Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a suction technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Liposuction also shapes (contours) these areas. Other names for liposuction include lipoplasty and body contouring.

Liposuction isn't typically considered an overall weight-loss method or a weight-loss alternative. If you're overweight, you're likely to lose more weight through diet and exercise or through bariatric procedures — such as gastric bypass surgery — than you would with liposuction. Large volume liposuctions removing 6 to 10 liters of body fat can be done in select cases.

Liposuction can be performed alone or along with other plastic surgery procedures, such as a facelift, breast reduction or a tummy tuck.

What liposuction can treat

  Thighs
  Hips and buttocks
  Abdomen and waist
  Upper arms
  Back
  Inner knee
  Chest area
  Cheeks, chin and neck
  Calves and ankles