The technical term for this procedure is suction lipectomy or suction assisted lipectomy. This procedure permanently removes fat deposits by suction and vacuum. It is used to reduce fullness in any area of the body. Good skin elasticity permits the skin to shrink easily to the reduced contour ("tightening effect"). It is an excellent method of spot reduction but is not an effective method of weight loss.

Liposuction is a permanent and effective fat removal technique. Once fat cells are removed physically they will never come back ( "this is a permanent body sculpting" ) Your existing fat cells will enlarge everywhere, but your body will stay sculpted in the areas that received liposuction. If you are in good health and have one or more pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise you are a good candidate for this procedure in these areas.

The technique applied is the “tumescent technique”. It involves the injection beneath the skin of large volumes of saline solution, containing lidocaine (local anesthetic) and small amounts of adrenaline, which shrinks blood vessels. By injecting this solution to the fat prior to performing Liposuction, the surgeon numbs the area and shrinks the blood vessels thereby eliminating pain and reducing bleeding, bruising and swelling. This operation is usually done on an outpatient basis in a private hospital operating room. Local anesthesia with sedation is an option used when small areas are suctioned. General anesthesia is required for most Liposuction of the hips, buttocks, and thighs. Very small puncture type incisions are made, hidden in the bikini line. The fluid and fat are then sculpted out using small micro cannulas. No stitches are used in this operation. After the procedure, an elastic garment is put on, and you are taken by stretcher to the recovery room.

Most people describe the postoperative period as a discomfort rather than actual pain, you may feel stiff and sore, but you should not hurt and the discomfort subsides around day two after surgery. A snug support garment like a long-leg panty girdle is recommended for about 6 weeks, or until all your bruising is gone. The swelling will take about 2 weeks to resolve and allow the final results of your new contour to be seen. The incision points do not need special care and will gradually close. Stretching and bending exercises can begin between 10 and 14 days after Liposuction. Swimming and a gradual increase in exercise can start on after 14 days.

During the liposuction procedure, fat and weight loss will be immediately apparent. This fat loss is permanent, however a good exercise and diet regime will prevent new weight gain and fat production in other non-liposucted areas. Liposuction is very safe and effective.

As any other surgery this has unlikely but possible complications such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. One of the most frequent complications is the collection of fluid (seroma) or a collection of blood (hematoma). This complication occurs because the suctioned area will tend to ooze fluid into the suctioned space. Both these complications can be efficiently be treated by drawing the blood or fluid off in the office with a needle and syringe. Fortunately, complications are uncommon and most patients are satisfied with their results.

Liposuction is not the answer to weight control, rather it is a surgical method of body contouring when diet and exercise have failed to achieve your desired figure. It is best to be at a stable and realistic weight when you undergo this procedure. Those difficult areas to burn with diet and exercise such as “love handles” are excellent targets for this procedure.