Prior to your liposuction procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will carefully outline the areas of bulging fat that are to be suctioned. He or she will then draw detailed contour lines in order to further define the contour and shape characteristics of the deposits of fat. Plastic surgeons will use the “tumescent technique” in which a large amount of fluid will be initially placed to swell the area. This technique allows for fat to be removed in a very safe, smooth, and symmetrical manner. The fluid is capable of helping to loosen the fat while it also provides a local anesthesia for operative and immediate post-operative discomfort. The fluid will also be able to provide epinephrine which is able to decrease bleeding.