Liposuction is a procedure that sculpts the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.

There are several different methods of performing Liposuction, but the basic procedure works by making a tiny incision, inserting a narrow tube, or cannula, and suctioning the fat that lies deep beneath the skin.

• Tumescent Liposuction — This technique involves injecting a solution of intravenous fluid, lidocaine and ephinephrine prior to liposuction. The fluid aids the surgeon in removing fat, controls pain during and after the procedure and dramatically reduces blood loss. Depending on the ratio of fluid used, this technique may also be called "wet" or "superwet". Both UAL and SAL are types of Tumescent Liposuction.
• Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) — In this procedure, a special cannula or probe concentrates ultrasonic energy at its tip. As it passes through the areas of fatty tissue, the energy expands the walls of the fat cells, liquefying the fat. The fatty tissue is then removed with the traditional vacuum liposuction technique. UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous parts of the body and is also commonly used in secondary procedures to overcome the challenge of removing fat tissue from previously scarred fat deposits.

Liposuction is safe, but rare complications may occur. The more areas treated at the same time and the larger the area, the greater the risk of complications. There is a chance of infection, delays in healing or the formation of blood clots (DVT). There is also a small risk of excessive fluid loss, which can lead to dehydration and shock, and a risk of fluid gain, which can lead to respiratory and cardiac problems. However, these problems are rare. Fat clots can also cause respiratory difficulty, but this is a rare phenomenon. Seromas, the accumulation of pockets of fluid, do tend to occur in certain areas and with greater volumes of suction. These are usually easily treated by simple aspiration with a small needle and syringe in the office.

There are a few side effects that may occur in some instances with Liposuction, including skin depressions, hyperpigmentation, scarring and swelling.

Downtime varies according the extent of surgery and areas suctioned. A typical patient should expect a few days of downtime, and some bruising should be expected for one to three weeks.

The results vary for different procedures; however, there will always be less fat in the treated areas. If fat is regained after surgery, it is more commonly spread evenly across the body as opposed to collecting in the former problem zones.

Healing is a gradual process. Walking around as soon as possible is important, because it helps prevent blood clots from forming in the legs. After a couple of days, it will be possible to return to work. Some patients will require suture removal at about a week. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about a month to allow the body to fully heal. Your doctor will schedule follow-up visits to monitor recovery.

Candidates for liposuction are anyone within a normal weight range who has firm, elastic skin with pockets of excess fat they wish to be removed. Patients who are overweight may also be good candidates as long as they are in good general health, are at a stable weight and have realistic expectations.

Individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be contoured may want to reconsider liposuction. These issues increase the risk factors of liposuction.

Additional treatment may be necessary to improve asymmetry or to fine tune the result. With a healthy diet and exercise, patients can keep the weight off.

Treatments are provided in a surgeon's office-based facility, an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. Most liposuction can be done as an outpatient procedure. Patients undergoing large volume liposuction of more than five liters may require a hospital stay for monitoring.

The patient's doctor will provide specific instructions prior to surgery. There will be guidelines on eating, drinking, smoking and medications to take and avoid. Patients should make arrangements for someone to drive them home after the surgery.

Depending on the extent of your surgery, you may require a day or two of rest. It is recommended that you engage in light activity once you feel able. Expect some bruising, swelling and pain. Wear your compression garments all day and all night for two weeks, except when showering. Follow your physician's instructions with regard to compression garments thereafter.