Which Areas Can Liposuction Be Applied To?
Liposuction is an aesthetic surgical procedure in which localised fat deposits that have not reduced despite diet and exercise are removed by suction through thin cannulas. It can be applied to many areas of the body; the doctor decides at the examination which areas are suitable, after assessing fat distribution, skin elasticity and general health. Results vary from person to person.
For what liposuction is in general and who it is suitable for, you can read our article Why Is Liposuction Important in Body Contouring?
Liposuction by Area
- Abdomen and waist: These are among the most commonly treated areas. If there is significant sagging of the abdominal skin or separation of the abdominal muscles after pregnancy, liposuction alone may not be enough; in that case a tummy tuck is considered.
- Hips and buttocks: The body contour is shaped by reducing the fat that accumulates on the hips and the sides of the buttocks.
- Thighs: It can be applied to the inner and outer thighs. As the skin of the inner thigh is thin, skin elasticity is particularly important there.
- Arms: Fat on the back and inner side of the upper arm is reduced. For details you can read our article on arm liposuction, and in case of significant skin sagging our arm lift page.
- Back: It can be considered for fat that accumulates around the bra line and above the waist.
- Chin and neck: It is performed with smaller cannulas for fat under the chin; if skin elasticity is insufficient, procedures such as a neck lift may be needed.
- Inner knees and calves: It can also be applied to these areas, where fat deposits are more limited.
Liposuction in Men
In men, fat most often accumulates in the abdomen and waist. In male breast enlargement (gynaecomastia), liposuction can be used if the enlargement is caused by fat tissue; if the breast gland tissue has enlarged, surgical removal of the gland tissue may be needed. For details you can read our gynaecomastia page.
How Much Fat Can Be Removed in One Session?
The amount of fat that can be removed in one session depends on the person's weight, general health, the number of areas treated and the method used. As the amount of fat removed increases, so do the effects of the operation on the body and the risks. For this reason the safe amount is determined by the doctor after the examination; if necessary, the procedure can be divided into more than one session. Liposuction is not a weight-loss method; the aim is not to lose weight but to shape the body contour.
Liposuction Methods
In all methods, the fat tissue is removed by suction through thin cannulas; the methods differ in how the fat tissue is prepared before suction:
- Traditional liposuction: After fluid is introduced into the area, the fat tissue is suctioned with cannulas.
- Ultrasound-assisted (Vaser) liposuction: The fat tissue is broken down with ultrasound energy before suction.
- Laser-assisted liposuction: The fat tissue is broken down with laser energy.
- Water-jet-assisted liposuction: The fat tissue is separated by pressurised fluid delivered through the cannula.
If the removed fat is to be transferred to another area (fat injection), a method suitable for preserving the viability of the fat cells is chosen. The doctor decides which method will be used.
Risks of Liposuction
Like any surgical procedure, liposuction has risks:
- Skin rippling and contour irregularity,
- Fluid collection under the skin (seroma); if necessary, it is drained by the doctor,
- Bleeding or blood collection, infection,
- Numbness and changes in sensation; these usually improve within weeks or months and may rarely be permanent,
- Asymmetry and skin sagging,
- Blood clots in the leg veins and risks related to anaesthesia.
The risks should be discussed in detail with the doctor before surgery. For detailed information you can read our liposuction page.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın