Liposuction removes excess fat deposits from most areas of the body including the neck, arms, axilla (armpit area and side of breast), abdomen, thighs, back and hips. Localized areas of fatty deposits can be treated comfortably and safely with the patient awake using local anesthetic while larger areas are done with the patient under general anesthesia (safely asleep under the care of an anesthesiologist).
Liposuction by itself is not indicated for areas with significant skin redundancy which are better served in conjunction with abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or a body lift. Following the procedure, patients maintain compressive garments. Recovery varies depending on the areas treated with most patients returning to normal activities within a couple of days and more strenuous activity within 2 weeks.