A study performed by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) found that 322,975 women and 61,646 men chose to undergo liposuction in 2003 making it the most popular cosmetic surgery undertaken during that same year. Liposuction can be highly effective in contouring the shape of the body by removing fat which is deposited at specific sites.

Prior to choosing to undergo liposuction it is important to understand whether or not you are a potential candidate and also to understand what to reasonably expect from the results of liposuction.

Not everyone is a candidate for liposuction. You should be a healthy adult not having diabetes, heart/circulation conditions or any type of infection. Also provide your surgeon with a complete medical history and information concerning your lifestyle. Inform them of any medical conditions and allergies that you may have. Be sure to let them know of medications, vitamins and supplements that you are currently taking as well as any alcohol, drug and/or tobacco use. Finally, inform your surgeon of any current/past medical treatments and what previous surgeries you have undergone.

In order to gain a set of reasonable expectations about the results following this procedure, it may be helpful to understand what liposuction isn't. This cosmetic surgery should not be thought of as a weight-loss treatment. An individual susceptible to weight gain may find that fat will return to the areas from which it was taken during the operation.

However, individuals committed to continually controlling their weight and living a healthy lifestyle should find that the benefits will continue in the long-term. The key is to prevent weight gain which can undo the results of the operation.

Another key to the success of the operation is to follow your surgeon's postsurgical instructions to the T. Some of these instructions will be designed to protect the incision (e.g., being careful to avoid certain motions and preventing the incisions from experiencing any inordinately large forces).

It is also likely that your physician will require you to wear either a compression garment or elastic bandages in order to minimize swelling and to assist your body to conform to its new shape. Your surgeon may also place temporary drains within the incision to eliminate the buildup of fluids and blood.

Make sure to ask your doctor about your postsurgical care. You may wish to ask about any possible medications that you will need to take, about caring for the incision, about the nature of the stitches that will be used (i.e., whether they will dissolve or whether they will need to be removed?), when to schedule a follow-up visit, whether any additional procedures will need to be performed to remove excess skin and how soon you'll be able to return to your daily routine.

You may also wish to ask your physician about the nature and risk of any possible complications that may arise following the operation. Usually surgical scars fade over time, but occasionally scars may become more prominent. Also, there is a small risk that the area around the site may become wavy or bumpy.

Finally, be careful in choosing a plastic surgeon. Most importantly make sure that they are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). Ask your doctor if they have been certified by the ABPS. You may also verify whether or not a physician has been certified by the ABPS by calling the ASAPS (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) and asking if the particular physician is one of their members. All plastic surgeons belonging to the ASAPS are ABPS certified.

Taking the time and effort necessary to provide your doctor with a complete medical history along with information concerning your lifestyle, asking them questions about your postsurgical treatment and locating an ABPS certified surgeon will minimize the chances of complications while maximizing the likelihood of success of your liposuction.