When liposuction first gained popularity in the 1980s, the procedure was regarded as the exclusive domain of women. Guess what happened? Men have also realize that reducing an unwanted bulge of fat that has not responded to their exercise protocol can be improved with a one treatment procedure. Times have changed, and the popularity of this body contouring procedure is now seeing a dramatic rise among male patients. According to the 2016 American Society of Plastic Surgeons report on cosmetic surgery trends, there were 27,000 male liposuction surgeries nationwide in 2016 * – a 5 percent increase from the previous year.
And why not? Though fat distribution accumulates differently on male and female bodies, men and women get equally frustrated by pockets of stubborn body fat that resist diet and exercise. In fact, liposuction for men is usually highly effective because men’s skin retains its elasticity longer than women’s skin, and the areas of fat beneath their skin tend to be firmer.
As the stigma about “having work done” continues to break down,
many men are turning to liposuction to help them achieve the firmer, trimmer, more athletic-looking body shape they’ve always desired. If you’re a man considering this procedure, here are some things you should know about getting male liposuction with board-certified San Francisco cosmetic surgeon Dr. Michael Kulick.
How Liposuction Works
Liposuction is a surgical technique doctors have perfected over decades to create aesthetically pleasing results. The procedure is effective because it does what diet and exercise cannot – permanently remove a limited amount of fat cells from targeted areas of the body.
The procedure requires the doctor to make small incisions around the target area. By inserting a thin tube called a cannula into each incision, Dr. Kulick can suction fat cells out of the body. Dr. Kulick uses a cutting-edge ultrasound technology called LipoSelection to liquefy fat before removing it. This gentler technique provides smoother results and less bruising and swelling, and can leave the body looking much more toned.
Reasons Men Get Liposuction
Society places a tremendous amount of pressure on men to stand out from their competition in nearly every area, including their looks. As a result, it is easy for men to begin feeling self-conscious about their bodies, and many of them end up developing serious body-image issues when they can’t achieve the sculpted chest or six-pack abs they see on TV. In fact, according to a study published in the journal Psychology of Men & Masculinity, up to 40 percent of men ** reported feeling dissatisfied with some aspect of their physical appearance.
One of the reasons men get liposuction is to attain a younger, healthier-looking appearance that may boost their self-confidence and help them achieve more success in their work and personal relationships. Liposuction is a proven and safe way to remove fat, and the fact that you will see results after your recovery period can feel very gratifying – especially if you have been working to improve your body for years without achieving the outcomes you want and deserve.
Trim, Tone, Tighten
Despite your best efforts to lead a healthy lifestyle that includes a consistent exercise regimen and eating a nutritious diet, fat can still linger in specific regions of your body.
As men age, areas of fat tend to accumulate around the abdomen, the flanks (“love handles”), the chest area and along the chin and neck. One of the reasons men get liposuction is to refine the contours of their bodies and remove these fatty areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. Now, you can lose those love handles, neck bulge without doing a single crunch.
No More “Man Boobs”
Are you too embarrassed to take your shirt off when you go to the beach? One of the top trends in male liposuction is treating gynecomastia, which is a condition men experience when they have excess tissue in their breasts. Liposuction can help sculpt men’s chests into a more masculine shape.
Liposuction Helps Accentuate Muscle Definition
Though you shouldn’t confuse liposuction with a weight-loss procedure, male liposuction can be an important component of your fitness goals. In fact, liposuction is best for men who are already at or near their target body weight, since people who are significantly overweight are normally not good candidates for this procedure.
Liposuction for men can help put the finishing touches on their fitness efforts, banishing bulges to highlight the muscles hiding just below the surface and help you reveal the chiseled beach body you’ve worked so hard to achieve.
While liposuction can produce impressive results, you’ll need to be committed to a healthy lifestyle before getting the surgery if you expect those results to be permanent – and that includes watching your weight and being careful to keep off extra pounds.
However, many male liposuction patients find that getting the procedure motivates them even more to stay fit and strong.
Men who get liposuction should be just as satisfied by their results as women. If you’re considering liposuction to deal with the unwanted fullness of any body part that is due to unwanted fat, the first step in your aesthetic journey should be to educate yourself on the technique and interview potential doctors.
Working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in male cosmetic procedures, such as San Francisco-based Dr. Michael Kulick, is the best way to ensure natural-looking results. Schedule an in-person consultation to find out more about liposuction and to get a feel for his practice.
* Source: American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2016
** Source: Health.com, March 21, 2016
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
