While each patient who decides to have liposuction differs in their body type and in what they are trying to achieve, there are some common areas of the body where both men and women want to reduce stubborn fat deposits and achieve a more toned and shapely silhouette. For more information on liposuction, download our free fact sheet!
In order to be considered a good candidate for liposuction, you should be in good overall physical health and maintain a routine of regular exercise and proper diet. In addition, liposuction tends to work best on smaller areas of fat, so it is highly recommended that you be somewhat close to your ideal weight at the time of your procedure. Liposuction is not a substitute for other weight loss strategies and is not designed for patients who are overweight or obese.
What happens during liposuction surgery
During the liposuction procedure, body fat is extracted by first inserting a small, hollow tube (a cannula) through one or more tiny incisions near the area to be suctioned. Incisions are usually less than one-quarter inch in length and are placed in places where they will be least noticeable, often within skin folds or contour lines. The cannula is connected through a tube to a vacuum pressure unit. Guided by a plastic surgeon, the suction device then vacuums away your unwanted fat.
The areas where most people want to decrease fat
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Waist
For both men and women, “love handles” can be extremely hard to get rid of, even with a healthy regimen of diet and exercise. Fortunately, the waist area is very responsive to liposuction because of optimal skin elasticity. Patients who undergo waist liposuction experience a notable decrease in waist size and a more sculpted midsection.
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Flanks
Like the waist, the flank area also has great skin elasticity. This area is considered the back end of the “love handles” and is located in the lower back above the pant line. Liposuction in this area is commonly done in conjunction with liposuction of the waist to give an even contour and smooth midsection transition, enabling female patients to achieve desirable hourglass curves.
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Hips
Many women choose to have liposuction in this area because they want a rounder, better-defined buttock as well as a curvy feminine silhouette.
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Upper Arms
Flabby, excess fat and tissue in the upper arm is a common sign of aging. Liposuction can tone this area, resulting in a tighter, more youthful appearance. Depending on a patient’s body type, liposuction can also deliver many of the benefits of an arm lift without the permanent scarring of that procedure.
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Lower Abdomen
Liposuction of a protruding abdomen (“muffin top”) can produce a tight, toned, flat stomach and therefore is a frequently requested. However, if the amount of fat in this area is too large or if skin laxity is severe, a tummy tuck or lower body lift may be better options.
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Upper Abdomen
Typically, if the lower abdomen is treated with liposuction, the upper abdomen (between the belly button and the ribs) should also be treated in order to create a smooth, contoured transition from one to the other.
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Buttocks
Generally, I do not recommend liposuction of the buttocks because it can result in a deflated or flat-looking appearance. Instead, I usually suggest a Brazilian butt lift to create full, shapely buttocks.
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Inner Thighs
Liposuction can help keep the inner thighs from touching, making it very popular with many women. Some patients only need the upper inner thigh to be contoured, while others require liposuction treatment of the entire inner thigh to achieve the desired result.
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Outer Thighs
Commonly referred to as “saddle bags,” the outer thigh is a common problem area for women. The exact quantity of fat to be reduced depends on the specific physical attributes of each individual patient. Liposuction in this area can also compliment the curve and shape of the buttocks.
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Anterior Thighs
Contouring of the anterior thigh is necessary to complement outer or inner thigh liposuction and can also compliment the curvature of the buttocks.
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Lower Legs
Liposuction in this area is often challenging because the entire lower leg needs to be reshaped to achieve natural-looking proportions. Calves and ankles also have very little “deep fat” pockets, and therefore the procedure must be done carefully to avoid creating any irregularities in appearance.
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Chest
When men age, they tend to experience a loss in muscle mass of the chest which results in a flabby appearance. Fortunately, liposuction can help reverse this effect. For women, liposuction of the chest is an alternative way of achieving a no-scar, minimally invasive breast lift.
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Back
Requested by patients who complain of back rolls (“back fat” or “bra rolls”), the back is an excellent area for liposuction as the skin in the area is thick and forgiving.
Liposuction can be performed along with other plastic surgery procedures
Liposuction can successfully be combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures such as a facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck or lower body lift. If you're interested in reducing fat throughout your entire body, this will likely take multiple procedures.
Are you considering liposuction?
If you are thinking about having liposuction, please contact me for a free consultation where you will hear about all your options and have the opportunity to ask any questions. I have performed hundreds of liposuction procedures and am highly experienced in this specialized type of plastic surgery. Deciding to have liposuction is an important decision and I am dedicated to helping you achieve the beautiful body you’ve always wanted.
More information on body sculpting procedures
For further information on body slimming and toning procedures, you might find these pages helpful on my website:
Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.
