In 2019, over 265,000 liposuction procedures were performed in America, and roughly 30,000 of those procedures were performed on men. While facial procedures like neck lifts and eyelid rejuvenations are still the most popular cosmetic surgeries for men, liposuction consistently comes in at a close third and is slowly making its way toward the top.
With its near-instant ability to reshape the abdomen and other “problem areas” to its subtle, almost invisible scars, it’s an excellent procedure for men who just need one extra boost to top off their attractive physique.
If you’ve tried everything from strict diets to rigorous exercise regimens, and you still can’t seem to get rid of small pockets of stubborn fat, then male liposuction may be just what you’re looking for. Use the following guide to find out if you might be a good candidate for this procedure.
First, however, let’s define what liposuction is and what the procedure aims to do.
What Is Male Liposuction?
Liposuction (also called “lipo”) is a cosmetic procedure that removes unwanted pockets of fat by using a cannula (thin hollow tube) to agitate the fat beneath the skin and suck it out. The procedure is safe, effective, and long-lasting as long as the patient maintains a healthy weight after surgery.
Liposuction can be performed on many different areas of the body, including the:
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Flanks (“love handles”)
- Hips
- Thighs
- Calves
- Ankles
- Upper arms
- Chin/neck area
If you are interested in liposuction, you can expect an outpatient procedure and a recovery period that will last several months. While most patients are able to return to work within several days, it may take one to two weeks before you can return to a regular exercise routine and up to three months to see all of the swelling go down. The majority of patients achieve their final results within three to six months after surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Male Liposuction?
This is the first question most people ask, and it’s a good one.
Most of us, at one time or another, have struggled with excess fat on our bodies. But does that mean that anyone with a few pounds to lose should get liposuction?
Not necessarily.
In fact, it’s important to keep in mind that liposuction is not a “weight loss solution.” The core purpose of this procedure is to get rid of stubborn fat — that is, fat that doesn’t seem to budge despite your most concerted efforts to drop it with diet and exercise. Sometimes, our bodies simply retain fat in undesirable areas (usually, the abdomen, hips and thighs, upper arms, etc.).
If you have this type of fat lurking around, lipo could be a good option for you. Generally speaking, we say that if you are within 10 lbs. of your goal weight, liposuction can help get rid of those last few pounds of resistant fat. Otherwise, if you have more to lose, we recommend continuing with your exercise and diet regimen in order to get to that 10-lbs.-to-goal-weight mark. At that point, we can book your consultation appointment and go from there.
Of course, there are additional requirements you’ll need to meet as well. In order to be a candidate for liposuction, you also must:
- Be in good overall physical health: No ongoing infections, serious medical conditions or treatments
- Have realistic expectations: Be balanced — not a perfectionist — about what you expect from the procedure
- Be a non-smoker: Smoking can exacerbate the potential risks of surgery and your recovery; if you do smoke, talk to Dr. Sieber about your options
- Have relatively good muscle tone and elastic, firm skin
Book a Consultation Appointment to Know if You Qualify
Ultimately, the best way to know if you qualify for liposuction is to book a consultation with Dr. Sieber.
During this appointment, you should be prepared to discuss a range of things, from your medical history to what your surgical goals are. Coming prepared for and knowledgeable about the procedure is always helpful. Dr. Sieber will ask you a range of questions, from what medications you are currently on to whether you take any supplements or vitamins and how often you exercise.
You should be ready to talk about any medical conditions you have or have had in the past, and be sure to mention any previous surgeries you’ve undergone. Don’t leave anything out, and be completely honest so that Dr. Sieber can ensure that this procedure will be safe and effective for you.
At the same appointment, Dr. Sieber will give you a short physical evaluation, assessing your overall health and physique. Most of the time, photographs will be taken so that you can see the effects of the procedure in a before and after side-by-side.
Lastly, Dr. Sieber will explain your options and make a recommendation on the best course of action for you. He’ll also discuss the risks and rare, but potential complications of liposuction.
Questions to Pose at Your Consultation Appointment
You started this journey by entering “what’s the best San Francisco liposuction near me?” into Google. But now you’ve got more questions to ask.
In fact, asking the right questions is the best thing you can do as a potential candidate for male liposuction. You should ask questions at your consultation appointment, before your surgery, after your surgery, and during your recovery.
Here are some to keep in mind as you prepare for your consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber. We recommend bringing a notepad with you, and writing these questions inside, following each one with some space where you can take notes when the doctor’s talking.
- Where’s the best place for me to get liposuction?
- Where will my surgery be performed?
- What should I expect from recovery?
- For how long will I need to take off from work or school?
- Will I have pain or discomfort after surgery?
- What type of scarring should I expect?
- Are there things I can do to reduce the appearance of scars?
- When will I start to see my results?
Ready to Find Out if You’re a Candidate? Book Your Appointment Today
Dr. Sieber is one of the only double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons in the San Francisco Bay Area. In addition to his many degrees, honors, and accolades, he is an extremely skilled surgeon with vast experience and a wonderful bedside manner.
By performing thousands of procedures for his many patients, Dr. Sieber has helped countless individuals improve their appearance and feel better about themselves.
Are you ready to find out if you’re a good candidate for male liposuction in San Francisco? Contact us today to book your consultation appointment.
