Liposuction is the vacuum assisted removal of fat and the number-one cosmetic surgery procedure for both men and women. A "cannula" (long-thin vacuum probe) is used to extract the fat. There are several techniques offered by surgeons for this procedure. The most common - the "tumescent" technique introduces an anesthetic solution to help reduce blood loss and bruising. Small incisions are made at specific sites on the body, depending upon the areas to be addressed.