Types of Male Liposuction
Liposuction for men and gynecomastia treatments vary in availability and technique. Different methods are utilized depending on the shape of the body, the fat deposit locations, and the desired results of each patient. Prior to your surgery, you can schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss all of your options.
Below are a few techniques that may be offered:
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction: Ultrasound or ultrasonic lipo uses a small tube (cannula) that is energized via ultrasound. This often melts the fat away on contact. The vibrations break down the walls of the fat cells and emulsify the fat, which makes it easier to suction out. This method is great for fibrous areas (such as the back or male breast) or areas that have been treated with lipo before.
Tumescent Liposuction: Tumescent liposuction utilizes a combination of saline solution with local anesthesia (lidocaine) and a vessel-constrictor (epinephrine) to prepare the targeted area for suction. These three solutions are pumped just below the skin. The fat is then suctioned out through small suction tubes. Tumescent is one of the most popular lipo techniques.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction: Laser lipo is similar to tumescent and ultrasonic lipo. This procedure uses tumescent fluid and a small tube to deliver laser energy through a small incision to emulsify the fat underneath the skin. Laser lipo (aka SmartLipo) is less invasive and causes less trauma than many other traditional liposuction methods.
Radio Frequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL): Similar to ultrasonic and laser liposuction, RFAL applies targeted heat to underling tissues to coagulate or shrink the skin. Also known as skin tightening, this lipo technique is often combined with tumescent liposuction to enhance results. It works particularly well for the treatment of male breasts.
Is There a Difference Between Male and Female Liposuction?
Although there is a slight difference between male and female liposuction, the procedures themselves rarely differ. The greatest difference between the cosmetic procedure for each gender lies in which areas are treated.
For men, the most common areas treated are the love handles, lower abdomen, and the upper arms. In some cases, men may receive liposuction during a breast reduction procedure when being treated for gynecomastia. It is also not uncommon for some men to target the neck, thighs, chest, and chin.
While the procedure itself is the same no matter who is being treated, there is a difference between males and females regarding the fat itself. Men have a higher occurrence of so-called visceral fat, which cannot easily be removed with liposuction alone. Females tend to have higher amounts of subcutaneous fat, which is easily targeted with liposuction. It is important to let your plastic surgeon determine if your fat is visceral or subcutaneous before selecting liposuction.
Again, the procedures themselves do not change based on gender. The anatomy of the patient will be the main consideration during operation. The recovery times, risks, and benefits are unchanged.
Candidates for Male Liposuction
The best candidates for a male liposuction procedure are those who are in reasonably good shape but may have stubborn areas of fat that have not responded to traditional weight loss methods via diet and exercise. Liposuction surgery seeks to resolve areas where fat has localized, leaving patients to experience low self-esteem due to a disproportionate appearance. These areas can be spot-treated to help patients achieve the best physique and aesthetic appearance possible with liposuction surgery.
