Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, refers to cosmetic surgery procedures in which the body is re-contoured by removing fat stored directly under the skin (of which there is a higher percentage in women than in men). It is often included as a type of surgery for weight loss, but is mainly indicated for cosmetic and body-shaping purposes.

The individual’s body is first injected with a wetting solution, which softens tissues and enables greater quantities of fat and tissue to be removed. Fat is then aspirated from the body through a needle before the incisions are closed. Liposuction can only remove deposits of fat from under the skin and cannot remove fat build-up in arteries or organs. Examples include liposuction of excess fat from the abdomen (tummy) or thighs.


For more information, see Plastic Surgery: An Introduction and Weight Loss.

All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.