Definition

A surgical procedure in which a vacuum device is used to remove extra fat from the body. Liposuction is usually done to smooth and reshape an area of the body to improve appearance. It may also be done to remove lipomas (fatty tumors that are not cancer) and to treat gynecomastia (the abnormal growth of breast tissue in males). It may also be done to relieve symptoms of lymphedema (a condition in which extra lymph fluid builds up in tissues and causes swelling) and as part of breast reduction surgery.