Treatment time will vary depending on the size of the area and the amount of fat being removed. Liposuction may be performed under a local anesthesia which numbs the affected areas, usually combined with intravenous sedation. For more extensive procedures, a general anesthesia may be used.  During the procedure the surgeon will insert a narrow tube called a cannula through a tiny incision, usually in the navel, or just below the bikini line. The cannula is pushed and pulled through the fat layer breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. Surgeons may use a “dry” technique, a “tumescent” technique (that introduces large amounts of fluid to the area being worked on). After surgery, you will be required to wear a supportive corset or pressure bandages around the treated areas.