Is Male Liposuction the Same as Regular Liposuction?

The term "regular liposuction" often refers to the standard technique used, but liposuction procedures can vary based on the individual's needs and the specific area being targeted.

 Triple board-certified plastic surgeon Gordon Sasaki, MD, FACS, at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center, is known for his innovative work in helping develop liposuction procedures that successfully address your body contouring needs.

Learn more from Dr. Sasaki and his team about liposuction and why the male version may differ slightly from “regular” liposuction.  

Understanding the basics of body contouring with liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to remove excess fat deposits from specific body areas. 

Rather than weight loss, the goal is to improve body contours and refine your silhouette. It's one of the more popular cosmetic surgeries available at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center.

Common areas where exercise- and diet-resistant fat tends to accumulate include the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, upper arms, back, chest, and neck. During liposuction, Dr. Sasaki inserts a small, thin tube called a cannula through tiny incisions to vacuum away excess fat.

Various liposuction techniques are available, and Dr. Sasaki chooses the method that best suits your needs. For instance, he may recommend ultrasound-assisted liposuction to liquify fat before removal. This technique is beneficial in fibrous areas like the back or in other areas previously treated with liposuction.

How does liposuction differ for males?

There are subtle variations in skin texture and other factors between individuals assigned male versus female at birth. These differences can influence the type and area requiring liposuction.

These variations include:

Differences in fat distribution

Men and women naturally store fat differently. Though women often accumulate fat in the hips, thighs, and buttocks, men tend to store excess fat in the abdomen and chest.

This difference in fat distribution means Dr. Sasaki’s approach to liposuction might vary based on the targeted treatment areas.

For instance, men sometimes choose liposuction to treat gynecomastia, a condition where male breast tissue enlarges, giving the appearance of breasts.

During treatment for gynecomastia, Dr. Sasaki must remove fat and address the glandular tissue that may be contributing to the condition.

Dermatologic differences

Research has shown that men generally have thicker and more elastic skin than women.

This can be advantageous during liposuction as the skin may retract better after the procedure, leading to a smoother outcome. However, skin thickness can also present challenges in ensuring evenly balanced fat removal.

Dr. Sasaki’s surgical expertise in this arena helps ensure successful, natural-appearing results. He also carefully develops a comprehensive treatment strategy to meet your expectations.

For instance, if sagging skin is a problem, he may recommend skin tightening procedures in addition to liposuction.

Aesthetic goals

Although men and women seek improved contours with liposuction, their aesthetic ideals can differ. Men might look for a more chiseled, athletic appearance, emphasizing muscle definition. Women may aim for a smoother, more curvaceous silhouette. This distinction can influence Dr. Sasaki’s technique and approach.

Notably, Dr. Sasaki is also skilled in fat transfer procedures, during which liposuction may be used to transfer fat from one location to another to support improved contouring.

Fibrous fat in men

Male fat tends to be more fibrous, especially in the back and chest areas. Fibrous fat is denser and more intertwined with connective tissues, making it harder to extract than the less fibrous fat women typically have.

As a result, Dr. Sasaki utilizes specialized techniques such as -ultrasound-assisted liposuction to remove this denser fat effectively.

Recovery

The general recovery process for liposuction is similar for women and men, but individual responses to surgery can vary widely. 

However, there are nuanced differences between the genders that may affect the healing phase. For instance, because men's skin is usually thicker, they might experience slightly different swelling or bruising patterns.

Dr. Sasaki discusses the procedure and recovery expectations in detail before scheduling your surgery. He also follows you closely throughout the healing process to ensure a successful outcome.

If you're considering liposuction, schedule an evaluation today at Sasaki Advanced Aesthetic Medical Center.