Liposuction ( lipoplasty) is a surgical procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body, including: abdomen, hips, buttocks, inner/outer thighs, knees/calves, arms. The procedure can remove fat that resists traditional weight-loss methods. But no form of surgery should be a substitute for proper diet and exercise. As with other forms of cosmetic plastic surgery, you need to have a clear and realistic idea of why you want the surgery and what you hope to look like after it. You should discuss your expectations with your surgeon. Improving your appearance cannot solve all the of difficulties you might face in life, but it may increase your self-confidence as you deal with them. Liposuction does not remove or correct cellulite, which gives skin a “dimpled” look.

This procedure involves injecting a medicated fluid into the fat before it is suctioned out. The solution contains a local anesthetic and a drug that contracts blood vessels. Anesthesia makes it easier to remove the fat, and reduces blood loss and bruising. Liposuction can be an outpatient procedure, especially if only a small amount of fat will be removed. More extensive procedures may require a short hospital stay.

Depending on the surgical plan you and your doctor have developed, you will be given local, regional or general anesthesia. The procedure begins with the surgeon making one or more small incisions in the area to be suctioned. Then the surgeon inserts a small, flexible tube, called a “cannula,” through the incision into the fat. The other end of the tube is connected to a suction device. This can be a machine, such as a suction pump, or a hand-operated syringe.

How fast you recover depends on how extensive a procedure you had. In general, you should walk around as soon as possible to reduce swelling. You may find some fluid leaking from the incisions after surgery, and a small drainage tube may have been put under your skin for a few days. You may wear an elastic compression garment over the treated areas for a few weeks to reduce swelling, and take antibiotics to prevent infection. Though you should rest for a day or two after surgery, and may feel some pain, burning or numbness, you should be able to go back to work within a week. During that time, your stitches will dissolve or be removed and the swelling should begin to go down. Most of the swelling will disappear after three weeks or so, though some may remain for several months. You will avoid strenuous activity for a month or so.