Liposuction Surgery – Types, Costs and Risks

Plastic surgeons consistently report that liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed in the United States.

The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery provides in-depth, up-to-date information about all things liposuction. We will give you the 411 on new and emerging liposuction techniques, their cost, their risks, the recovery process and the type of results you can expect.

We will answer all your liposuction-related questions in this comprehensive section, including:

What You Need to Know About Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that vacuums fat deposits from under the skin. This article explains the procedure and the various techniques that are available.

Get the details on liposuction procedures.

Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Liposuction is best for individuals with troublesome, localized fat deposits that are resistant to the effects of diet and exercise.

Find out if you are a candidate for liposuction.

Liposuction Clinical Trials

Here we provide a list of current liposuction clinical trials from the U.S. National Institutes of Health database.

Tumescent Liposuction

The tumescent technique involves the use of a wetting solution that is infused into the area before fat is removed via liposuction. The fluid contains saline and epinephrine (which constricts blood vessels to minimize any blood loss) and a local anesthetic.

Get the skinny on tumescent liposuction.

Abdominal Etching

If you already have good abs, but they are hiding behind excess fat and skin, you may want to sculpt the area to bring out your inner six-pack.

Learn more about sculpting your abs with abdominal etching.

Liposuction Cost

This article gives you average costs of liposuction based on the area being treated and other factors. These estimates may not reflect your individual situation, but they can provide a baseline.

Learn more about liposuction cost.

Laser Liposuction

Laser Liposuction techniques such as SmartLipo, Cool Lipo and Slim Lipo use laser energy to heat your unwanted fat, turning it semi-soft and making it easier to remove via liposuction. Proponents say it is gentler than traditional liposuction, so there will be less bruising and a speedier recovery.

Learn more about SmartLipo and laser liposuction.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses sound waves to break down fat cells before they are removed via liposuction. The addition of ultrasound energy allows for a gentler, far less traumatic fat removal. There are many ultrasound-assisted liposuction systems out there, including UltraSculpt and VASER LipoSelection. Advocates say ultrasound-assisted liposuction is your best bet for fat on your hips, back and midsection, as well as for excess breast tissue on men (gynecomastia).

Learn more about ultrasound-assisted liposuction.

Water-Assisted Liposuction

Water-assisted liposuction uses water to loosen and gently remove fat cells from the surrounding connective tissue. Because the fat cells are not destroyed (as they are in other types of liposuction), they can be recycled to add desired volume to other parts of the body.

Learn more about water-assisted liposuction.

Liposuction Before and After Photos

Curious what liposuction can do for your body? Check out our gallery of liposuction before and after photos.

Liposuction Risks

Although liposuction is often perceived as a relatively minor cosmetic treatment, it is a surgical procedure and therefore carries risks. Prospective patients should consider the risks of liposuction carefully before deciding to pursue the procedure.

Learn more about liposuction risks.

Liposuction Recovery

The recovery time and comfort level after liposuction vary depending on a variety of factors, including the surgeon's skill, the liposuction method, the type of anesthesia used and the volume of fat removed. 

Learn more about liposuction recovery.

Find a Local Liposuction Surgeon

After reading the articles in this section, you will likely understand more about the various liposuction techniques and what they can do for your trouble spots. Scheduling a consultation with a local board-certified plastic surgeon is your next step. Start your search now.

[page updated March 30, 2011]