Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes isolated fat deposits from areas of the body that have not responded to diet or exercise to improve body contours and proportions. Specific areas of the body such as the hips, abdomen, thighs, flanks, buttocks, arms, neck and face can be targeted to improve its shape. Liposuction is not an overall weight loss method or alternative. If there is excess loose abdominal skin or diastasis recti, an abdominoplasty or tummy tuck surgery may be more appropriate to address these complaints.

This procedure can be performed under general or loco-regional anesthesia. Various liposuction techniques exist, but the principle of fat removal is by a cannula or hollow tube connected to a suction device. Small stab incisions are made in pre-planned inconspicuous areas for insertion for the cannula to remove fat. If fat transfer, or fat grafting is planned, the aspirated fat is processed and prepared into fat for re-injection to desired areas such as the face or breasts.

As with any surgery, liposuction carries risks which commonly include contour irregularities, injury or bruising of the skin, fluid accumulation beneath the skin, nerve irritation or numbness, infection, and bleeding. The rare but major complications of liposuction include internal puncture which may require emergency surgical repair and fat embolism which is a medical emergency.

Post operatively, depending on the extent of liposuction, patients can expect to work between 2 days to 2 weeks but avoidance of strenuous activities is advisable. Pain is expected but usually well controlled with oral analgesia. Elastic compression garments must be worn for up to 6 weeks to improve body contour and reduce swelling. While the suctioned fats are permanently removed and the difference in body contour is noticeable days to weeks after the procedure, it is; however, important to note that without continued proper diet and exercise, the neighboring fat cells can enlarge leading to recurrence.