Liposuction works for men where the fat is pinchable and the skin is good. The areas that respond best are the flanks, the lower abdomen in younger men, the chest where the problem is fat rather than gland, and under the chin.
Two things limit it in men more often than in women, and both are worth knowing before you book.
The two limits
Visceral fat. Men characteristically store fat inside the abdominal cavity, around the organs and behind the muscle wall. It produces a firm, rounded abdomen that does not pinch, and liposuction cannot reach it — the instrument works in the layer between skin and muscle. This is the single most common reason a man is told liposuction will do less than he hoped. Weight loss is what shifts it.
Fibrous fat. Male fat, particularly at the flanks and chest, is denser and more fibrous. It takes longer to remove, is more likely to need a second pass, and bruises more.
Where it works well in men
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Flanks (love handles) | The most requested area; responds well where skin quality is good. Flank contouring |
| Lower abdomen | Where the fat is pinchable rather than firm and rounded |
| Chest | Where the problem is fat. Where it is a firm disc behind the nipple it is gland, and liposuction leaves it behind — how to tell |
| Under the chin | Responds well in men with reasonable skin tone |
| Back and bra-line area | Fibrous; often needs combining with excision after weight loss |
Where it does not
After significant weight loss, almost nowhere on its own. The problem then is a skin envelope that has lost its elasticity, and removing the remaining fat from underneath makes it hang more. That is the situation excision operations exist for — why liposuction alone will not fix loose skin sets out how to tell the difference.
Gynaecomastia is a different problem
If what you can feel is a firm, rubbery disc directly behind the nipple, that is glandular tissue rather than fat, and liposuction alone tends to leave it — sometimes making it more obvious once the surrounding fat has gone. It has its own Medicare items, 31525 and 31526, with their own criteria. Medicare and gynaecomastia.
Recovery
Back at desk work within about a week, a compression garment for six weeks, and the final contour at around three months. Men in physical trades should plan on longer before heavy lifting. Expect a firm, lumpy stage between about two and six weeks — it is normal and it settles. Liposuction recovery week by week.
Complete abstinence from all nicotine, not just smoking, is required for six weeks before and after surgery.
Cost and Medicare
Liposuction performed for contour attracts no Medicare rebate. Where the chest problem is glandular, items 31525 (unilateral) and 31526 (bilateral) may apply on their own criteria — 31526 requires the enlargement to be not due to obesity and not proportionate to your body habitus, with photographic evidence in your notes. Dr Kumar’s quotes are itemised. More about costs.
Common questions
Will it give me definition? It reduces a fat layer. Definition depends on what is underneath and on how much fat sits inside the abdomen.
Will the fat come back? Treated fat cells are removed, but the remaining cells enlarge with weight gain, and fat can distribute differently afterwards.
Can I train straight after? Walking early; most activity by six weeks; heavy lifting later depending on the areas treated.
Can it be combined with skin removal? Frequently, and after weight loss that is usually the plan. Body contouring for men.
How do I know if I am a candidate? Pinch the area sitting down. If you can take hold of it, liposuction is in play. Examination settles it — or send photos first.
Next step
Bring a GP referral — it is required to see Dr Kumar — and he will tell you plainly whether liposuction will achieve what you are after. He consults at Westmead, Penrith and Orange. Call 1300 267 726. More about liposuction.
The initial consultation with Dr Kumar is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 where you have a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after your consultation, in a written itemised quote.
All surgery carries risks, and individual results will vary. Read more about the risks of surgery here. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
