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Pining for super sculpted ab definition? We feel your pain. Endless crunches can burn in more ways than one. Truth is, it’s just not possible for most of us to naturally achieve the chiseled physique of a competitive bodybuilder or a body-tuned IG influencer, no matter how many gym hours logged or macros carefully measured.

Fat is like a fingerprint. Each person’s pattern of deposits is unique, which means that the same quantity of fat can look very different between individuals. It's also why lifestyle changes can only take us so far. For many, that’s where plastic surgery comes in. 

The origins of [liposuction](https://aedit.com/procedure/tumescent-liposuction) date back to the 1920s, when a French surgeon removed a portion of skin and soft tissue to improve the contour of a dancer’s knees and ankles. The result was tragic. His overly aggressive sculpting and too-tight suturing led to necrosis and, ultimately, amputation. 

In the ensuing decades, European plastic surgeons experimented with body sculpting techniques that minimized incisions and superficial tissue removal, instead scraping and suctioning the subcutaneous fat deposits. The technique proved problematic, however, due to its high risk of hematoma and seroma (blood and fluid pooling, respectively), infection, and necrosis.

The breakthrough finally came in the 1970s, when Italian and French surgeons pioneered excess fat removing techniques using varying sizes of blunt cannulas attached to suction to more gently remove the fat cells. The injection of saline mixed with enzymes to break up the fat cells prior to removal further refined the procedure.

In the years since, liposuction has gained popularity worldwide. [According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons](https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2018.pdf), over 250,000 lipo procedures were performed on so-called ‘problem areas’ in 2018 in the United States alone. Surgical innovators, meanwhile, have continued to hone the procedure to produce increasingly fine-tuned results.

The latest technique, known as high-definition or hi-def liposuction, uses more precise tools and methods to create incredibly natural-looking curves that mimic muscle contours and was first popularized in South America. 

## **Difference Between Traditional and High Definition Liposuction** 
“Traditional lipo is just fat removal in areas that are excessively full or problematic,” explains board certified plastic surgeon [Jacob Unger, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/jacob-unger-md-2649), of Nashville’s Maxwell Aesthetics. With this new approach, surgeons selectively remove fat from certain areas and leave a little bit extra in others “to create aesthetically pleasing peaks and valleys,” he continues.

The increasingly sculpted results come from a combination of both the plastic surgeon’s training and skill, along with the application of modern modalities that ease fat removal while safeguarding surrounding tissue. Some of these devices liquify fat cells prior to removal using different types of energy, like [ultrasonic](https://aedit.com/procedure/ultrasound-assisted-liposuction) (see: Vaser liposuction) or [laser](https://aedit.com/procedure/laser-assisted-liposuction) (i.e. [Smartlipo](https://aedit.com/procedure/smartlipo)). Others, like [power-assisted liposuction](https://aedit.com/procedure/power-assisted-liposuction) (PAL), use a vibrating cannula to help break up fat and keep the cells intact for potential fat grafting. Dr. Unger favors power-assisted [liposculpture](https://aedit.com/procedure/liposculpture) using varying cannula sizes in conjunction with skin-tightening radiofrequency energy (like [BodyTite](https://aedit.com/procedure/radiofrequency-assisted-liposuction)) to achieve his chiseled contours.

## **Areas of the Body to Treat With Hi-Def Lipo**
“Hi-def lipo is a complete game changer,” says New York- and Beverly Hills-based board certified plastic surgeon [Douglas Steinbrech, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/douglas-steinbrech-md-62), who adds that the technique has applications far beyond the stereotypical six pack.

“Not only can we enhance the patient’s own natural abdominal musculature, but also other areas such as the deltoids, the shoulders, biceps, triceps, and the pecs because we are looking at creating a total torso transformation,” he explains. Surgeons are also able to treat the back, arms, thighs, and calves.

## **Best Candidate for Hi-Def Lipo**
The best candidates for hi-def lipo are those patients with a BMI in the normal range and good skin quality (think: minimal or no laxity), who [already lead a healthy lifestyle](https://aedit.com/aedition/why-you-should-lose-weight-before-plastic-surgery) but want to be rid of problem fat pockets. Basically, it’s best for those seeking that ‘the gym is my day job’-type definition. 

Although hi-def lipo is a popular body contouring treatment for men and women alike, more and more guys are seeking out the procedure. Kevin*, 26, sought Dr. Steinbrech’s help after multiple lifestyle changes just couldn’t meet his goals. “For the longest time I tried to lose the fat on my flanks, chest and stomach,” he shares. “But no matter how hard I worked out and tried different diets, I could not lose the fat in those areas.” 

Dr. Steinbrech performed high-definition liposuction and autologous fat transfer on Kevin — a technique he’s dubbed “BodyBanking.” For Kevin, the results were life changing. “I have the body I never thought I could have before,” he shares. “I am a lot happier with myself now. Everything got better since my procedure: sex, friends, love life — all of it became 100 times better.”

## **How to Find the Right Provider to Perform Hi-Def Lipo**
With hi-def demand on the rise, Dr. Steinbrech and Dr. Unger urge people to be extra cautious when researching potential providers. Not only is it crucial to seek out a board certified plastic surgeon to perform your hi-def liposuction surgery, but you also need to make sure that surgeon specializes in the technique. “The biggest word of caution is to go to a surgeon that has a lot of experience with men’s body contouring and has a ton of before and after photos on the website to prove it,” Dr. Steinbrech shares.

The consequences of settling for cosmetic surgery ‘deals’ promised by less-than-expert providers are both immediate and long term. Not only are you increasing your chances of experiencing complications like bleeding and infection (a statistical possibility with even the most skilled surgeon), but you’re at much higher risk of experiencing disappointing results in the future. We naturally lose superficial fat as we age, which can prove problematic if a surgeon removes too much fat. 

“Overly resecting the fatty tissue beneath the skin can cause scarring and unnatural appearing lines and contours. That is why I perform ‘soft def’ liposuction,” explains Dr. Unger. “I feel that getting some elegant and athletic contours is great, but I would never perform that at the cost of a natural-looking and long-lasting result.”

## **Hi-Def Lipo Surgery and Results**
High-definition liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure (unless it’s very high volume). Downtime varies by procedure and patient, but it typically entails two to five days at home. Patients must wear compression garments 24/7 for the first two to four weeks and should expect some bruising and soreness. Most patients feel up to light exercise at the two-week mark and can hit the gym by one month post-op. Full restrictions are lifted after six weeks. 

“Recovery was very easy for me and it was very straightforward,” says Kevin. “Dr. Steinbrech had a recovery plan set up for me and provided all the medications tools necessary for my recovery.” Although every patient’s postoperative experience is different, sticking to your plastic surgeon’s recovery instructions will certainly make things smoother.

Expect to budget a minimum of $4,000 for a single area of hi-def lipo, but costs vary widely (think: upwards of $20K) depending upon the surgeon and the patient’s anatomy and goals. 

## **The Takeaway**
While liposuction has been among the most popular cosmetic procedures for decades now, hi-def techniques are particularly en vogue right now thanks to social media. “Patients are working out more and showing off the results on Instagram and other social media,” Dr. Steinbrech says. Similarly, Dr. Unger has also noticed a shift in aesthetic ideals. “What was once considered a nice figure has been ratcheted up significantly,” he shares. “Now a flat tummy is the minimum, with people wanting to see definition and abs.”

Even so, finding the right provider for your procedure is imperative to ensure the long-term results are both safe and satisfying. “Don’t get sucked into advertising from device companies,” Dr. Steinbrech warns. “It’s the conductor of the symphony — not the baton — that creates the most beautiful music.”

*Patient’s name has been changed

Now Trending

New ‘hi-def’ liposuction techniques do more than remove excess fat. They have the power to create chiseled contours without crunches. Is there a catch? The AEDITION investigates.

Everything You Need To Know About High-Definition Liposuction

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Men are increasingly seeking the help of cosmetic surgeons to achieve their [dream physique](https://aedit.com/aedition/the-best-cosmetic-surgery-procedures-for-men) through plastic surgery. One of the most popular procedures among them is liposuction and [liposculpture](https://aedit.com/procedure/liposculpture), which involves extracting unwanted fat cells in a targeted way to reshape and tone the body. When it comes to male liposuction, there can be various ways to address the concerns specific to men. We spoke to board certified plastic surgeon [Gregory Buford, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/gregory-buford-md-1015) to discuss the procedure, as well as real male patients who have had liposuction about their experiences.

## **Liposuction vs. Liposculpture: What's the Difference?**

The difference between liposuction and liposculpture is that [liposuction](https://aedit.com/procedure/tumescent-liposuction) is carried out by making small incisions on the body to insert a hollow tube known as a cannula. As the cannula is moved around in the deeper layers of fat, cells are broken up and vacuumed out of the body. It is a versatile procedure that is popular with men because it can be focused on the specific problem areas that they haven’t been able to address through diet and exercise alone. A physician will plan out how much fat to remove and from which areas ahead of the procedure. 

Some physicians also offer liposculpture, a method similar to liposuction, but is used to create the illusion of muscle gain by relocating fat throughout the body, like a more pronounced six-pack or pectoral muscles. Whether the doctor advises liposculpture or liposuction depends on the desired results, but long term maintenance is always taken into account. "The issue with liposculpture is if the patient were to gain weight in the future, the sculpted areas can look unnatural," says Dr. Buford. 

## **Is There a Difference Between Male and Female Liposuction?**

The main differences between male and female liposuction reside in the common areas of treatment which for men, are the lower abdomen, flanks (love handles), and upper arms. Many have started to request their chest, thighs, chin, and neck as well. Liposuction and liposculpture as a cosmetic procedure do not change based on the gender of the patient, but particular anatomy is taken into account. The recovery is no different either. Patients are able to return home as soon as the effects of the anesthetic have worn off and should avoid strenuous activity for around a week. This rest period is particularly important for active men. "Any activity involving a twisting movement, such as golf, should be avoided for a week after the procedure too," says Dr. Buford. 

All patients will also want to keep in mind that maintaining a long term healthy lifestyle is key to keeping results from liposuction surgery for as long as possible. It is possible to have revisions down the road, either on a different area entirely or to improve the initial results following weight loss or gain. The average cost of liposuction in the U.S. is $6,000, but can vary widely depending on the area being treated and the anesthesia used during the procedure.

### **Matt*, 32, Long Island, NY**
Matt lost 50 pounds after college by following a strict diet and exercise regimen but had stubborn fat in his flanks (love handles). He decided to look at surgical options to address his unhappiness with this area. At his consultation, his cosmetic surgeon suggested he consider liposuction.

**The AEDITION**: *Why did you decide to have liposuction?* 

**Matt**: “I had worked so hard on my body to get myself to a place where I liked what I saw in the mirror, but there was this one area of stubborn fat that I just couldn’t get rid of. I ended up looking at surgical options and my surgeon suggested liposuction. I researched the procedure, discussed the recovery process and longevity of results with my surgeon, and decided it was a good option for me.”

**The AEDITION**: *What was the procedure and recovery like?*

**Matt**: “It was actually the first surgery I’ve ever had, so I had no clue what to expect, but it was very straightforward and I felt very safe throughout. I had my procedure under general anesthesia and when I woke up I was comfortable. I had very little discomfort during the entire recovery process. I’d booked a week out of work to give myself time to recuperate, but I actually didn’t even need that long. I had time to relax and get a few chores done before I went back to the office which was excellent!”

**The AEDITION**: *How satisfied are you with the results?*

**Matt**: “I’m really happy with how it’s turned out. I think it’s one of those things that you notice so much more on yourself than on anyone else. When I look back at the photos of myself before I had the surgery and compare them to how I look now, I can see a massive difference, not only in how the area looks, but also in my attitude. It’s a small procedure that’s made a big difference in my confidence.” 

**The AEDITION**: *Do you have any tips for patients who are considering having the procedure?*

**Matt**: “The surgery itself is not something to be worried about at all and it’s really quite easy to recover from. I would recommend finding a surgeon that you feel you can trust. That made all the difference for me.”

### **Joshua*, 38, Boston, MA**
Joshua is an ex-varsity athlete who had been trying to tone his lower abs for years. He had a visible ‘four-pack’ when he was a student, but he’d tried for years to get a six-pack with no results. A friend recommended liposculpture to him, and after some research, he decided to go for it.

**The AEDITION**: *How would you describe your body type before and after the procedure?*

**Joshua**: “I have always been athletic but with age, I lost muscle tone and became heavier in the lower abdomen, which had always been a problem area for me, as well as my male breasts. I wanted to have liposculpture to remove the excess fat from those areas. Instead of straight liposuction, I opted for liposculpture because it allowed me to have a toned six-pack for the first time in my life.”

**The AEDITION**: *Were the results what you expected?*

**Joshua**: “The results were more subtle than I had expected, but not in a bad way. I imagined that the area would be super toned, but in fact, it looked pretty natural as soon as the swelling went down. It has settled more in the months following the procedure. For me, it wasn’t a case of turning my athletic physique into a bodybuilder’s, but it was a way for me to achieve the look I had tried to get through the usual routes and had not succeeded. The results definitely met my expectations in that regard.”

**The AEDITION**: *How was the recovery process for you?*

**Joshua**: “I made sure to follow the guide I had been given by the doctor and rested when I needed to. There was some pain during the first two days post-surgery, but aside from that, it was smooth enough for me to consider having it done all over again if I ever wanted to. The scarring concerned me, but they are tiny marks that my surgeon hid as best as possible. They have faded so well already that I’m not bothered by them now.”

**The AEDITION**: *Do you have any advice for patients considering the procedure?*

**Joshua**: “The main thing I had to learn was to not expect miracles. The methods used and the technology available are mind-blowing, but your body will still be your body once the surgeon is finished with it. I had to go through a period of adjusting to my new look and getting my head around the fact that even though I now had the body I’d always wanted, I didn’t necessarily feel the way I thought I would. It was more than just a physical transformation for me.”

### **Alex*, 41, Fort Lauderdale, FL**
Alex had always thought he had a weak jawline, but as he got older he developed a double chin and excess fat around his neck and jaw. He was increasingly unhappy with how he looked and consulted a cosmetic surgeon to discuss options. He was surprised when liposuction was suggested, since he had only heard about the procedure for other areas of the body, and decided to undergo the procedure a few weeks after his initial consultation.

**The AEDITION**: *What was the initial consultation with the physician like?*

**Alex**: “I went into my first consult without much of an idea of what the surgeon would suggest for my double chin. I had done some basic research, but I figured I’d leave it to the expert. We discussed what kind of result I wanted and I had some pictures of me when I was younger and also some ‘jawline inspo’ photos. After taking a look, the surgeon suggested liposuction. It wasn’t something I had thought of before, but it made sense. I asked about how the procedure works, whether I’d be under general anesthesia or not, and how much scarring there would be. The answers were all fine by me and I decided to get the procedure booked.”

**The AEDITION**: *Are you pleased with the results?*

**Alex**: “I’m so happy with how the area looks now and the scars are barely visible. I don’t think anyone would notice the scars unless I pointed them out. The fat reduction was amazing. Even with the swelling straight after the surgery, I could see the result. Over the following weeks and months, as everything settled in, I became even more pleased with how it looks.”

**The AEDITION**: *Do you have any advice for people considering having the same procedure?*

**Alex**: “Be guided by your surgeon. I had a clear image of what I wanted the result to look like, but I trusted my surgeon to advise me on how to achieve that result. Follow the steps they tell you after the procedure. I had mine with local anesthesia, so I went home the same day and the advice the doctors and nurses gave me made the process much easier.”

*Patient names have been changed

Patient Perspective

Men are increasingly seeking the help of cosmetic surgeons to achieve their dream physique. We spoke to plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Buford and three real male liposuction patients to find out what it's really like.