Mini-liposuction (mini-lipo or mini-fat removal) is a procedure to remove unwanted localized deposits of fat from the body - especially when they have not responded to diet and exercise. Unlike conventional liposuction, a mini-liposuction is done under local anaesthesia (so you do not need to be put to sleep), has better patient tolerance, and reports of fewer complications.

As it is done under local anaesthesia, mini-liposuction is widely carried out from physician office and recovery time is shorter than traditional liposuction. The most common areas for treatment with mini-liposuction are the lower abdomen (tummy), “love-handles” around the waist (muffin-tops), outer thighs (saddle-bags), bra-rolls, upper arms, neck and double chin, inner thighs, and knees.

Mini-liposuction is not suitable for people whose weight substantially exceeds their ideal weight as only a small amount of fat is removed at a time (usually from hundreds of millilitres to a litre). It is also not ideal for people with excess skin laxity where there is a possibility of overhanging skin that would require removal or a body-lift procedure.

It is important to keep a steady weight and be active to sustain a long-term benefit from the procedure.

How is it performed?
Mini-liposuction begins with infiltration of fluid containing diluted local anesthetic and epinephrine into areas of fatty deposits. This is done through a small incision (or incisions) in the skin. A small, hollow metal surgical instrument known as a cannula is inserted through the small skin incision(s) and is passed back and forth through the area of fatty deposit. The cannula is attached to a vacuum source, which provides the suction needed to remove the fatty tissue.

A support garment must be worn for a few weeks to promote healing.