You may be a candidate for liposuction if you have excess subcutaneous fat, which is resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction may also be desirable if you wish to change the contours of your body. Commonly involved areas are the anterior part of the neck (under the chin), upper arms and armpits, male chest/breasts, trunk, abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, inner knees, calves, and ankles. Most patients are near normal weight and desire permanent contour changes. Improved techniques now allow larger amounts of fat removal. Liposculpture can be useful to heavier persons as well.

Liposuction is intended to produce a permanent improvement in the contour and proportion of the treated areas. A more flattering figure or physique, in or out of clothing, is another goal of liposculpture. Liposuction is done on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia is usually used for safety and comfort. The patient goes home with a compression garment (or tape) covering the treated areas. Compression is advised for about a month as it helps reduce swelling after liposuction. Once pain and soreness decrease, it is frequently more comfortable to wear lycra or spandex exercise pants. Initial discomfort is easily controlled with oral medication. Bruising and swelling usually subside in 2-4 weeks. The final result takes shape over 2-3 months.