Precision Fat Loss: Unveiling the Areas Targeted by Liposuction for Fat Reduction

Liposuction has long been used for body contouring and fat removal, but new research shows it can now be used for targeted fat removal in specific areas of the body. Understanding the benefits and limitations of liposuction for contouring your body will help you identify if this is a good treatment option for helping you meet your aesthetic goals.

What is Liposuction? 

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes excess fat deposits from targeted areas of the body. People choose to have liposuction surgery performed when they have fat that is resistant to diet and exercise and want to achieve a slimmer and more aesthetically pleasing body shape and contours.

What Areas Can Liposuction Treat

Liposuction can be used to target problem areas of the body where it is difficult to remove fat, including:

• Abdomen 
• Thighs 
• Hips & Buttocks 
• Back & Bra Rolls 
• Arms 
• Neck 
• Chest or breasts (in men)

What Liposuction Can’t Do for Weight Loss 

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is important for prospective patients to understand that liposuction is intended for body contouring and removing isolated areas of fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise, not as a weight loss solution. While the targeted areas will show improvement in body contours after surgery, if the patient does not maintain a healthy lifestyle, weight can return and accumulate disproportionately in areas of the body that had liposuction. The remaining fat cells that were not removed during surgery can still expand. Liposuction also does not tighten loose skin or address cellulite, so skin irregularities can persist or worsen with weight fluctuations.

Because liposuction only removes some of the fat cells in a specific region without altering biology or metabolism, maintaining diet and exercise habits is crucial for long-term results. The effects are localized, and it is not a cure for being overweight or obese. Patients should understand that substantial weight gain can still happen after surgery and diminish their results.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with Liposuction? 

During liposuction, only about 5-10 lbs of fat can be removed safely in a single session. Removing more than that can increase the risk of fluid imbalances and surgical complications. The max fat removal typically correlates to a clothing size decrease for most patients. While 5-10lbs of fat loss in stubborn areas can lead to better body contours, it should not be viewed as a weight loss alternative. This is because liposuction is localized, so while fat cells are permanently removed from treated areas, untreated areas are unaffected. The remaining fat cells everywhere in the body can still expand and grow in size with weight gain. Furthermore, even in treated areas, new fat cells may later develop. Because liposuction does not alter any underlying fat-regulating mechanisms in the body nor impact diet, lifestyle, or metabolism, weight changes can still continue to occur after surgery.

What are the Benefits of Liposuction for Fat Reduction?  

• Effective fat removal: Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from treated areas leading to measurable reductions in fat bulges and improved body contours.
• Body shaping: Liposuction sculpts and shapes specific areas of the body by reducing unwanted fat to achieve a slimmer and more aesthetically pleasing silhouette.
• Contours areas out of proportion: The procedure can bring areas with disproportionate fat in line with the rest of the body’s contours.
• Long-lasting if weight is maintained: The localized fat removal is permanent as long as the patient maintains a stable weight through lifestyle.
• Minimally invasive procedure: Modern liposuction uses small and refined instruments for a less invasive procedure with less downtime and risks compared to traditional excisional body contouring surgeries.
• Boost self-confidence: Removing stubborn fat areas can help patients feel more comfortable in fitted clothing and boost self-esteem.

Sculpt Your Confidence: Schedule a Liposuction Consultation at The Plastic Surgery Center!

If you are interested in getting liposuction treatment or any other body sculpting procedure such as a tummy tuck, body lift, or fat grafting, The Plastic Surgery Center can help you target fat removal from specific areas to achieve a slimmer, more contoured look. Schedule a consultation today at one of our 28 advanced plastic surgery locations throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania to see if our customized liposuction treatment is the next step in achieving your ideal image!