Is liposuction on lean to extremely lean patients viable? Can contouring of muscle groups be achieved? (photo)

Question

I'm 5'9", 240lbs, ~10% bodyfat (stored highly asymmetrically). I have visible abs year round, but a very soft back/flanks. Bringing out detail in the lower/middle back is nigh impossible for me, despite tremendous mass. I do an annual cut to 6-7% bf; my legs, abs, arms become freakishly lean, yet I still have love handles and a soft-looking back. It leaves me with a dumpy transition from upper to lower body. Can targeted liposuction help me achieve the lean, detailed back/flanks I'm looking for?

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. Based on your photos, you can have more definition in the areas of concern with VASER Hi Def Liposuction. This is a specialized technique that most surgeons do not do or are not familiar with sculpting out the muscle anatomy. Most plastic surgeons are trained in fat reduction liposuction only as opposed to revealing liposuction. Your photos are difficult to analyze and an in person examination is a must.I would not advise to try non-invasive methods, will not work well and give you the results your are seeking. See a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in advanced body sculpting techniques with the VASER, which allows for both deep and superficial fat compartment treatment. Good luck.

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question and the short answer is that in general you can get very nice results with liposuction, provided the overlying skin quality is good.  Liposuction tends to work the best on patients who are at or near their goal weight and not on patients who are looking for an alternative to diet and exercise.  It would be helpful to set up a consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to go over all of your questions in detail and in person, including specific areas of concern, liposuction technique, incision placement and downtime.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have liposuction in areas that have fat. For best results, I recommend a hi definition procedure like VASER liposuction. I use VASER HI DEF with ThermRF and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, contour and definition. This combination will give you the most toned result. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a hi definition physique expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your pictures and questions. I think that several surgeons are going to tell you that liposuction is a good option for you but I am going to respectfully disagree. In very lean patients like you, I think that liposuction can provide only marginal results and carries a high risk of contour deformities and bad outcomes. I think if you have very small areas of concern and the fat layer you are dealing with is very thin, you would be a better candidate for a non-invasive method of fat removal such as CoolSculpting or even Kybella injection if the area is small enough. Make sure you see a local plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.Best of luck!

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

It doesn’t matter if the patient is lean or not. If there is fat in the area of concern then Liposuction can be beneficial. An exam in person or better photos would be needed to determine this.

Nicholas A. Flugstad, MD · Answer

Liposuction is possible for definition and even muscle sculpting (etching) wherever there is fat. Seeing you in person and pinching those areas is the key to knowing whether it will benefit you. See a plastic surgeon in person who specializes in body contouring and shaping. Done poorly, liposuction in lean individuals can turn out unfavorably. You have a very fit body so make your decisions carefully on this procedure.

Is liposuction on lean to extremely lean patients viable? Can contouring of muscle groups be achieved? (photo)

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