Medical Encyclopaedia › Liposuction (short definition)
In brief: In liposuction, subcutaneous fatty tissue is removed through thin cannulas in order to change the body contour in localised areas. It is not a treatment for overweight and replaces neither a change in diet nor exercise.
How is liposuction performed?
Often, a large amount of dilute anaesthetic solution with a vasoconstricting additive is first infiltrated into the fatty tissue (tumescent technique). The fat is then suctioned out with cannulas through small skin incisions, sometimes assisted by vibration, water jet, ultrasound or laser. Depending on the extent, the procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia. Larger volumes of suctioned fat are associated with higher risks and require monitoring.
Who is it suitable for?
It is most suitable for people with a stable body weight who have localised fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise, for example on the abdomen, hips, thighs or chin. Good skin elasticity improves the result; with lax skin, additional tightening may be necessary. Cellulite is not reliably improved by liposuction.
Liposuction for lipoedema
In lipoedema, a pathological fat distribution disorder usually affecting the legs and arms, liposuction can relieve symptoms such as pain and a feeling of tension. Here it is part of an overall concept with compression and exercise. Under certain conditions laid down by the German Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), the costs can be covered by statutory health insurance.
Healing
After the procedure, compression garments are worn for several weeks. Swelling, bruising and numbness are common at first and usually resolve over weeks to months. The final result can often only be assessed after about three to six months. If weight is gained later, fat can also be deposited in other parts of the body.
Risks
- irregularities of the skin surface, dents or asymmetries
- fluid collections (seromas), bruising, infections
- long-lasting sensory disturbances of the skin
- thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, especially with large procedures
- rarely, fat embolism, overdose of the anaesthetic or injury to deeper structures, such as the abdominal wall
The risk depends greatly on the extent, technique, experience of the surgical team and monitoring. A careful preliminary examination and detailed information are essential.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Liposuction, Lipoedema, Abdominoplasty, Lipofilling, Cryolipolysis, Compression stockings, Seroma
Sources
- AWMF-S2k-Leitlinie Lipödem (federführend: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Phlebologie und Lymphologie)
- Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA): Beschlüsse zur Liposuktion beim Lipödem
- Deutsche Gesellschaft der Plastischen, Rekonstruktiven und Ästhetischen Chirurgen (DGPRÄC): Patienteninformationen
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Dermatochirurgie (DGDC): Informationen zur Liposuktion in Tumeszenzlokalanästhesie
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, dentist or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.