Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the United States. So what is it, exactly?

Lipo- comes from the word lipid, meaning fat. Liposuction is the removal of fat using a suction device called a cannula. Like sculpting, it is a subtractive process where unwanted fatty deposits are permanently removed to create a new, leaner shape. With liposuction alone, no skin is removed, so we rely on the tissues’ natural elasticity to spring back and conform to the new, more slender figure. Tiny, smartly-placed incisions are used to access the fat, and they heal quickly and almost invisibly.

Many areas of the body can be targeted, including the abdomen, love handles, thighs, hips, arms, bra roll, and under the chin. Liposuction can be performed as a standalone procedure, targeting one or multiple areas. It can also be combined with other procedures (such as a top surgery or breast augmentation) to enhance the overall result.