Before the operation, the plastic surgeon and the patient discuss the problem areas of the body, medications, existing diseases, and allergies, the patient is also instructed on the scope and risks of the operation. In some cases, losing weight before the surgery might be recommended.

Liposuction is usually performed under general anaesthesia, except for liposuction of small areas, for which a local anaesthesia is sufficient. The surgery takes 1-3 hours.

Subcutaneous bruising and swelling, that disappear within 1-2 weeks, may occur in areas where fat is removed. Postoperative scarring is minimally visible since the incisions are made in inconspicuous areas and are small.