Liposuction: Areas of the Body

Liposuction is among the most common elective cosmetic procedures performed by doctors and plastic surgeons. Also known as lipolysis and lipoplasty, this method is used by surgeons and specialists to permanently remove unwanted fat from different areas of the body. The most common areas for liposuction treatment in women are the abdomen (tummy), breasts, hips, thighs and upper arms. In men, three common target areas are the love handles, belly or abdomen, and the jaw or chin areas. Men also find that liposuction can be an ideal way to remove "man boobs" (buildup of fatty tissue around the male breasts). Below are brief descriptions of the most common liposuction techniques among men and women. Use the menu items to the left to learn more about the specific procedures.

Abdomen, Flanks and Waist

Because so many people battle belly bulge, the abdomen, flanks, "love handles" and waist-line are the most requested areas for liposuction. Age, weight gain, pregnancies, poor eating habits, lack of exercise and genetics contribute to excess belly fat or flab. Many people who have extra layers of tummy fat want to remove it and achieve a more appealing figure and shape. Liposuction is a very safe, fast and permanent way to remove belly bulges and tummy rolls. Liposuction is much less invasive than a "tummy tuck," which removes excess abdominal skin in addition to belly fat.

Face and Neck

Let's face it: Our faces are the center of attention. Liposuction of the face and neck is very common for people who want to contour their profiles and refine their faces, jaw lines and necks. Some people have double chins, a tendency to build up fat in their faces, and sagging skin around their jowls and neck as they age. This can draw attention away from what would otherwise be a nice profile, and a person might feel less attractive. Modern liposuction allows for greater precision and reveals more attractive features and profiles. Liposuction can reduce facial fat and improve the aesthetic appeal of your most attractive feature: your face.

Female Breasts

For women who have larger breasts and more fatty tissue surrounding the breast area, liposuction surgery will reshape their upper torsos, back and breast areas. Excessively large breasts are developed from extra fat and can lead to chronic pain in the neck, back and shoulders. Larger breasts can interfere with physical activity and cause social anxieties. Wardrobe choices are limited. Liposuction of the breasts can eliminate both pain and awkwardness. It is a successful way to remove breast tissue and have more shapely breasts. Liposuction lifts the breasts and tightens loose skin, revealing younger, more natural-looking breasts.

Male Breasts

Liposuction is a very popular way for men to remove excess fat deposits in the male breast area. It is a safe and effective way to treat embarrassing "man boobs" (also called gynecomastia). Extra fatty tissue and male breasts are formed for several reasons, such as genetics, weight gain, hormones, diet and exercise. As much as 40% of men experience unwanted growth and breast tissue, which is why this procedure has become so popular with men. Male breast liposuction will not only shape and contour the chest area, but it also will produce more normal breast tissue and improve confidence.

Thighs and Hips

Liposuction is a highly sought procedure to reduce bulky "thunder thighs" and "hefty hips." Our bodies store extra fat in the hips and upper thighs, making it hard to eliminate with diet and exercise. Women tend to store fat in three main areas of the thighs: in the front, back and outside. Liposuction can successfully target and remove the fat deposits from these areas and to achieve a more sculpted, attractive and symmetrical figure. Thigh and hip liposuction will slenderize both areas, even out skin and muscle tone and help remove cellulite.

Arms

Liposuction of the arms is most commonly performed on women who have flabby, saggy, loose and rippled upper arms. Age, genetics, weight gain, weight loss and loss of muscle tone contribute to upper arm flab. People with upper arm fat dread warm weather, summer months and sleeveless clothing. Liposuction is so effective at restoring youthful, trim-looking arms that it has the highest patient satisfaction ratios of any type of liposuction.

Back

Liposuction of the back, upper back, shoulders and under the arms is a popular procedure, especially for men. Many women have accumulated fat in the upper back, which bulges around the bra line, making it look obvious, even under clothes. Both men and women show an increasing interest in back liposuction, because it is a safe and effective way to permanently eliminate cumbersome, uncomfortable fat from the upper, mid, and lumbar back areas. Liposuction is a great way to bring your sexy back.

Buttocks

Having an overly large booty can be the "butt" of jokes and the cause of self-consciousness for many people. Our posteriors have a way of gaining weight and extra layers of fat, because our bodies (especially women) like to store fat in our backsides. Although it is one thing to have a nice, shapely round booty, it is another to have a bulbous, fat, lumpy derriere. A liposuction surgeon can shape and sculpt your buttocks and give you a more desirable backside. Liposuction is also a way to eliminate cellulite and achieve a smoother, rounder look.

Other areas

In addition to the major areas listed above, liposuction is also a great way to remove fat from the knees, ankles, pelvic region and a host of other body areas. Liposuction can target nearly any area. If you want to trim, sculpt and tone your body and look more youthful and attractive, liposuction is the right solution for you. Use our Surgeon Locator to speak to one of our doctors in your area.