Liposuction is the gold standard for eliminating stubborn fat deposits that persist despite maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly. “This safe and extremely effective procedure can be used to slim and sculpt just about any area of the body, and patients love liposuction because of its guaranteed and long-lasting results,” explains board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sachin Shridharani, founder of New York City’s LUXURGERY, who uses a variety of liposuction techniques to achieve the optimal outcomes for his patients. In addition to traditional liposuction, Dr. Shridharani also uses vibration-enhanced power-assisted liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction and laser-assisted liposuction (SmartLipo). “The ideal approach depends on the area being treated, and if the overlying skin could benefit from a bit of tightening,” he explains.

Genetics are often responsible for pockets of unwanted fat, and some women and men are more prone to carrying weight in certain areas. Gender also plays a role in fat distribution. As one ages, there are predictable patterns of fat deposition in men and women. “Men tend to accumulate fat on the lower third of their face, and see an increase in intra-abdominal fat (think barrel chest or a pot belly). This abdominal fat cannot be treated with liposuction. Women tend to put on fat around the lower abdomen/pubis, hips, arms and thighs, and these areas can be contoured and treated,” Dr. Shridharani explains.

So when watching what you eat and regular SoulCycle classes aren’t enough, liposuction may be the solution, and these are the five most-treated spots.

The abdomen
Belly fat is notoriously difficult to get rid of without a super-strict diet and copious amounts of calorie-burning exercise. Women and men who log countless hours in the gym can still struggle with a layer of fat that conceals their hard-earned abs, but liposuction is a tried-and-true solution that eliminates this unwanted fat once and for all. Dr. Shridharani also performs a specialized technique called liposculpting. “This form of advanced liposuction allows me to etch and accentuate the abdominal muscles to improve the overall appearance of muscle definition,” he says.

The hips and waist
In addition to eliminating stubborn bulges, liposuction is an effective way to improve the body’s contours. “Liposuction can help women with excess fat around the waistline achieve an hourglass silhouette by reducing the circumference of the waist, which in turn helps enhance the curves of the hips,” Dr. Shridharani explains. “On the flip side, if excess fat makes the hips appear out of proportion with the rest of the body, liposuction can create an aesthetically pleasing balance with the waist. “My male patients come in hoping to achieve more of a “V” shape, so care must be taken to sculpt their bodies and not create an hourglass figure,” he says.

The flanks (love handles) and lower back
The persistent pockets of fat that cause “muffin top” can be difficult to target with diet and exercise alone. Dr. Shridharani sees many patients with excess fat around the flanks and lower back that it uncomfortable to wear fitted clothing. Liposuction in these areas eliminates the fat that can cause visible bulges and creates a smooth appearance when wearing body-slimming styles.

Outer and inner thighs
“Many women are genetically predisposed to excess fat on the inner and outer thighs, and these spots are difficult to target with exercise alone,” says Dr. Shridharani. Bulges on the inner thighs can lead to rubbing and chafing, while extra fat on the outer thighs leads to the appearance of “saddlebags.” These areas respond well to liposuction, and just a few small, well-hidden incisions can help sculpt these areas and give the legs a leaner, more streamlined appearance.

The buttocks
Liposuction is frequently used to improve the shape, size and symmetry of the buttocks. Dr. Shridharani often recommends liposuction in surrounding areas like the hips and the backs of the upper thighs to enhance the shapeliness of the buttocks and optimize balance with the hips and waist.

Liposuction details
“Regardless of the modality used, all liposuction essentially involves making very small incisions and inserting a long, thin tube called a cannula that uses vacuum suction to remove fat,” explains Dr. Shridharani. During liposuction, the treated area is infused with a solution of saline, local anesthetic and epinephrine to reduce bleeding and bruising during the procedure as well as facilitate fat removal and minimize post-surgical discomfort. “Most patients are concerned about visual scars. Incisions are carefully placed in natural skin creases and areas that usually covered by a bikini top or bottom so they are virtually undetectable once healed.”