Medically reviewed by Dr. John Rosdeutscher – Written by Sine Thieme
Liposuction for men and gynecomastia (male breast reduction) 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.
Learn how a male breast reduction compares to liposuction.
Liposuction Techniques
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction utilizes a saline solution containing a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a vessel-constrictor (epinephrine) to prepare the targeted area for suction. This solution is pumped just below the skin through several well-laced small incisions. The fat is then suctioned out through small suction tubes. Tumescent is one of the most popular lipo techniques, and is often used in combination with other methods that focus on tightening the skin.
Here are brand names you can expect for tumescent liposuction:
- Body Jet
- AirSculpt
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
Ultrasound or ultrasonic lipo uses a small tube (cannula) that is energized via ultrasound. This is designed to melt 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.
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. It should be said, however, that newer methods such as radio frequency assisted lipolysis (see below) have shown to create more pronounced skin tightening results than laser lipo.
Radio Frequency Assisted Lipolysis (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.
The latter three types of liposuction are also referred to as non-suction liposuction.
Brand names you may expect for non-suction liposuction:
Male vs Female Liposuction
Although there is a slight difference between male and female liposuction, the procedures themselves rarely differ. The recovery times, risks, and benefits are unchanged. 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.
Liposuction is one of the most common plastic surgeries in the United States. It is used to break up and remove fatty cells from under the skin. The fat is permanently removed or “suctioned” from the body in a one-time procedure.
Lipo 360
Lipo 360 is not a reference to a specific technique but rather to the area that is being treated – all the way around your midsection to cover abdomen, flanks, and back – i.e. 360 degrees.
Most plastic surgeons will offer the treatment of multiple areas in one session, typically discounting the price for additional areas beyond the first one. You do not have to specifically search for a surgeon who offers lipo 360. Simply specify during your consultation the area you’d like to have treated.
Does Liposuction for Men Work?
Again, men more often have a type of fat (visceral fat) that cannot be treated with liposuction as it resides too deep under the muscle. In such cases, a surgical tummy tuck may be the only option available to reduce fat and slim down the waistline.
An excellent use for liposuction in men is to treat gynecomastia, or enlarged breasts. Male breast reductions can often be achieved by combining gland excision (surgical) with liposuction and skin tightening (minimally-invasive).
We hope that we’ve given you a better understanding of the types of liposuction available to male patients. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions. If you are ready to get started, use the pink button to schedule a consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon in Nashville or Memphis.
