Using the tumescent liposuction technique. Large quantities of anaesthetic fluid are injected into the fat layer through small incisions around the operation site. The fluid contains local anaesthetic and adrenaline to reduce bruising. The fat layer swells as the anaesthetic fluid is injected.
When the fat cells have become anaesthetised (this may take 30mins) then a suction cannula is inserted through a small incision about half a centimetre long. The cannula is moved backwards and forwards through the fat layer to remove the fat tissue and create a series of tunnels at different depths and in different directions.
After liposuction, compression of the treated areas using an elastic compression garment causes the tunnels to collapse, reducing the thickness of the fat layer.