02 Apr 2025
Body contouring is one of my passions. I love helping my Boston area patients to look and feel their best. Having been in practice for over 15 years, I have spoken with thousands of patients about their body contouring needs. One of the most common questions that I hear during an initial consultation is: “What is the difference between body contouring and liposuction?”. In short, liposuction is a body contouring procedure to remove pockets of excess fat. It may be performed on its own or in conjunction with another procedure such as Renuvion® for skin tightening or a surgical tummy tuck. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding whether or not liposuction may be right for you.
What is Liposuction in Boston?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove excess pockets of subcutaneous fat from almost anywhere on your body. One of the critical things to understand when it comes to liposuction in the abdominal area is that there are two types of fat:
- Subcutaneous fat
- Visceral fat
Liposuction can ONLY address subcutaneous fat. This is the kind of fat that I like to call “pinchable” fat. It is located just below the surface of the skin where you can grab it and pull it away from your body. Visceral fat, on the other hand, is located deep in the tissues and around your organs. This type of fat can only be reduced through changes in diet and exercise. Figuring out which type of fat is causing your body dissatisfaction requires an in-person consultation.
Why In-Person Body Contouring Consultation is Important
I think we can all agree that the internet has had a positive effect on our lives. In terms of my practice, I think it’s fantastic that patients come in having done their own research. But the problem with the web and aesthetic procedures is that the internet doesn’t know you or your unique anatomy. Being seen in-person by a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, such as myself, for a body contouring consultation is one of the best ways to ensure that you’re going to achieve the outcome that you desire. During our meeting, I will listen to what bothers you about your body. You may dislike the look of your love handles, for example, and want liposuction, but do you have healthy enough skin for it to adjust to a slimmer contour without sagging? My job is to examine all of the factors that go into a fantastic result. I will inquire into your:
- Medical history
- Family history
- Any prior procedures, including injectables
I want to understand how your skin and tissues respond to trauma as I am looking to establish your individual baseline for healing. Then, I will perform an in-depth physical exam to assess:
- Skin tone & texture
- Location & degree of fat
- Type of fat
- Body proportion
The Goal of Body Contouring is to Restore Proper Proportion
The goal of any body contouring procedure, including liposuction, is to restore proper proportion. The human eye is actually wired to perceive a body that is balanced and harmonious as looking more youthful and attractive. This is why liposuction can have such a profoundly positive effect on not just your outside self, but your inside self as well. My patients will always tell me afterwards how they feel more confident, energetic and eager to try new things. This is what I call a win-win.
To find out more about liposuction or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Chestnut Hill office, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.
