What Areas of the Body Can Liposuction Treat?
Liposuction is a popular procedure for removing stubborn fat from target areas. Although it isn’t a replacement for diet and exercise, it’s a powerful tool to contour, sculpt, and fine-tune your silhouette. So, if you’ve ever wondered what parts of your body can get liposuction, here’s a breakdown of the treatment areas from head to toe.
Facial Liposuction
While many think liposuction is only a procedure for the waist or hips, it’s also popular for refining the face and neck. The procedure usually takes about 30 minutes and may be performed alongside a facelift, neck lift, or other cosmetic procedure. Here are the specific facial areas that liposuction can improve:
- Chin liposuction treats the chin area, or submental region, to reduce the appearance of a double chin. This defines the jawline for a younger and slimmer look.
- Neck liposuction is often done in tandem with chin liposuction to reduce fat deposits that make the neck look thicker. The result is a more defined neckline that enhances the appearance of the entire face.
- Cheek liposuction is ideal for people with full cheeks or who desire a more angular look to their face. Carefully removing fat here slims the face and adds contour to the cheeks.
Upper Body Liposuction
The upper torso offers multiple opportunities for liposuction to create a toned look in areas that harbor stubborn fat deposits. Upper body liposuction includes the following treatment areas:
- Upper arm liposuction is ideal for people with large or sagging upper arms. If your skin has lost elasticity or you have experienced significant weight loss, you may want to pair this liposuction procedure with an arm lift.
- Upper back and bra line liposuction treats an area known for having stubborn fat that doesn’t respond easily to exercise. Patients can expect a more streamlined profile in fitted clothing after having this liposuction surgery.
Core Contouring
The abdomen and waistline are some of the most commonly requested areas for liposuction, as these problem areas often resist diet and exercise efforts. Here’s how liposuction can transform your core:
- Abdomen liposuction removes belly fat that refuses to go away on its own, even with a disciplined fitness routine. The resulting flatter, firmer midsection makes this one of the most impactful areas for body contouring.
- Waist liposuction removes love handles, reducing fat on the sides of the body. For women, the goal is to achieve that sought-after hourglass figure. For men, the idea is to create a more athletic look by reducing fat pockets around the oblique muscles.
- Hip liposuction is another common request for achieving a smooth, sculpted appearance. Reducing excess fat around the hips enhances upper and lower body proportions.
Lower Body Liposuction
Liposuction can target the legs, with a focus on reducing bulk and creating smoother, slimmer contours. Consider some of the most popular treatment areas:
- Thigh liposuction can be done on the inner and outer thighs. Inner thigh liposuction reduces rubbing, while outer thigh liposuction sculpts the silhouette of the upper leg.
- Buttock liposuction reduces bulk, creating a smoothly shaped rear. It can also be paired with a Brazilian butt lift, where fat is strategically grafted from other areas to the buttocks for a more lifted appearance.
- Knee liposuction is a lesser-known but highly effective option for anyone with pockets of fat around the knee joint, making the legs appear longer and leaner.
- Calf and ankle liposuction, also known as cankle reduction, creates a more defined lower leg, allowing patients to wear shorts and skirts with greater confidence.
Advancements in Liposuction
Liposuction techniques have advanced greatly in recent years, with different methods tailored to various body areas and individual needs. All forms of surgical liposuction involve inserting a thin tube, called a cannula, through small incisions where it loosens and suctions out fat. Most procedures are done under anesthesia, either general or twilight sedation, which allows for effective fat removal with minimal discomfort. Here are some common liposuction techniques in use today:
- Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a saline solution mixed with adrenaline and local anesthetic to cause fat to swell and firm up. The surgeon then removes it with a microcannula. This method is safer, less painful, and faster to recover from than traditional liposuction.
- Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) uses sound waves to break up dense fat deposits, making removal easier.
- Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL), also known as SmartLipo, uses laser energy to liquefy fat cells before removal.
- LipoAi combines LAL with artificial intelligence to deliver faster, more precise fat reduction. The AI-guided laser targets fat cells with remarkable accuracy, minimizing surrounding tissue trauma and promoting collagen production for firmer, more contoured results.
Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
While liposuction can be transformative, not everyone is eligible for the procedure. Ideal candidates are those within 30% of their ideal body weight who are looking to target specific, stubborn areas. Candidates should have good skin elasticity and muscle tone beneath the fat. It’s also important to be in good overall health and not smoke so the body can heal properly. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to assess your eligibility based on your goals, anatomy, and health.
Contact Our Plastic Surgeon in Dallas, TX
Clearly, liposuction offers a range of options for reshaping and enhancing your body’s contours. Kevin R. Hanz, MD Aesthetic Plastic Surgery combines advanced liposuction techniques like LipoAi with 20 years of experience in body contouring. Our practice in Dallas, TX, takes great care to provide precise, natural-looking results you’ll love for years. If you’re ready to explore your liposuction options, contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanz.