What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction usually refers to suction assisted lipectomy, or liposuction (SAL) and is the procedure to remove unwanted fat utilizing a hollow stainless tubular suction wand, called a cannula, which is connected to a high pressure vacuum.  SAL is often referred to as traditional liposuction and is commonly performed using injections of an anesthetic, epinephrine and saline (tumescent liposuction).  There are other methods which utilize lasers (LAL) or ultrasonic energy (UAL) to burst fat cells first before suctioning the fat.  There are also other methods which do not use any suction at all, but are still referred to as "liposuction" although technically the fat is metabolized by your body and not removed with a vacuum at all.  We will explain the various methods of liposuction in the Liposuction Techniques section.

Are You A Good Candidate For Liposuction?
You may be wondering if you are a good candidate for liposuction surgery.  Just having extra fat than you would like to have is not enough to ascertain you would make a good candidate for this fat removal procedure.   Although only a consultation and examination by a qualified plastic surgeon can truly determine if liposuction may be right for you, below is a checklist to help you understand the requirements.

Requirements

1. Surgeons usually have a minimum age requirement of 18 years.  However, some patients have been younger.  You must be psychologically mature enough to understand the below requirements and the impact of an elective surgery. 
2. You must be in good physical and mental health. These are very important requirements and you should be very honest with your surgeon.
3. You must not be taking any medications which would inhibit wound healing or increase the dangers of anesthesia, and the surgery itself.
4. You must not be pregnant or currently nursing.
5. You should be wanting liposuction for yourself, and no one else. 
6. You should have realistic expectations about what can be achieved.
7. You should realize that liposuction is not for losing weight or a replacement for a healthy diet and lifestyle.  Liposuction is for removing stubborn areas of fat which you cannot seem to reduce via standard diet and exercise.
8. You must be willing to accept the inherent risks of liposuction surgery and the risks of anesthesia. Please see our Liposuction Risks  section.
9. You must be willing to accept that if you gain weight, you will gain back fat--especially in areas which were not treated.  This could cause contour issues you did not have before your liposuction surgery. It can also cause lumpiness in your treated areas.
10. You should be in a financial position to possibly pay for additional expenses if complications arise.
11. You must be willing to abide by your surgeon's post-operative instructions and attend your follow-up appointments to increase your chances of a positive outcome.

Reasons You May Be Interested In Liposuction:

1. You may wish to have reduce the size of your hips, abdomen flanks, arms, buttocks, or thighs to balance your overall figure.
2. If you have asymmetry or bulges of fat which may look out of place. Liposuction can help create balance by correcting the differences.
3. You may wish to look better in clothing.
4. To increase your overall self esteem and feel that liposuction may allow you to feel more balanced physically.