American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving your body contours and proportion.

Liposuction techniques may be used to reduce localized fat deposits of the:

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

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

Is it right for me?
If you are bothered by excess fat deposits - located anywhere on your body - that don't respond to diet or exercise, liposuction may be right for you.

Ideal candidates for liposuction are:

  • Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
  • Healthy individuals who do not have a life-threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
  • Non-smokers
  • Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring


Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. It is also not an effective treatment for cellulite-the dimpled skin that typically appears on the thighs, hips, and buttocks-or loose saggy skin.

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