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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffLiposuction is used to remove fat from areas of the body that haven't responded to diet and exercise, such as the:
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Buttocks
- Calves and ankles
- Chest and back
- Hips and thighs
- Neck
In addition, liposuction is sometimes used for breast reduction.
When you gain weight, fat cells increase in size and volume. In turn, liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in a specific area. The amount of fat removed depends on the appearance of the area and the volume of fat. The resulting contour changes are generally permanent — as long as your weight remains stable.
After liposuction, the skin molds itself to the new contours of the treated areas. If you have good skin tone and elasticity, the skin is likely to appear smooth. If your skin is thin with poor elasticity, however, the skin in the treated areas may appear loose.
Liposuction doesn't improve cellulite dimpling or other skin surface irregularities. Likewise, liposuction doesn't remove stretch marks.
To be a candidate for liposuction, you must be in good health without conditions that could complicate surgery — such as restricted blood flow, coronary artery disease, diabetes or a weak immune system.
- Andrews RA, et al. Surgical management of severe obesity. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Dec. 12, 2012.
- Liposuction procedure: Lipoplasty, cosmetic procedures. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Cosmetic-Procedures/Liposuction.html. Accessed Dec. 12, 2012.
- Liposuction: What are the risks or complications? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/Liposuction/ucm256139.htm. Accessed Dec. 12, 2012.
- Liposuction: What can I expect before, during, and after? U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/Liposuction/ucm256146.htm. Accessed Dec. 12, 2012.
- Coldiron B, et al. ASDS Guidelines of care for tumescent liposuction. Dermatologic Surgery. 2006;32:709.
- Habbema L. Breast reduction using liposuction with tumescent local anesthesia and powered cannulas. Dermatologic Surgery. 2009;35:41.
- Hernandez TL, et al. Fat redistribution following suction lipectomy: Defense of body fat and patterns of restoration. Obesity. 2011;19:1388.
- Swanson E. Photographic measurements in 301 cases of liposuction and abdominoplasty reveal fat reduction without redistribution. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2012;130:311e.
- Liposuction information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/Liposuction/default.htm. Accessed Dec. 12, 2012.
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