12 Feb 2026
Men used to be more adverse to surgical procedures than women, but times are changing. While they often have less tolerance for downtime, men are also not immune to unwanted fat. Furthermore, many men like the fact that a surgical liposuction procedure is a one-and-done versus a non-surgical fat reduction technique that requires multiple treatments, spaced out over time. This helps explain why liposuction has become one of the top aesthetic procedures for men.
However, there are differences in treating a male patient versus a female patient. Aside from physiology, it’s extremely important that I be very clear and direct about what can actually be achieved with liposuction as well as the ins and outs of the recovery. Since honesty has always been a fundamental component of my practice philosophy, this comes naturally. I have found that when my male patients understand what, exactly, is in store for them, they are always happier with the outcome. Here are some of the most common liposuction areas for men as well as a few things to consider.
Is Your Problem Area Due to Visceral or Subcutaneous Fat?
I’ve said this before but it bears repeating — the internet has profoundly changed patients knowledge when it comes to plastic surgery. While this is mostly a positive thing, there are downsides. The web can not physically examine your areas of excess fat and not all fat is the same. This is why it’s crucial to schedule an in-person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as myself, who specializes in body contouring. Liposuction is an extremely effective procedure. However, it can only address subcutaneous fat. This is the kind of fat that rests below your skin, and can be “pinched” and pulled away from your body. The other kind of fat is visceral fat. This rests deep in your tissues and around your organs, and must be reduced with changes in diet and exercise.
Liposuction Consultation in Boston
During our meeting, I will listen to what is bothering you about your body contour. Patients often think that removing all fat is the solution. But an effective liposuction procedure is about removing fat from exactly the right places. In essence, I am re-sculpting your body into an ideal shape. I will ask a lot of questions about your medical history, family history, lifestyle, prior procedures, if any, as well as how you recovered. I will then conduct a thorough physical exam to assess:
- Areas & degree of excess fat
- Skin tone & texture
- Degree of sagging in skin, if any
The latter is important. If you have a mild to moderate amount of loose skin, removing the fat without addressing this laxity may make the situation worse which is why I may combine a liposuction procedure with Renuvion® for skin tightening.
Most Common Liposuction Areas for Men
The most common liposuction areas for my male Boston patients include:
- Abdomen
- Flanks
- Chest (may include Gynecomastia)
- Back
- Neck/Jawline
The abdomen is one of the top liposuction treatment areas for both men and women. Age is not always kind to the mid-section. Even my very fit patients can have pockets of extra fat that they just can not get rid of on their own. In general, the abdomen and the flanks work together. Since I always take a 360° approach with all of my body contouring patients, this is something that we will discuss in detail during your initial consultation. Creating a crisp delineation between the neck and the jaw is a masculine ideal. As with the abdomen, age can create a breakdown in the skin and tissues in this area. Liposuction may be a straightforward method for rejuvenating your jawline.
Differences in Treating Men
There are obviously differences in treating the male physique. In general, I strive to preserve straighter, more defined lines and avoid over-tapering the waist. Men want more of a toned, chiseled appearance as this is perceived by the human eye as being more masculine. In terms of recovery from liposuction, post-op swelling in men may feel firmer due to their natural tissue density. As mentioned, I take care to make certain that my male patients have reasonable expectations about skin retraction, the limits of visceral fat reduction and the importance of wearing their compression garment. The latter is not something anyone looks forward to, but it is a fundamental component of the excellent result that we both want.
To find out more about liposuction, or any surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Vickram Tandon at the Boston Center for Plastic Surgery, contact us today or call 617-402-2768 to schedule a consultation.
