Liposuction is a medical procedure used to remove unwanted fat from areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms and lower back. The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning it doesn't involve large incisions or require significant recovery time.

Liposuction has become increasingly popular in recent years, but before you decide to undergo the procedure, it is important to understand what it can and cannot do, as well as its potential risks and benefits.

The main advantages of liposuction are that it can help contour the body and remove fat from specific areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, arms and lower back. This can help improve body shape, balance and proportion. The procedure can also help reduce the appearance of cellulite and dimpling of the skin.

The primary disadvantage of liposuction is that it cannot address underlying issues that may be contributing to weight gain, such as poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle or hormonal imbalance. In addition, the procedure can only remove a limited amount of fat, so it cannot be used to significantly reduce a patient’s overall weight.

The risks of liposuction include bleeding, infection, fluid accumulation, nerve damage and skin contour irregularities. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing the procedure.

The best candidates for liposuction are people who are close to their ideal weight and have localized fat deposits. The procedure is not recommended for patients who are significantly overweight or have medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or kidney problems.

Overall, liposuction is a safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure that can help contour the body and remove excess fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms and lower back. However, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing the procedure.