Although most people have heard about liposuction, liposculpture is a newer technique that is less invasive, but yet still effective at moving unwanted areas of fat deposits. It can be used to remove areas of fat that seem to be resistant to dieting and exercise, although it is not meant as a weight loss method. It can be a great way to fine-tune any last stubborn areas of fat after a regiment of diet and exercise, improving a person's overall appearance.

Although only small amounts of fat tissue are removed, it helps to eliminate many of the problems that can exist with traditional liposuction. First, it is an outpatient procedure, with the patient generally experiencing only some swelling, numbness, and some minimal bruising. Because of the solution used to perform the liposculpture, additional pain medications are rarely needed, although sometimes a sedative is administered to help the patient relax. The patient is able to drive home after having the procedure, and recovery time is usually rapid, as a person can usually resume their normal daily activities in as little as one or two days. Although less invasive than liposuction, patients need to realize as with any type of surgical procedure, they need to make sure to see their doctor immediately if they develop any signs of allergic reactions or infection as a result of the procedure.

Before the liposculpture procedure begins, the surgeon will analyze the area of the body that is going to be treated. An area will be mapped out, and a series of tiny incisions will be made, each only about an eighth of an inch in length. Then, a tumescent anesthesia and saline solution is injected into the incisions. This causes the fat to become liquified, which allows it to be more easily removed by the surgeon. To remove the fat, a small microcannula is used in a sweeping back and forth motion to suction out the fat tissue.

After the procedure, the tiny incisions are covered with tape and a compression garment, but are not stitched closed. This is done to facilitate the body's natural healing process, and to allow any necessary drainage to occur. The tape can be removed after only two to three days, but many patients opt to wear the compression garment for up to six weeks, as this often helps the area sculpt itself to its new appearance. This can also help to reduce the appearance of sagging skin after liposculpture, although the effectiveness of this will depend on the level of natural resilience in a person's skin.

Liposculpture is common in areas such as the abdomen, the waist, areas of the lower and mid back, the hips and thighs, and the backs of the arms, just to name a few body regions. It is a very popular procedure to reduce the final remnants of stubborn "love handles" after dieting and exercise fail to remove them completely. If you are considering liposuction, it is a good idea to consult with a doctor who specializes in the procedure to determine if you are a good candidate.