Sculpt Your Lower Body with Hip Liposuction

Liposuction was the most in-demand plastic surgery procedure in 2023, with 347,782 procedures performed, a 7 percent increase from 2022, per reports from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The procedure targets stubborn fat in various areas of the body, creating a slimmer, smoother contour. Excess fat in the lower belly, hips, and thighs is particularly hard to lose with just diet and exercise. One reason is that the fat cells in these areas are controlled by alpha-2 receptors, which don’t usually respond well to these conventional measures. Hip liposuction targets love handles, the diet- and exercise-resistant fat in the flanks. When combined with buttock liposuction, the procedure can sculpt the lower body with natural-looking results.

How is Liposuction on Hips Performed?

In established NYC plastic surgery practices, liposuction on hips or flanks is performed using the laser-assisted Smartlipo Triplex device. This safe, minimally-invasive treatment involves using laser energy to liquefy and remove excess fat and refine your body’s contours. Hip laser liposuction in NYC typically needs only local anesthesia.

The procedure begins with your liposuction surgeon marking the treatment site. After the anesthesia takes effect, a small incision is made in the skin to insert the thin Smartlipo laser fiber into the site. The device is equipped with three powerful laser wavelengths and your surgeon will use the appropriate one to liquefy the fat, without harming the surrounding tissue. The liquefied fat is later suctioned off using a cannula.

Achieving Optimal Results: The Importance of Removing the Right Amount of Fat

Liposuction of the hips helps to sculpt the body by removing excess fat from the sides, which enhances overall shape. By reducing the appearance of love handles, the procedure creates a smoother, more natural transition between the waist and hips. Plastic surgeons often recommend combining liposuction on the flanks with buttock liposuction. Targeting the flanks as well as the buttocks can provide a more contoured look, resulting in a balanced and aesthetically pleasing lower body.

However, improving your body’s silhouette with liposuction of the hips and buttocks isn’t just about removing excess fat; it’s about removing the right amount. According to an article published by the ASPS, taking away too much fat can disrupt the natural contours of the body and lead to skin irregularities that are difficult, if not impossible, to fully correct.

Liposuction of the hips can create a smoother transition to the lower body, making the buttocks appear fuller. However, targeting the actual buttocks, especially the lower half, may result in skin asymmetries, dimpling, and sagging. Experts often recommend focusing on the upper outer buttocks, outer thighs, and hip-flank areas for better results.

For patients with larger buttocks, skin elasticity—its ability to adjust to new contours—is crucial, often more so than simply achieving a desired size. Removing too much fat can lead to rippling and sagging.

To achieve optimal contouring results for the hips and buttocks, a skilled liposuction surgeon will carefully remove just the right amount of fat while preserving enough fatty tissue to maintain the body’s natural contours and ensure a smooth skin surface.

If you’re considering hip laser liposuction in NYC, choose an AAAASF-accredited plastic surgery practice. These facilities have skilled plastic surgeons and a dedicated team that ensures comprehensive care throughout your treatment and recovery process.