Purpose: Liposuction is done in the following conditions:

• Normal weight or slightly overweight individuals in whom dietary changes and exercise fail to reduce fat from specific regions of the body
• People with firm, elastic skin who want to remove fat from certain areas of the body
• Gynecomastia (men with enlarged breasts)
• Breast reduction procedures
• Lipodystrophy (abnormal amount and distribution of fat in the body)
• Hereditary disorders in which a healthy diet and exercise have failed to eliminate the fat deposits
• Lipoma (a non-cancerous kind of slow-growing tumor)

• Physical examination: The doctor checks the physical health of the patient. The medical history and family history of the patient are also noted.
• Chest x-ray: This test helps the doctor to check the condition of the internal organs in the chest area, that is, the heart and lungs.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test helps to record the electrical activity of the heart and diagnosis of any heart-related problems.
• Blood tests and urine tests: These tests help the doctor to check for any underlying medical diseases or infections.

Some liposuction procedures are performed under local anesthesia (the area of surgery is numbed), while other liposuction procedures may require general anesthesia (the patient is put to sleep during the procedure.

The procedure is performed using any one of the following techniques:

1. Traditional liposuction:

• Also known as tumescent or fluid injection liposuction, it is the most common type of liposuction.
• A few small incisions or cuts are made in the fat removal area and a fluid mixture consisting of a salt solution, local anesthesia, and epinephrine is injected through the incisions.
• This fluid prevents excessive loss of blood, bruising, and swelling.
• The surgeon then inserts a hollow, thin tube, known as a cannula, into the incisions and then pumps it back and forth in order to loosen and dislodge the fat cells.
• A small syringe or surgical vacuum is used for the removal of fat through the cannula.

2. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction:

• A few small incisions are made by the surgeon in the fat removal area.
• Ultrasonic vibrations are used to heat and break up the fat.
• These ultrasound vibrations are applied above the skin with an emitter device, or below the skin with a thin tube, known as an ultrasonic cannula.
• A small syringe or surgical vacuum is used to remove the fat through the cannula.

3. Laser-assisted liposuction:

• A few small incisions are made by the surgeon in the fat removal area.
• A fluid mixture consisting of a salt solution, local anesthetic, and epinephrine is injected through the incisions.
• The fluid prevents the excessive loss of blood, bruising, and swelling.
• A thin laser fiber is then inserted into the incisions to heat and loosen the fat.
• A small syringe or surgical vacuum is then used to remove the fat through the cannula.

There may be a few side effects of this surgery such as:

• Bruising and swelling
• Soreness and numbness
• Scarring may also occur at the site where the cannulas are inserted. The scars may fade away in a few weeks
• Loose, baggy skin- the skin usually tightens after the procedure in a few weeks time but it may remain loose in certain cases
• Irregular contours on the skin and uneven skin
• Pigmentation of the skin

The possible complications that could occur during the course of the treatment are as follows:

• Infection at the site of the access or puncture wound
• Allergic reaction to the medications and other products used during surgery
• Damage to internal organs by the cannula
• Fat clots or blood clots which could result in a pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis
• Burns as a result of the ultrasound used in an ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty
• Fluid imbalance and fluid accumulation as a result of injecting a large amount of fluid (tumescent liposuction)

• It is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and bruising after the surgery.
• The doctor will recommend some pain-relieving medicines to relieve the pain and discomfort.
• The doctor may also recommend antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
• Most people have to stay in the hospital for an hour or two after the surgery and then go home.
• The incisions may be left open after the surgery and temporary drains may be placed to promote fluid drainage. These drains are later removed by the doctor.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for some weeks after the surgery.
• Complete recovery may take a couple of weeks to months.
• It may take up to a year for the swelling to subside fully.