Male liposuction is on the rise. Although the procedure is largely the same, a man can expect to pay more for liposuction than women for three common reasons:

1) Men are generally larger, so the body area upon which the liposuction is performed is likely to be larger.

2) The fat on a man's body is usually more fibrous, and it is therefore more time consuming to break it down before removal. If diets don't work, lipo is always an option...

3) Men usually request liposuction on areas of the body that are more fibrous to begin, such as the chest, love handles and abdomen.

Plastic surgeons are reporting an increase in the number of liposuction procedures to slim and rejuvenate the face of a man. Specifically, the chin neck and jowls are common targets of liposuction on a man's face to produce a more youthful look.

Gynecomastia or unnatural enlargement of a man's breasts is usually caused by hormone imbalance and can be successfully treated with liposuction. The incisions in such a procedure are usually so small that scarring is not a problem. Reduction of a man's breast size can only be accomplished if the enlargement is the result of fatty tissue, not glandular tissue. If the breasts are enlarged with glandular material, liposuction is not an alternative and hormonal or medication treatment must be used.

If the man's breasts are misshapen or of different sizes, a mammogram is indicated to rule out breast cancer. (Though less common, it does occur in men)

Although the same rules apply for men choosing a surgeon to perform liposuction, experience performing such procedures on men should be investigated.

The risks remain the same as well as the post-operative recovery goals.

In 2005, 12% of liposuction procedures were performed on men, it is expected that this number will continue to grow as more surgeons become familiar with the process and more men overcome their aversion to cosmetic surgery. (Numbers provided by ASAPS)

Men cannot achieve significant weight loss through liposuction, it is a procedure targeting specific areas of the physique to produce a reshaping and slimming in proportion to other areas.

Men who are morbidly overweight or have other significant health problems may not be candidates for liposuction, due to the inherent dangers present in the face of serious medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.

Liposuction is for slimming and shaping, it cannot improve skin texture.

Abdominal etching is a popular procedure among men. In abdominal etching, fatty tissue in place around normal, well developed abdominal muscles is removed to produce a more sculpted abdomen. If the muscles are not well developed, abdominoplasty may be necessary which is more invasive surgery involving surgical tightening of the abdominal muscles as well as liposuction to remove excess deposits of subcutaneous fat.

The only difference in liposuction on men, then on women is the more fibrous tissue to be removed by the surgeon that requires more effort and time.

Anesthesia considerations depend upon the surgery to be performed, the needs and desires of the patient as well as the preference of the surgeon. In all cases, a board certified anesthesiologist or a CRNA should be consulted and available in case of complications.

Men contemplating liposuction should follow the same cautionary procedures as women before undergoing surgery.