How Does Liposuction Work on Different Body Types?

When liposuction gained traction in the Philippines in the mid-2000s, it was commonly misperceived as a cure-all for losing weight or a quick fix to get skinny. Newsflash: It isn't. So, how does liposuction work?

Celebs like Beauty Gonzales, Moira dela Torre, Janella Salvador, and even Catriona Gray aren’t exactly who you’d expect you’d expect to turn to liposuction, but they’ve shared about how it’s helped them target stubborn areas and feel more confident in their bodies.

Read more for a lowdown on the treatment and how it can be used on different body types.

Contrary to popular belief, liposuction isn’t a weight-loss solution but a body-sculpting treatment. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that targets and removes fat from stubborn areas, often used as a last resort when diet and exercise aren’t enough to shrink localized fat. Using suction, fat is eliminated from specific body parts, particularly the belly, arms, thighs, buttocks, and neck area.  

In other words, liposuction is a body-contouring treatment and is not recommended for major fat removal or weight loss. In cases like obesity, for example, this is best addressed holistically, with modifications in your lifestyle and expert advice from a health professional.

Many well-known Pinay celebrities have become open about their lipo journeys. Beauty queen Catriona Gray had liposuction on their arms, as did singer Morissette.

Beauty Gonzalez got the procedure to eliminate fat in her problem areas: arms, back, chin, and jaw. Actress and mom Janella Salvador, who has shared in interviews how she’s had trouble getting back her pre-pregnancy body, turned to lipo to augment her weight loss efforts, alongside dieting and exercising.

Notice that these are different women with different needs and body types. So, how does liposuction work to enhance yours?

Biologically, women tend to store excess weight around the hips and thighs. If you're pear-shaped, that means you carry more weight on your lower body. In this case, the doctor will likely recommend fat elimination on your outer thighs, your hips, around your back, and waist.

Are you bothered by the extra layers around your belly? Many factors, including age, genetics, and hormones, could be contributing to fat accumulation in your midsection. Having fat surgically removed from your waist, supported with a proper diet and a regular exercise routine, could help give you a more proportionate body.

If you have a well-proportioned shape but think you could use more definition, liposuction can be an option. It can contour your body in target areas, like your puson or the little flaps under your arms.

You’re in good shape overall but want more muscle definition (read: reveal the rips and cuts beneath layers of fat). If so, your doctor can use liposuction to eliminate the extra fat in specific areas.

While it’s a cosmetic treatment and minimally invasive as it only requires small incisions and localized fat removal, liposuction is still a major surgery. The procedure still calls for general anesthesia, and it comes with possible complications and risks. Your body will also experience swelling, bruising, and pain, which will need significant healing and recovery downtime. It’s best to seek advice from an expert and go to a reputable clinic. If you’re considering liposuction, here are more quick FAQs to know.

Downtime can range from three weeks to several months, depending on which body part you're getting it.

The effects of the procedure are permanent as it involves removing the fat deposits from your body, so technically, they're gone forever.

The fat cells removed won't come back. But the ones that remain in other parts of your body can grow as you gain weight. Exercising regularly and watching your diet are key to maintaining your post-lipo figure.

Celebrities who have sought the procedure have done it to enhance their looks and feel more confident. Ultimately, it’s a step towards achieving the best version of themselves.

Another confidence booster? Investing in beauty and self-care. Keep your skin radiant with POND'S Bright Miracle Serum Burst Cream. Infused with Deep Repair Technology, this day cream helps brighten and deeply hydrate skin with consistent use. Try Cream Silk Repair Booster Treatment Amino-Collagen Damage Repair for deeply nourishing care that helps renew brittle hair.

Lastly, try Dove Radiant + Care Deodorant Serum Roll On - Deep Renew with 3% Niacinamide and 10x Collagen. It’s a dual-powered deodorant-slash-serum with niacinamide and collagen to help renew damaged skin on your underarms.

If you're asking yourself, “How does liposuction work?” Take time to do your research. And remember that you should be making this decision for yourself, not because you feel pressured to look a certain way. Whether you undergo fat removal surgery or embrace your imperfections, choose what aligns with you and what makes you feel confident.