What is Liposuction?
Most people know that liposuction involves removing fat from certain parts of the body to create a more streamlined shape. But how exactly does it work?
First, what is fat? It is tissue (otherwise known as adipose tissue) made up of cells that store energy and insulate the body. Fat is generally subcutaneous -- located underneath the skin. Where fat is deposited around the body depends on a person's gender. In men, fat tends to congregate in the chest, abdomen and buttocks. In women, it generally gathers in the breasts, hips, waist and buttocks.
There are two layers of subcutaneous fat: deep and superficial. During a liposuction procedure (also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy), the doctor makes a tiny incision and inserts a hollow, stainless-steel tube (called a cannula) into the deep fat layer. Working on this layer is safer than working on the superficial layer, because there is less risk of injuring the skin. In a typical procedure, the doctor pushes and pulls the tube through the fat layer (a new technique, power liposuction, automates the movement). As the cannula moves, it breaks up fat cells, and a vacuum pump or syringe removes the fat with suction.
It's important to note that liposuction is not a weight-loss technique; it is merely a reshaping technique. Only diet and exercise can result in real weight loss.
courtesy: http://health.howstuffworks.com/liposuction1.htm
