Liposuction Procedure

Learn How Liposuction Procedures are Performed


Liposuction procedure resculpts the contours of the body and face by removing stubborn localized areas of fat. Often with age, fatty deposits accumulate in various parts of the body that do not respond to traditional weight loss methods. Although you maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, your genetic code sees to it that some bulges don’t budge.

Liposuction can be used to redefine the contours of the thighs (inner & outer), hips, buttocks, knees, back, arms, flanks, abdomen, calves, upper arms, chin, cheeks, jowls, and neck.

Liposuction techniques can be categorized by the amount of fluid injected and the method in which the fat is vacuumed out.

The fluid or wetting solutions are infused in the the target area before fat is removed. The fluid contains saline and epinephrine which constricts blood vessels to minimize blood loss during surgery and acts as a local anesthetic.

There are various types of wetting solutions however the main difference between them is the amount of fluid used.

  • Dry liposuction
  • Wet liposuction
  • Super-wet liposuction
  • Tumescent liposuction

When it comes to removing the fat, there are many different ways to remove it. The most popular methods include:

  • Traditional suction-assisted liposuction
  • Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (Vaser)
  • Power-assisted liposuction
  • Laser-assisted liposuction (SmartLipo, CoolLipo)
  • Water-Jet assisted liposuction

During a consultation your plastic surgeon will recommend the best approach for your particular situation.

Before Liposuction Procedure

  1. Medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided during the weeks prior to surgery.
  2. Eat a healthy diet. This will help speed your recovery after liposuction.
  3. Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery, unless instructed differently by an anesthesia provider.
  4. Do not wear make-up, contact lenses, jewelry, etc.
  5. Arrange to have a friend or family member take you home after surgery and stay with you that evening and, if possible, help you around the house for a few days while you recover.

The Procedure

As mentioned above, there are various approaches to liposuction surgery. If you are a good candidate for liposuction surgery, your plastic surgeon will recommend an approach depending on your preferences, body shape and prior and future treatments. The following provides a basic overview of how the liposuction procedure is performed.

Liposuction surgery typically takes one to two hours depending on the extent of the procedure. The procedure is performed in a hospital or state accredited surgery center on an outpatient basis.

  1. Your surgeon will use a magic marker to circle the areas of your body where the fat will be removed.
  2. You will then be given anesthesia.
  3. After you are anesthetized, the surgeon injects the marked areas with a large amount of sterile wetting solution. The solution acts as a local anesthetic and constricts the blood vessels, which reduces discomfort and lessens the bruising that follows liposuction. There are various types of wetting solutions used in liposuction surgery such as the dry, wet, super-wet and tumescent technique.
  4. Next the fat is removed using a narrow tube called a cannula. There are several different ways to vacuum out the fat. They include traditional suction-assisted liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction and water-jet liposuction.
  5. Once the fat is removed, the incision is stitched up and a compression bandage is applied to the treated area.

After Surgery

After the procedure, patients may experience some numbness, swelling or discomfort at the incision sight. Patients may also experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. This is normal and will pass with time. Incision site pain is usually minimal, but can be controlled with medication if necessary. Swelling can be treated the postoperative compressive garment.

Patients will be given an elastic compressive bandage, which should be worn as much as possible for one to three weeks. After that, the bandage should be worn at night for an additional week or two to speed recovery. Patients may shower the day after surgery.

Liposuction Recovery

Within a few days you should be able to return to work. You should walk around as soon as possible to reduce swelling and increase blood circulation; however, avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks as your body continues to heal. In about six to twelve weeks all swelling should subside, and your new contours will fully emerge.

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