liposuction performed. During your consultation, Dr. Szpalski will determine the scope of your procedure and estimate your liposuction cost.
Will Liposuction Remove Cellulite?
The body has two distinct layers of fat: the Deep Layer (where excess fat is stored) and the Superficial Layer of fat right beneath the skin.
Cellulite is a specific structural condition that occurs primarily in women but can also exist in men. As fat is stored and accumulates in the deep layer of fat, it bulges upward and is visible through the skin surface as dimpling, creating cellulite’s “cottage cheese” contour. Cellulite is a natural anatomic phenomenon that cannot be prevented or removed. Liposuction specifically treats localized fat deposits that persist despite a healthy diet, optimal weight, and regular physical activity. Liposuction, therefore, only removes fat from the deep layer and stays out of the superficial layer. This ensures that only true surpluses of fat are removed and that the skin maintains its smooth and natural contour without creating ugly “ripples” or “waves” (irregularities) in its surface. While liposuction does not specifically remove cellulite (nothing can), it can potentially improve the appearance of cellulite. Wearing a postoperative compression garment facilitates a smooth skin contour and contraction of skin evenly after liposuction.
How Do I Maintain My Liposuctions Results?
The most effective way to sustain the results of any liposuction procedure over the long term is to maintain your ideal weight. Here are six healthy lifestyle changes to adopt following your procedure:
- Follow all post-procedure instructions provided by your surgeon.
- Reduce caloric intake while eating a healthy diet of protein and carbohydrates.
- Stay properly hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Try eating several smaller meals throughout the day.
- Never skip meals.
- Exercise regularly.
How long will my results last after Liposuction?
If you maintain a healthy lifestyle and a stable weight, your results will be long-lasting. However, you have to remember that while the fat cells are removed from your body for good, some fat cells remain and can grow. It’s up to you to take good care of yourself so that you can enjoy your slimmer look for a long time. Eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and regularly exercise. You can begin simple walking soon after the procedure and, within a few weeks, be ready to begin a low-intensity workout routine and build up from there.
Liposuction can remove stubborn excess body fat and help you achieve your desired body contour, but it is essential to have realistic expectations and know that maintaining your new look long-term requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
How should I sleep after liposuction?
Depending on which surgery you combine with your liposuction, you might sleep in a different position. Liposuction may leave you with small incisions, but they are incisions nonetheless, and you should avoid straining them. It is usually best to keep your head elevated when you sleep. If it is done in association with a tummy tuck we will recommend keeping yourself slightly bent as you would after a tummy tuck (raise the head off the bed).
What is the difference between liposuction and a tummy tuck?
Liposuction of the abdomen and a tummy tuck are two very different procedures with different indications. The key differentiating points have to do with the looseness of abdominal skin, stretch marks, and muscle laxity, and based on your body, Dr. Szpalski will recommend one or the other. As a rule of thumb, if you have excess skin and fat on your abdomen with some muscle separation, a tummy tuck is the right procedure for you. Indeed, tummy tucks are ideal for healthy people who have stubborn fat in their midsection that they cannot lose with diet and exercise. If your abdomen is sagging or protruding due to age, pregnancy, weight loss, or prior surgeries, and you have no other health conditions, you are likely a good candidate for a tummy tuck.
On the other hand, liposuction is a far less invasive procedure than a tummy tuck. It can be performed on almost any part of the body that has excess fat. Unlike a tummy tuck, liposuction does not remove excess skin. This is why it is best suited for removal of small fat deposits. In addition, it’s important to know that liposuction is not a weight loss surgery, and you will not lose drastic amounts of weight with this procedure. The ideal liposuction candidate is a healthy person with stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise is likely a good candidate for liposuction.
How Soon Will I See My New Jersey Liposuction Results?
Following liposuction, some patients may notice immediate enhancements to their overall figure. However, patients should expect swelling and bruising that may temporarily obscure their results for the first four to six weeks. Depending on the extent of a liposuction procedure, it may take three months up to a year for all surgical swelling to subside and for the final liposuction results to be apparent.
Liposuction permanently removes excess fat; however, weight fluctuations can impact the remaining fat cells, affecting your results. You’ll experience long-lasting results from your Montclair, NJ liposuction by maintaining your healthy diet and exercise routine and following postoperative instructions.
Does liposuction cause fat to grow back in other areas?
Liposuction produces near-immediate results, instantly removing unwanted body fat in isolated areas of the body to create the ideal silhouette. Even the fittest of individuals often turn to liposuction to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat that are frequently unresponsive to diet and exercise. While several different liposuction techniques are commonly used today, all variations focus on a singular goal: removing fat cells from a targeted (localized) area of the body.
Liposuction does indeed permanently remove fat cells from the body, but it is possible for fat to return after liposuction if you gain weight. If the patient gains a small amount of weight after their procedure, fat cells throughout the body will get a little bigger. While this slight weight gain can diminish results, the overall improved body shape provided by a liposuction procedure will still be visible as treated body areas have less fat cells.
In cases of considerable weight gain, new fat cells can develop in all areas of the body, including the areas that have been treated. However, since new fat cell creation typically occurs in an even manner throughout the body, fat often accumulates less in treated areas compared to untreated areas. Thus, many liposuction patients who gain considerable post-procedure weight tend to look better than those who did not undergo liposuction.
What are the risks and complications of liposuction surgery?
Risks specific to liposuction include:
- Bruising
- Change in skin sensation that may persist
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles and deep organs.
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection
- Irregular contours or asymmetries
- Irregular pigmentation
- Need for revision surgery
- Poor wound healing
- Rippling or loose skin, worsening of cellulite
Secondary procedures may sometimes be recommended to reduce excess skin.
What should I avoid after Liposuction?
Right after your surgery, in the immediate post-operative period, you should avoid the following:
- Taking ibuprofen or any anti-inflammatory medications. These may thin your blood and cause it to flow faster than normal.
- Smoking or drinking within the recovery process. They increase bleeding and delay healing
- Gaining weight after your liposuction. Maintain a healthy body by sticking to a proper diet and exercise routine so you can enjoy the results of liposuction longer.
How painful is liposuction?
Liposuction isn’t particularly painful, as you’ll most likely be under general anesthesia for the procedure. However, you may feel a considerable amount of discomfort after you wake up from your surgery. This pain usually subsides after about two to three days, but you may need prescription pain medication from your plastic surgeon to feel more comfortable.
