21 May 2026 | by Sean Doherty, MD, FACS
Excess fluff in the abdominal region is probably the number one reason why a patient comes to me to discuss body contouring. Often derisively referred to as a “spare tire” or “love handles”, too much fat in the mid-section and/or pockets of fat in the wrong place can adversely affect the appearance of your entire torso. Furthermore, belly fat is indiscriminate. It can be a problem for men and women of all ages. Certain lifestyle choices, particularly your diet and exercise regime, may be a contributing factor. However, fat cells in the mid-section are notoriously stubborn. And some patients are genetically inclined to carry more weight in this area than others. A tummy tuck is the gold standard for rejuvenating the abdomen, but not every patient wants or needs a surgical intervention. SculpSure® is a non-surgical body contouring treatment that works by using the heat of a laser to target and destroy fat cells in your belly area. Here are some things to think about when considering SculpSure®.
SculpSure® Consultation in Boston
I’ve said this before, but it bears repeating: no procedure is going to be effective if it’s not the right one for your anatomy and needs. This is why it is always a good idea to schedule an in-person consultation despite how much research you may have done online. During your meeting with a team member, we will listen to what bothers you about your body contour. We will discuss your medical history, family history and lifestyle. An in-depth physical exam will be done to assess:
• Areas of excess fat
• Degree of extra fat
• Is the fat “pinchable”?
• Skin tone & texture
• Presence of intra-abdominal fat
One of the critical things to accept about any aesthetic procedure for reducing belly fat, including SculpSure®, is that they’re about improving body contour. They are not weight loss techniques. So while SculpSure® can be a safe and effective method for reducing stubborn fat cells in the belly and flank area, patient selection is critical.
Ideal Candidate for SculpSure®
The best patient for a SculpSure® procedure is someone who is already close to an ideal weight, but who struggles with localized fat that’s resistant to changes in diet and exercise. It’s also important that you have good skin tone and texture. If the skin on your belly is loose, which will manifest as folds or wrinkles, then removing the fat without excising the extra skin is only going to make the situation worse. SculpSure® can produce a noticeable improvement in the volume of belly fat, but it cannot positively affect moderate to severe skin laxity. However, some patients who are better candidates for a surgical abdominoplasty either don’t want to deal with the downtime of surgery or have a medical condition that prohibits surgery. I pride myself on being very honest about what kind of result these patients can achieve and some would rather have a little improvement than none. This is always a personal decision.
How SculpSure® Works to Reduce Belly Fat
SculpSure® works by utilizing laser technology to safely heat up the skin and tissues in the belly. This raises the internal temperature of the fat cells in the treatment area, ultimately destroying their structural integrity. Your body’s lymphatic system then naturally eliminates these damaged cells. As mentioned, one of the benefits of SculpSure® is that it is non-surgical so there is:
• No general anesthesia
• Minimal downtime
• Fast recovery
Many patients have the treatment done on their lunch hour and immediately return to normal activities. The downside of SculpSure®, assuming that you are a good candidate, is that it typically takes more than one session to achieve a desired outcome. Also, SculpSure® is not as precise a technique as liposuction or a tummy tuck in terms of allowing me to re-sculpt your abdomen. However, many patients find the tradeoff of no recovery to be well worth it.
To find out more about SculpSure®, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Brookline office, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
