Common Body Contouring Treatment Areas

Body contouring helps you reshape parts of your body that don’t change much with exercise. It targets the spots where fat tends to stick, even when you’re eating well and staying active.

Some people want a flatter belly. Others are after leaner thighs or a sharper jawline. Everyone’s got their own reason, but the goal is usually the same—more balance, better shape.

This article walks you through the areas that get treated most often. Each section shows what can be done and why people choose that area. The changes are not just about looks—they can also make you feel more at ease in your body.

Abdomen and Flanks

Many people start with the belly. Fat tends to gather there, and it’s often the hardest to lose. Contouring the abdomen helps flatten that area and bring out your waist.

The flanks—sometimes called love handles—sit just above your hips. If you’re trying to define your waistline, this zone plays a big role. Slimming the sides gives your midsection a more even shape.

Some go for surgery, like liposuction. Others stick to less invasive methods like freezing fat or using body sculpting injections.

We break this down more in our piece on body sculpting recovery time, in case you’re wondering what happens after treatment.

Thighs (Inner and Outer)

Inner thighs are a common spot. When they rub together, it can get uncomfortable. Treating this zone helps with both movement and appearance.

Outer thighs are different—they can bulge out in ways that make pants feel snug. These are sometimes called “saddlebags.” Contouring here smooths that line and balances out your lower body.

The goal isn’t just thinner legs. It’s about comfort, proportion, and a shape that suits you. Everyone’s legs are built differently, so no two plans are the same.

This zone is often part of a bigger effort to stay active and feel more at ease in your own skin.

Upper Arms

Upper arms may carry soft fat or sagging skin. This is sometimes called “bat wings.” It often happens with age or after weight loss.

Contouring the arms helps tighten the skin and reduce extra fullness. It makes the arms look more toned and firm. This is especially helpful when wearing sleeveless tops or dresses.

Many choose non-invasive treatments for the arms. These use heat, cold, or other methods to target fat without surgery.

Some patients treat the arms before events or warmer seasons. It’s a popular area for those wanting fast changes with little downtime.

Chin and Neck

The submental area—right under your chin—is a common focus. This is where a double chin can appear, even if you’re slim.

Contouring this area helps define the jawline and reduce fullness. It can also smooth the neck and improve your profile from the side.

Most people choose non-surgical treatments for this zone. These methods are quick and usually heal fast. You may notice results sooner here than in larger body parts.

If you want a more sculpted neck or chin, this area is a great place to start.

You can also explore options to buy body sculpting tools or services if you’re planning a longer journey of body shaping.

Back and Bra Line

The back, especially the upper part, can develop small rolls or bulges. For women, this is often seen around the bra line. For men, it may show under fitted shirts.

Contouring this area smooths the upper body and helps clothes fit better. It’s also helpful after weight loss when loose skin or fat remains.

This area is popular for both men and women. It creates a flatter back and reduces folds that are hard to hide with clothing.

You don’t need surgery to treat this zone. Many choose non-invasive methods with minimal downtime.

Buttocks

Buttocks contouring is not about adding size. It focuses on improving shape and tone. The goal is to lift and define, not enlarge.

This is different from filler-based treatments. Contouring here does not add volume. Instead, it firms the area and helps it look smoother and more sculpted.

It’s often combined with lower back or thigh sculpting. This helps create a balanced look from the waist down.

People often choose this when they want a firmer shape that still looks natural.

Chest (Men)

Men often request contouring of the chest. This area may carry extra fat or tissue that makes the chest look soft or swollen.

Treatments help reduce this fullness and define the muscle beneath. The result is a firmer, flatter chest.

The cause of the extra tissue varies. It might be fat or glandular. Your provider will assess the reason and suggest the right approach.

Chest treatments are often paired with abdomen or flank sculpting for more impact.

Considerations for Multiple Treatment Areas

Some people treat more than one area. This is helpful when you want overall balance, not just spot improvements.

For example, treating the arms and thighs together helps with upper and lower body shape. Combining the abdomen and flanks gives a more defined midsection.

Treatments may be done in stages or together, depending on the method. Non-surgical sessions can often be combined, while surgical ones may need time between zones.

Working with a trained provider helps you plan the best course of action. They’ll help you decide what to do first and how to space your treatments.

Resources

American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (2023). Body contouring procedures. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/body-contouring

Cleveland Clinic. (2023). Body contouring: What it is, surgery types & recovery. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21597-body-contouring

Mayo Clinic. (2022). Liposuction. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Body contouring after major weight loss. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/body-contouring-after-major-weight-loss

American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. (n.d.). Body contouring procedures. https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/procedures/body/body-contouring/