Body Procedures
VASER High Definition Liposuction in NJ & NYC
Targeted
Body contouring
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Unique anatomy + goals
Surgeon
With you every step
Advanced Body Contouring With VASER High Definition Liposuction
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that removes targeted deposits of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise. For many patients, certain areas of fat storage are influenced by genetics and may persist despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Liposuction allows these areas to be addressed directly while refining the surrounding body contours.
At Dr. Racanelli's practice, every liposuction procedure incorporates VASER High Definition technology. VASER uses ultrasound energy to emulsify fat before it is removed, allowing Dr. Racanelli to perform detailed contouring and create smoother transitions between treated and surrounding areas. He also uses specially selected smaller cannulas that allow for precise sculpting of the body.
Dr. Joseph A. Racanelli personally performs every step of the procedure in a hospital operating room with a board-certified anesthesiologist. He schedules one major cosmetic surgery per day so his attention remains focused on a single surgical patient.
Before & After Photos
Real patient before and after photos, 100% uneditted results.
A Different Level of Care
The Dr. Racanelli Approach to VASER HD Liposuction
Custom-Made Cannulas
Dr. Racanelli uses custom-made cannulas that are significantly smaller and thinner than many standard liposuction instruments. These specialized cannulas allow him to work with precision when contouring smaller areas and creating smooth transitions between treated and surrounding tissues.
Cannula selection is particularly important in high-definition body contouring, where the objective extends beyond simply removing fat. Dr. Racanelli uses different instruments and techniques based on the treatment area, the thickness of the fat layer, and the contour he is working to create.
This detailed approach allows the procedure to be tailored to each patient's anatomy rather than using the same instrumentation for every area of the body.
VASER High Definition Technology
VASER, or Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, uses ultrasound energy to emulsify fat before it is removed with liposuction. This allows Dr. Racanelli to approach body contouring with greater control when working around the natural curves and underlying anatomy of the body.
During the procedure, tumescent fluid is first introduced into the treatment area. A specialized VASER probe then delivers ultrasound energy to the targeted fat, preparing it for removal. Dr. Racanelli subsequently removes the emulsified fat using his selected liposuction cannulas while sculpting the surrounding contours.
High-definition liposuction is not simply about removing more fat. The goal is to strategically contour areas of the body to improve shape, transitions, and, when appropriate, natural muscular definition.
At Dr. Racanelli's practice, VASER High Definition technology is his standard approach to liposuction rather than an optional upgrade.
Real Patient • Dr. Racanelli
Areas Treated With Liposuction
Body Areas Dr. Racanelli Treats with Liposuction
Abdomen and waist
The upper and lower abdomen, waist, and flanks are among the most commonly treated areas. VASER HD liposuction can be used to reduce localized fat and refine the transitions between the abdomen, waist, and surrounding contours.
Arms
Liposuction may be used to address localized fat along the upper arms when skin quality is appropriate. Patients with significant loose or hanging skin may require a different surgical approach.
Knees
Small, localized fat deposits around the inner knees can be treated to improve the transition between the thighs and lower legs.
Chin and neck (submental)
Submental liposuction can address localized fat beneath the chin and along the jawline to create a more defined transition between the lower face and neck.
Back
Upper-back, lower-back, and bra-line fat can create fullness that persists despite diet, exercise, and weight loss. Treating these areas can help create a smoother transition between the back, waist, and flanks.
Thighs
The inner thighs, outer thighs, and localized areas of the anterior thigh may be treated when appropriate. The goal is to refine contour while maintaining natural proportions through the legs.
Male Chest
In selected patients, liposuction may be used as part of the surgical treatment of gynecomastia or localized excess chest fat. The appropriate technique depends on whether the fullness is caused by fat, glandular tissue, or a combination of both.
Liposuction and Fat Transfer
Fat Transfer to the Buttocks
Fat removed during liposuction may be used for fat transfer in appropriately selected patients. When a patient also wants to enhance the shape or volume of the buttocks, harvested fat can be carefully processed and transferred to the area, a procedure commonly referred to as gluteal fat transfer or a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).
Dr. Racanelli's approach focuses on natural shaping and proportion rather than exaggerated volume. Liposuction can be used to contour areas such as the waist, flanks, and back, while carefully planned fat transfer can enhance the relationship between the waist and buttocks.
Not every liposuction patient is a candidate for fat transfer, and the amount of volume that can realistically be achieved depends on the patient's anatomy, available donor fat, and individual goals. Some of the transferred fat will also naturally be reabsorbed during healing, so the final result cannot be judged immediately after surgery.
During consultation, Dr. Racanelli evaluates the patient's overall proportions, available fat, skin quality, and goals to determine whether fat transfer is appropriate and what result can realistically be achieved.
Benefits of Liposuction
Precision and smooth contours
Dr. Racanelli uses VASER technology together with specialized liposuction cannulas to precisely remove targeted fat while refining the transitions between treated and surrounding areas. The goal is not simply to remove fat, but to create a smooth, proportionate contour that complements the patient's natural anatomy.
High-definition sculpting
VASER High Definition liposuction allows Dr. Racanelli to strategically contour selected areas around the body's natural anatomy. In appropriate patients, this technique may enhance existing muscular definition and create more refined transitions through areas such as the abdomen, waist, back, and flanks.
Targeted fat removal
Liposuction can address localized fat deposits that persist despite diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle. Treatment is customized to the patient's anatomy, fat distribution, and goals rather than following the same pattern of fat removal for every patient.
Permanent Removal of Treated Fat Cells
Liposuction permanently removes the fat cells that are extracted from the treated area. However, remaining fat cells can still enlarge with future weight gain, which is why maintaining a relatively stable weight is important for preserving the contour achieved with surgery.
Multiple Areas Can Be Treated
Multiple areas may be treated during the same operation when appropriate. Dr. Racanelli determines what can be safely addressed based on the patient's anatomy, treatment goals, overall health, and anticipated operative time.
Designed Around Your Natural Proportions
Liposuction is most effective when the treated areas are considered in relation to the rest of the body. Dr. Racanelli evaluates how areas such as the abdomen, waist, flanks, back, thighs, and surrounding contours relate to one another so the surgical plan addresses the overall silhouette rather than treating each area in isolation.
Real Patient • Dr. Racanelli
Who Is a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
Liposuction is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss surgery. The best candidates are generally patients who are at or near a stable weight and have localized areas of fat they would like to contour.
- Are at or near a stable, healthy weight
- Have specific areas of localized or stubborn fat that have not responded to diet and exercise
- Have reasonable skin elasticity in the areas being treated
- Are in good overall health and appropriate candidates for elective surgery
- Do not smoke or are willing to stop smoking for the required period before and after surgery
- Have realistic expectations about what liposuction can and cannot achieve
- Understand that liposuction is intended to improve body contour rather than serve as a substitute for weight loss
Liposuction does not remove significant loose or excess skin. If skin laxity is a concern, particularly in the abdomen after pregnancy or significant weight loss, a tummy tuck may be more appropriate, or liposuction may be incorporated into a combined surgical plan. Dr. Racanelli evaluates skin quality, fat distribution, and overall anatomy during consultation to determine which approach is most appropriate.
Your Liposuction Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Racanelli will personally evaluate your anatomy, areas of concern, skin quality, fat distribution, and overall body proportions. He will discuss your goals with you and determine whether liposuction, and which areas of treatment, can realistically achieve the result you are looking for.
Your consultation may include:
- A physical examination of the areas you want treated
- A discussion of your goals and the changes you would like to achieve
- An evaluation of your skin quality, fat distribution, and overall proportions
- Preoperative photography to document your starting point and assist with surgical planning
- A discussion of how VASER High Definition liposuction may be used based on your anatomy and treatment areas
- A personalized surgical plan, including which areas can appropriately be treated during the same operation
- A detailed cost quote based on your individual surgical plan
Because every liposuction procedure is customized to the patient, Dr. Racanelli determines the surgical plan only after evaluating you. You will leave your consultation understanding what he recommends, what can realistically be achieved, and the cost of your specific procedure.
Real Patient • Dr. Racanelli
Preparation
Before your liposuction procedure, Dr. Racanelli will provide detailed preoperative instructions based on your health history and surgical plan. Preoperative photographs are used to document your anatomy and assist with planning the areas to be contoured.
You will also receive instructions regarding medications and supplements, eating and drinking before surgery, and other steps required to prepare safely for general anesthesia. Certain medications or supplements may need to be discontinued before surgery based on your individual medical history and the recommendations of your surgical and anesthesia team.
Patients should plan for appropriate time away from work and arrange for a responsible adult to drive them home after surgery and assist during the initial recovery period.
The Liposuction Procedure
Dr. Racanelli performs liposuction in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist. He personally performs every step of the operation, from surgical marking and contouring through final closure.
The procedure begins with the introduction of tumescent fluid into the treatment areas. Dr. Racanelli then uses VASER ultrasound technology to emulsify the targeted fat before it is removed with specially selected liposuction cannulas.
Fat removal is performed strategically according to the patient's anatomy and treatment goals. Rather than simply removing as much fat as possible, Dr. Racanelli contours the treated areas while considering their relationship to the surrounding body. When appropriate, VASER High Definition techniques may also be used to enhance natural definition and transitions.
The length of surgery depends on the number and extent of the areas being treated. Dr. Racanelli limits elective cosmetic surgery to approximately six hours of operative time. If a patient's goals cannot be appropriately addressed within that timeframe, additional procedures may be staged rather than extending the operation.
Liposuction Recovery
Recovery after liposuction varies depending on the number of areas treated, the extent of contouring, and the individual patient. Swelling, bruising, soreness, and temporary changes in sensation are expected during the early stages of healing.
General recovery guidelines include:
- Compression garments are typically worn as directed after surgery to support the treated areas and help manage swelling during healing.
- Swelling and bruising are expected and gradually improve over the weeks following surgery. Residual swelling may take several months to fully resolve.
- Many patients can return to light daily activities and desk-based work relatively early in recovery, depending on the extent of their procedure and how they are healing.
- Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and other higher-intensity activities are restricted until Dr. Racanelli determines it is appropriate to resume them.
- Patients should follow all postoperative medication, garment, wound-care, and activity instructions provided for their individual procedure.
Dr. Racanelli personally follows his patients after surgery to monitor healing, evaluate the treated areas, and guide activity as recovery progresses.
Liposuction Results
An improvement in body contour may be visible soon after liposuction, although swelling initially obscures the final result. As swelling gradually subsides, the shape and definition of the treated areas become increasingly apparent. Final results develop over time and may take several months to fully appreciate, particularly when multiple areas have been treated.
The fat cells removed during liposuction do not grow back. However, remaining fat cells can still enlarge with future weight gain. Maintaining a relatively stable weight and healthy lifestyle can help preserve the contour achieved with surgery.
Results vary based on anatomy, skin quality, the areas treated, and the extent of the procedure. During consultation, Dr. Racanelli discusses what can realistically be achieved based on the individual patient's starting anatomy and goals.
View before-and-after photographs of actual Dr. Racanelli liposuction patients in our Liposuction Before & After Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
Liposuction & VASER FAQs
What is VASER liposuction?
VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to emulsify targeted fat before it is removed with liposuction. This allows Dr. Racanelli to contour the treated areas while working around the body's natural anatomy. At Dr. Racanelli's practice, VASER technology is used for every liposuction procedure rather than offered as an optional upgrade.
What is the difference between VASER liposuction and traditional liposuction?
Traditional liposuction removes fat using a cannula and suction. VASER liposuction adds an ultrasound-assisted step that emulsifies the targeted fat before it is removed. Dr. Racanelli then uses selected liposuction cannulas to remove the prepared fat and sculpt the treated areas. At his practice, VASER is his standard approach to liposuction.
What is VASER High Definition liposuction?
VASER High Definition liposuction is an advanced body-contouring approach that focuses not only on reducing localized fat, but also on strategically sculpting around the body's natural anatomy. In appropriately selected patients, it may be used to enhance existing definition and create more refined transitions between areas such as the abdomen, waist, flanks, and back.
Is VASER HD the same as Lipo 360?
Not exactly. “Lipo 360” generally refers to liposuction performed circumferentially around the midsection, commonly including areas of the abdomen, waist, flanks, and back. VASER High Definition refers to the technology and contouring approach used during liposuction. VASER HD may be used when treating multiple areas around the torso, but the exact surgical plan depends on the patient's anatomy and goals.
Can VASER liposuction tighten loose skin?
VASER liposuction is primarily a fat-removal and body-contouring procedure and should not be considered a substitute for surgical skin removal. Patients with good skin elasticity may experience natural contraction as swelling resolves, but significant loose or hanging skin may require a procedure such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thigh lift. Dr. Racanelli evaluates skin quality during consultation to determine which approach is appropriate.
How do I know if I need liposuction or a tummy tuck?
Liposuction removes localized fat but does not remove significant excess skin or repair abdominal muscle separation. A tummy tuck may be more appropriate when the primary concerns include loose abdominal skin, significant skin laxity, or rectus diastasis. Some patients benefit from a combination of tummy tuck surgery and liposuction to address both the abdomen and surrounding contours.
How much weight will I lose with liposuction?
Liposuction is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss surgery. The goal is to reshape specific areas by removing localized fat rather than produce a particular change on the scale. The amount of fat that can appropriately be removed varies according to the patient's anatomy, treatment areas, and surgical plan.
How much fat will liposuction remove?
The amount of fat that can be removed depends on the patient's anatomy, the areas being treated, overall health, and what can be safely accomplished during surgery. There is no single amount that is appropriate for every patient. Dr. Racanelli determines the surgical plan after evaluating the patient in consultation.
After liposuction, will the fat come back?
Fat cells removed through liposuction do not grow back. However, the fat cells that remain can still enlarge with future weight gain. Maintaining a relatively stable weight after surgery can help preserve the contour achieved with liposuction.
What areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction may be used to treat localized fat in areas including the abdomen, waist, flanks, back, arms, thighs, knees, male chest, and beneath the chin and neck. The areas appropriate for treatment depend on the patient's anatomy, skin quality, fat distribution, and goals.
Can fat removed during liposuction be transferred to the buttocks?
In appropriately selected patients, fat removed during liposuction may be processed and transferred to the buttocks for gluteal fat transfer, commonly referred to as a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL). Whether fat transfer is appropriate depends on the patient's anatomy, available donor fat, proportions, and goals.
Is liposuction performed in a hospital or a surgical center?
Dr. Racanelli performs his liposuction procedures in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia with a board-certified anesthesiologist. This is part of his standard surgical approach for cosmetic procedures.
Who actually performs my liposuction?
Dr. Racanelli personally performs every step of the liposuction procedure, including the contouring and final closure. He does not delegate portions of the operation to another surgeon, resident, physician assistant, or other provider.
How many areas can be treated in one session?
Multiple areas may be treated during the same operation when appropriate. The number depends on the extent of each treatment area, the patient's anatomy and health, and the anticipated operative time. Dr. Racanelli limits elective cosmetic surgery to approximately six hours and may recommend staging treatment when a patient's goals cannot be appropriately addressed within that timeframe.
Is liposuction included in a tummy tuck?
Can I have liposuction after losing weight with Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound?
Liposuction may be appropriate after GLP-1-assisted weight loss when a patient has reached a suitable, relatively stable weight and still has localized areas of fat that would benefit from contouring. If significant loose skin is the primary concern, liposuction alone may not be the appropriate procedure. Dr. Racanelli evaluates fat distribution, skin quality, overall health, and weight stability to determine the appropriate surgical plan.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Ready to Explore What Liposuction Can Do for You?
Meet with Dr. Racanelli to discuss your goals and learn how a personalized approach to VASER High Definition liposuction can be tailored to your anatomy.
Consultations available in Morristown, Newark, and New York City.