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Everyone wants a fantastic body. For some, it's just getting rid of extra fat. For a few it's complete perfection--no fat, lots of lean muscle and clear skin. If physical perfection is your goal, diet and exercise are a necessity and not an option. However, if you want to go the extra mile and get rid of that stubborn fat (the fat that diet and exercise does not ever seem to get rid of), liposuction may be the solution for you.

If you are considering liposuction as a possible solution, here are some facts about the procedure you should know prior to making your decision:

Lipo Basics

Liposuction--or lipoplasty as it is sometimes called--is a surgical procedure in which fat deposits are removed from a specific target area of the body. Some of these targets include:

- thighs
- knees
- abdomen
- breasts
- arms
- buttocks
- back

The best candidates for lipoplasty are people within their normal weight range who are already on a diet and exercise program.

The Operation

The surgeon starts by outlining the target area on the patient's body with a marker. General anesthesia is usually, but not always used for liposuction. The surgeon then inserts a vacuum-like instrument through an incision that will loosen the fat until it is ready to be suctioned out.

Liposuction is almost always a day procedure. After the surgery--or "post-op"-- the patient will wear a restrictive elastic garment around the area operated on to reduce swelling. Antibiotics will be prescribed to prevent infection, and the patient will be advised not to participate in any major physical activity for a few months. For the first couple of days, the patient may experience minor pain and swelling in the area. Within ten days, the stitches fall out or are removed at a follow-up consultation with the surgeon.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

Surgical fees include the cost of the actual operation. The cost varies and is dependant upon what body area(s) are being operated on, and the size of the patient. There are also non-surgical fees that must be covered including the pre-op lab tests, supplies, nursing staff, and the cost to use the operating room. It is always wise to get a written estimate by the surgeon on how the procedure is going to cost. Almost all health plans do not cover liposuction because it is considered an elective 'cosmetic' procedure. But there are other financial options available to help cover the cost of liposuction.

The choice to go under the knife with liposuction is entirely your's. Doctors recommend having realistic expectations of your body, and not going overboard. However, liposuction can be a viable option if you carefully weight the risks and rewards and desire both mental and physical satisfaction.