This form of cosmetic surgery aims to remove excess fat where exercise and dieting have failed to slim down certain areas of the body, most commonly around the lower abdomen and thighs. Most liposuction patients will opt to remove a maximum of 10 pounds of excess fat in one session to avoid leaving dents in the skin, a possible side effect when too much is taken away.

The result is generally one of improved contouring of the body, with the overall appearance often suggesting a greater amount of fat reduction than has actually been performed.

Procedure information
Different types of liposuction are available, but generally the procedure involves the removal of excess fat under general anesthetic by making an incision in the target area before introducing a saline solution to loosen the fat cells. The amount of fluid used depends on the type of procedure, but generally the more that is introduced the easier it is to break up the fat cells- typically between 1 and 4 hours. The fat is then sucked out.

Laser-assisted liposuction is a slightly different technique in which the fat cells are melted and loosened with a laser before removal. After the procedure, the surgeon will then decide whether to stitch up the incision, although often it is left open to allow natural drainage of the wound.

Recovery time
Due to the generally small incisions made and the insistence on sterilizing all equipment and the target sight in conjunction with antibiotics, the threat of infection is small. Otherwise, side effects from liposuction are rare.

Usually patients are able to return to a normal daily routine 2 days after the procedure, although bruising and numbness may last for up to 2 weeks. Swelling may last as long as 2 months in extreme cases. A noticeable difference in appearance can be seen within less than 1 week of liposuction treatment.