“Dr. Kolker truly listens to your wishes and goals. He is gentle in his approach, honest in his assessment, and unequivocally clear in his vision. He has an impeccable aesthetic eye, undoubtedly attributed to both his artistic background and very own sense of what is beautiful.”
— A.H. / New York City
New York BodyTite
Liposuction is extremely effective at removing excess fat from troublesome areas of the body that do not respond to diet and exercise. In individuals with skin laxity in conjunction with localized adiposity (areas of excess fat), what happens to excess skin has been historically more unpredictable, until now with the advent of BodyTite.
New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Adam Kolker is able to achieve beautiful body contouring as well as skin tightening in individuals with mild or moderate skin laxity with BodyTite. Also known by the acronym RFAL, for radio frequency assisted lipectomy, BodyTite is a revolutionary technology that enables temperature-controlled lipolysis (fat melting) and skin tightening that can be performed as an isolated procedure or in conjunction with liposuction. BodyTite is used most often with liposuction, enabling Dr. Kolker to reduce localized excess fat and facilitate skin tightening in areas including the abdomen, flanks, back, arms, thighs, and breast. FaceTite, employing the same technology with modified equipment, is used for the treatment of skin and soft tissue excess of the jawline, chin and neck.
As with liposuction or any body contouring procedure, BodyTite should not be viewed as a “quick fix” for individuals who are overweight.
The Tumescent technique, whereby Dr. Kolker administers a “wetting” solution consisting of normal saline fluid, adrenaline, and anesthetic, is used in all cases.
This not only increases comfort during liposuction and BodyTite RFAL treatment, but causes vasoconstriction, a temporary shrinking of small blood vessels, that minimizes the potential for bleeding and maximizes safety. To achieve radio frequency lipolysis (coagulation and dissolution of fat) and temperature controlled skin tightening, tiny access incisions are made with a small needle to allow for the introduction of a thin fiber, with a radiofrequency emitter at the tip, beneath the surface of the skin. This fiber is passed sequentially within the treatment region, being matched externally with a ground and temperature monitor. This “internal and external” approach provides the greatest control of both fat and skin response.
The following animated video clip demonstrates how BodyTite works:
As with liposuction or any body contouring procedure, BodyTite should not be viewed as a “quick fix” for individuals who are overweight.
Dr. Kolker feels that the best and safest results are achieved in those who are at or close to an ideal body weight, with areas of localized adiposity (fat excess) and mild to moderate skin excess that have done everything in their power to optimize their personal health and fitness first. Body mass index, or BMI, is used as a guide to promote both safety and aesthetics with BodyTite. When considering BodyTite New York patients should fall within a BMI range of 20 and 25 kg / m2 to be considered an ideal candidate. On occasion, those with a BMI above 25 that have plateaued after optimal fitness and nutrition will be considered for BodyTite, however individuals with a BMI greater than 27.5 are not ideal candidates for BodyTite with liposuction or without liposuction.
Every individual is different, from anatomy to self perception to unique desires, and the plastic surgeon you select to perform BodyTite radiofrequency treatments and liposuction is of foremost importance. What distinguishes Dr. Kolker’s approach and the comprehensive care provided by his team is manifold:
- Tremendous skill, technical mastery, and artistry,
- Unparalleled standards for board certification, facility accreditation, and safety,
- An aesthetic perspective and passion for achieving the most beautiful and natural results.
How the BodyTite procedure is performed
Immediately preceding BodyTite and liposuction, Dr. Kolker will mark the treatment regions that resemble a topographic map. Performed by Dr. Kolker in his AAAASF-accredited surgical facility located on Park Avenue and 70th Street in New York City.
BodyTite and liposuction are accomplished under local anesthesia (small areas) or alternatively under sedation (twilight anesthesia) or general anesthesia for larger areas or multiple treatment zones. The procedure duration varies depending on an individual’s unique requirements, and ranges from 30 minutes to 3 hours. The procedure is performed using tiny access sites using an IV needle. Tumescent solution is introduced into the treatment areas, and the excess fatty tissues and skin are treated with BodyTite radiofrequency (RFAL) as described above. Once temperature controlled thermal levels are achieved, liposuction follows. Liposuction cannulas (thin tubes) are used to further remove excess fat and any excess fluid produced by RFAL.
Planning Your BodyTite & Liposuction
The best liposuction results, and the best BodyTite results, can be most reliably achieved in individuals who are at or close to their ideal body weight.
When localized adiposity and mild or moderate skin excess persist following a strict and effective diet and exercise regimen, liposuction and BodyTite are likely to achieve the best outcomes. The best liposuction and best BodyTite candidates will have:
- Excess fat of the thighs, abdomen, flanks, back, arms, or neck,
- Mild to moderate skin inelasticity only
- Maximized efforts at optimal nutrition and fitness pre-procedure
- Body mass index (BMI) below 25
Does BodyTite work with more significant skin excess?
In individuals with more than moderate skin excess and inelasticity, BodyTite skin tightening effects may be limited, and excisional surgery may be indicated. For example, in a patient who is postpartum with substantial skin excess or has experienced massive weight loss, there is little substitute for excisional procedures including abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and other “lifts” that remove skin such as arm lifts, thigh lifts and breast lifts. When the skin excess is mild or moderate, however, there is quite often a role for BodyTite radiofrequency assisted lipectomy.
Nevertheless, all cases must be individualized. To determine if BodyTite is right for you, Dr. Kolker, a board certified New York City plastic surgeon, will carefully review your goals and desires, and will perform a physical examination, after which he can advise you on the best BodyTite treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. For more information about BodyTite in New York City, we invite you to meet Dr. Kolker for a private consultation.
Recovery following BodyTite and Liposuction
BodyTite and liposuction are ambulatory procedures, and are followed by a short recovery room stay of about 60 minutes, A compressive garment is applied and worn home.
Return to work after BodyTite RFAL and liposuction may be as rapid as two days, however more extensive treatments of multiple areas may require up to one week. The liposuction compression garment is worn strictly for 2 weeks, with more frequent breaks during weeks 3 and 4. Spanx can be used as an alternative to the compressive garment after one week. Swelling predominates for two weeks following liposuction and BodyTite, then steadily resolves over the next 8 to 10 weeks, settling around 12 weeks after your New York BodyTite procedure.
Skin Tightening Effects after BodyTite
The results of fat reduction after BodyTite and liposuction can become visible in a short number of weeks (4-12), however the skin tightening effects will often become manifest in approximately 3 to 6 months. This is a function of the body’s response to the temperature-controlled thermal effects on the soft tissue and undersurface of the dermis that increase collagen and relative skin tightness through the healing process.
Exercise after BodyTite and Liposuction
After most BodyTite procedures, light cardio (treadmill, elliptical, outdoor walking) can be resumed around 5 days. More strenuous workouts can resume around two weeks, and higher impact cardio may be resumed around 4 to 6 weeks.
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710 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021
