Liposuction can target localized fat in many areas, including beneath the chin, the arms, abdomen, waist, back and thighs. The right plan identifies the exact areas and the tissue causing fullness. It does not mean removing every area of fat or treating all concerns in one operation.
In this July 8, 2020 episode of Plastic Surgery: Before and After, board-certified New York City plastic surgeon Darren M. Smith, MD takes a head-to-toe tour of common treatment areas. He explains why each region needs its own anatomical assessment and why a label such as Lipo 360 is not enough to define the plan.
Key takeaways
🔎 The source of fullness matters.
The male-chest discussion distinguishes fat from breast tissue, which may require a different approach.
🔬 Abdominal fat has different compartments.
Liposuction targets subcutaneous fat above the abdominal wall, not the visceral fat around internal organs.
🔎 Neighboring areas affect overall contour.
Dr. Smith discusses planning the abdomen and waist together and considering the different sides of the thighs.
🔎 Name each treatment area.
Ask whether a proposed Lipo 360 plan includes the abdomen, flanks, upper back, lower back or other specific regions.
🔬 Fat is only part of the assessment.
Existing skin laxity and underlying muscle tone influence the result. The episode also discusses skin-removal procedures and historical adjuncts such as BodyTite and Emsculpt.
💬 Questions answered
Can liposuction remove all of my abdominal fat?
No. Dr. Smith distinguishes the superficial fat beneath the skin from deeper visceral fat around the organs. His explanation emphasizes an examination to determine which compartment contributes to the abdominal shape.
Is chin liposuction actually performed on the chin?
In this discussion, chin liposuction refers to the submental area beneath and behind the chin. Dr. Smith describes treating fullness there as part of an assessment of the jawline and lower facial profile.
Does Lipo 360 always include the same areas?
The episode warns that the term alone can be too vague. Dr. Smith recommends a clear discussion of the actual regions being treated so the patient and surgeon share the same expectations.
🎧 Episode chapters
01:08 — Chin, male chest, underarms and arms
04:29 — Abdominal liposuction: superficial versus visceral fat
06:32 — Planning the waist and back
09:02 — Why Dr. Smith asks what Lipo 360 actually includes
11:18 — Thigh regions and selected calf treatment
14:18 — Skin laxity, muscle tone and historical adjuncts
🔗 Related information
Explore current practice information on liposuction, chin liposuction and thigh liposuction, or request a consultation with Dr. Smith in New York City.
About the host — current biography
Darren M. Smith, MD, FACS specializes in mommy makeover surgery, breast surgery, and body contouring in Manhattan. He was named to Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026 and has co-authored authoritative peer-reviewed publications on combined breast surgery and abdominoplasty and the surgical care of postpartum patients.
Originally released July 8, 2020. Show notes updated September 30, 2026. This is general education; suitability, the extent of treatment, risks and expected results require an individual assessment.
Full transcript and related resources
