Liposuction

Long Island Liposuction With Dr. Meredith Vandegrift

Getting rid of stubborn fat can be a tricky proposition. Diet and exercise shrink fat cells across the entire body, but can’t spot treat problem areas. Targeted fat reduction treatments like liposuction may be necessary to eliminate fat in areas like the love handles, double chin, or abdomen. 

Address your stubborn fat with liposuction in Long Island. Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is an expert in body contouring, using the latest techniques to provide optimal body shaping to men and women living in the area. If you’re ready to shape your curves, contact our office by calling (631) 935-0303. A consultation with Dr. Vandegrift can help you learn more about liposuction and your options. If you’re ready to enhance your shape, call us today.

Liposuction Works Differently Than Diet and Exercise

From head to toe, the body has billions of fat cells. The number of fat cells in each person varies, but once you reach adulthood, it typically remains stable. When a person gains weight, the fat cells in their body swell to contain the added fat. When you lose weight, the fat cells shrink. 

Diet and exercise are two of the recommended methods for losing weight. As the body uses more calories than it consumes, it burns fat stores and the body’s fat cells shrink. Diet and exercise affect fat cells across the entire body. 

Sometimes, stubborn pockets of fat remain, even when a patient achieves their desired weight. When losing weight isn’t enough to achieve the body you desire, liposuction can shape and contour areas. In that way, liposuction allows for targeted fat removal. 

What to Expect From a Liposuction Treatment

Liposuction removes fat using suction. After making small incisions near the desired treatment area, Dr. Vandegrift inserts a long tube called a cannula into these incisions. She pushes the tube through the fat and applies suction is applied to remove fat cells. 

Liposuction allows for precise fat removal and body shaping.

You can return to work and daily activities quickly after liposuction. Many patients only need a few days off from work. Bruising and swelling are common after surgery. Patients wear compression garments to hold and support the skin, fat, and muscle during healing. 

Meet Dr. Meredith Vandegrift

Dr. Meredith Vandegrift is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon who specializes in breast and body rejuvenation that restores a youthful, supple appearance after pregnancy or weight loss.

While offering a full complement of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures including breast lift, tummy tuck, vaginal rejuvenation, and oncoplastic breast reduction, Dr. Vandegrift also has a special interest and expertise in both invasive and non-invasive facial rejuvenation. With a focus on keeping your look natural, she provides a holistic approach to each patient, specifically tailoring a treatment regimen that will leave you looking and feeling your absolute best.

Is Liposuction Right for Me?

Liposuction is a safe and effective procedure for many patients. Ideal candidates for this treatment often share the following characteristics.

Dr. Vandegrift recommends that patients achieve their ideal weight before scheduling liposuction. Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment. Maintaining a stable weight after surgery is essential for long-lasting results. 

Liposuction doesn’t shrink or contract the skin. Patients with skin laxity may not achieve their desired results with liposuction alone. A procedure that removes and tightens the skin may yield better results. 

Liposuction can be transformative, but patients should have realistic expectations for their results. Dr. Vandegrift can offer valuable insight into the results you’re likely to achieve post-surgery. 

Patients considering liposuction should be in good health. Dr. Vandegrift will ask you about your medical history, including medications and supplements you use, to ensure that liposuction is safe for you. 

Smoking can interfere with the healing process and is unwise for patients who are considering plastic surgery. 

A consultation is a valuable opportunity to explore your candidacy for liposuction. If liposuction isn’t the best option for you, Dr. Vandegrift can discuss other options and alternative treatments.

Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation in Long Island

Eliminate stubborn fat and enhance the shape of your body with liposuction, one of the most popular body contouring treatments in Long Island. Contact Dr. Meredith Vandegrift to learn more or to schedule a consultation

FAQ

Liposuction in Long Island, NY

Liposuction cost depends on the number of areas receiving treatment, the amount of fat removed, and the complexity of the procedure. To ensure accurate pricing, we provide patients with an estimate after Dr. Vandegrift has had an opportunity to examine the treatment area. Schedule a consultation to find out the expected costs for your procedure.

Liposuction is a versatile procedure for almost any area of the body with excess fat. Commonly treated areas include: Thighs, Waist, Hips, Arms, Buttocks, Under the chin, Calves, Ankles

Technical skill is only one part of the equation when choosing a plastic surgeon. Yes, talent is essential for achieving good results, but many surgeons possess exceptional surgical ability. Equally crucial is finding a surgeon who will listen to your concerns and validate your experience. Preparing for plastic surgery is a vulnerable time, and patients deserve to feel supported and comforted throughout the process. Dr. Vandegrift has the ideal combination of skill and compassion. Her patients delight in the care they receive as a whole person, both emotionally and physically, throughout the surgical process.

Liposuction can be very safe when performed on carefully selected patients by a skilled plastic surgeon. Dr. Vandegrift prioritizes patient safety by meeting and exceeding medical standards throughout the surgical process. Our operating room has the latest safety equipment, and we focus on safety from the first consultation through recovery. Dr. Vandegrift has an exceptional safety record.

Many of our patients choose to combine liposuction with other surgical procedures. If you’re receiving a tummy tuck or breast surgery (or any other procedure with Dr. Vandegrift), ask if you can add liposuction too. Combining treatments allows patients to treat multiple areas of the body and receive the benefits of multiple cosmetic procedures with one recovery period and less downtime.

Results are instantaneous after liposuction and continue to improve with time. Patients can typically see improvement in their body contours immediately after their procedure, but as swelling resolves, treated areas will continue to refine and improve. Most patients can wear a bikini within one to two months of liposuction. Full results are typically visible within six months.

  • It’s straightforward, with a long track record of safety.
  • It requires a shorter recovery than most body sculpting surgeries.
  • You’ll notice an immediate improvement in your trouble areas.
  • If you continue with a healthy lifestyle after surgery, the benefits will remain.
  • It can boost your self-esteem and expand the range of clothing styles you feel comfortable wearing.

One possible drawback to this cosmetic correction is that though the procedure is generally safe, some patients might have complications if they have any underlying conditions, which could lead to more problems down the road.

Some liposuction risks are specific to this procedure, and include:

  • Infection
  • Contour irregularities
  • Numbness
  • Fluid accumulation
  • Internal puncture
  • Lidocaine toxicity
  • Fat embolism
  • Kidney problems
  • Heart problems

Always make sure to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon for liposuction. Achieving board certification requires physicians to uphold the highest possible standards of medical ethics and patient safety. Dr. Vandegrift will ask you detailed questions about your health history, examine every possible scenario, and suggest the best technique for your unique body-shaping needs.

Maintain your liposuction results by eating a nutrient-rich diet full of vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins, and minimizing carbs. Avoid sugary drinks, processed foods, sweets, and chips. Stay hydrated, limit alcohol, and avoid smoking or vaping. Resume your exercise routine when Dr. Vandegrift approves.

Fat transfer is a common cosmetic surgery technique. Dr. Vandegraft uses advanced methods to achieve natural results with fat grafting, replacing dermal fillers for common concerns with facial aging facial  such as creases, volume loss, and lip enhancement. Fat from liposuction can rejuvenate the face, breasts, body, and buttocks (Brazilian butt lift).

Scarring depends largely on skin quality. During liposuction, small, discreet incisions are made to remove fat from the targeted area. These incisions may be noticeable initially but will scab and gradually fade. Incisions are typically placed in natural folds or creases to minimize scar visibility.

For optimal liposuction results, preparation begins weeks in advance, including:

  • Quit smoking or using nicotine 6 weeks before surgery
  • Avoid blood-thinners and adjust prescribed medications as instructed
  • Refrain from alcohol 48 hours before surgery
  • Arrange transportation to and from surgery
  • Ensure someone can assist you at least the first night and help with household tasks, including child or pet care for a few days
  • Complete any required lab tests or evaluations

The day before your procedure:

  • Gather necessary documents
  • Sleep well
  • Don’t eat or drink after midnight

On the morning of surgery:

  • Avoid applying lotions, deodorants, makeups, and creams
  • Remove jewelry, piercings, and contact lenses
  • Shower thoroughly

Candidates suitable for liposuction typically maintain good health, are close to their target weight, and do not use nicotine. Additionally, they should have good skin elasticity with minimal loose skin. It is important to note that liposuction is intended for contouring rather than weight loss, so being close to your goal weight beforehand is recommended.

When performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Vandegrift, liposuction is generally considered a safe and effective surgical procedure. However, like any surgery, it carries risks of complications, including infection, scarring, allergic reactions, and potentially unsatisfactory results.

Recovery from liposuction varies by procedure specifics, such as the amount of fat removed and the treatment area. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort usually last a few days to weeks. Dr. Vandegrift will provide recovery instructions, and she may prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter options. Adequate rest, nutrition, hydration, and avoiding smoking are vital for minimizing complications. Dr. Vandegrift will recommend wearing a compression garment to manage swelling and support healing.

Most patients can return to light work in a week and normal activities within 2 weeks, but strenuous exercise should be avoided for up to 4 weeks until approved by Dr. Vandegrift.