While you are awake and pain-free (using local anesthesia) or asleep and pain-free (using general anesthesia), small suction instruments are inserted through the skin into the fat pockets. The suction instruments are moved around to break up the fat and suction it out. Several punctures are made to treat large areas. Small tubes are inserted to help drain out fluids and blood during the first few days after surgery. Liposuction may or may not require hospitalization, depending on the location and amount of surgery performed.