Liposuction is a popular type of cosmetic surgery that permanently removes fat cells from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, upper arms, male chest (male gynecomastia), and back. Its an outpatient procedure that is performed under tumescent local anesthesia or intravenous sedation or even general anesthesia in larger volume cases. The surgeon will insert a thin tube called a cannula through one or several small incisions into the deep fat layer of the problem area. The cannula will first be used to dislodge fat and then remove it via suction.