Liposuction, or lipoplasty, is a surgical contouring procedure used to remove fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise. While many women seek liposuction to enhance their feminine silhouettes, the procedure is becoming increasingly popular among men who want to treat areas of the body with stubborn fat accumulation.

A particular region of concern for men is the waistline, where “love handles,” or rolls of excess fat, can form on the flanks, abdomen, and lower back. Liposuction to treat male love handles typically begins with several small incisions in the treatment area. A cannula, or hollow needle, is inserted and moved manually back and forth to break up fat cells before they are suctioned out of the body.

Treating Male Breasts & Other Areas

Another area that is often treated with male liposuction is the chest, particularly in patients exhibiting the growth of abnormal breast tissue, a condition known as gynecomastia. The most common causes of male breasts are believed to involve imbalances of estrogen and testosterone, such as those resulting from puberty, aging, the use of steroids or androgens to enhance athletic performance, and certain health conditions.

Gynecomastia can affect one or both breasts, and while tenderness, pain, and swelling can occur, the condition is largely asymptomatic and there are few physical complications. However, the appearance of breasts can lead to emotional and psychological issues for a man.

To address excess fatty breast tissue, a surgeon uses a cannula to remove fat through small incisions made around the nipple. For some men, excess glandular tissue, which is denser than fatty tissue, contributes to male breast enlargement. In these cases, glandular tissue removal via a small incision in the underarm or near the areola may be paired with liposuction for the best results.

Other areas commonly treated with male liposuction include the neck, jowls, chin, arms, upper and lower back, hips, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. Typically, the best candidates for male liposuction are those who are of a healthy weight and have firm, elastic skin.

Liposuction Methods

In some cases, traditional liposuction – during which a surgeon manually moves a cannula through pockets of fat – may not be the most effective method for men, as fat in males is often more fibrous than it is in women. Instead, tumescent liposuction or power-assisted liposuction may be used.

Tumescent liposuction involves the injection of a tumescent solution (a blend of saline and anesthetic) into the treatment area prior to fat removal. The solution causes the area to swell, which helps break down fat cells and makes their removal easier. The anesthetic allows for a virtually painless procedure.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) involves the injection of a tumescent solution, but also uses a cannula that emits ultrasonic vibrations to help liquefy fat before removal. This method decreases the risk of excessive tissue damage, scarring, and bleeding as compared to traditional liposuction.

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is similar to the traditional, manual method of liposuction, but differs in that the cannula used is mechanized, which reduces the need for manual movement. As a result, PAL provides a more efficient, accurate, and less traumatic approach to fat removal than traditional liposuction.

Consult a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Male patients considering a liposuction procedure to address regions of recalcitrant fat should first consult with an experienced plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. A highly skilled surgeon who has performed a variety of liposuction procedures on many different men can thoroughly assess a patient’s area of concern and recommend the liposuction procedure – or combination of procedures – that he or she believes will provide the best overall results.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including liposuction and other cosmetic procedures.

Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including liposuction and other cosmetic procedures. http://bayshoreplasticsurgery.com/liposuction-tampa.php

Author Bio: Katie Perry is an online content editor in the Tampa Bay area. She posts articles about plastic surgery topics and procedures including liposuction and other cosmetic procedures.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: liposuction