Liposculpture is a cosmetic surgery procedure similar to liposuction, but often referred to as microliposuction because in this surgery only small areas of fat are removed through very small incisions, using tiny cannulas. Although, liposculpture is more commonly performed on the face, the procedure may include any area of the body, sculpting its shape according to the patient desires or needs.

Most popular microliposuction procedures include chin, cheeks, and neck. This procedure is best suited for people who have no problems with the rest of their figure, and those individuals who simply want a refinement of an anatomical area, such as the jowls. Size of the cannulas for this procedure are typical 1.5 to 6mm in diameter, depending on the areas where the procedure will be performed.

Although all forms of liposuction are painful and have some risks, liposcuplture reduces the chances of major health problems and the procedure requires only local anesthesia. People must be aware that larger cannulas are not recommendable for microliposuction, because they expose patients to greater risk for lumpiness and rippling.

Some plastic surgeons may insert larger cannulas initially when the area of the body to be treated requires the removal of a large bulk of fat, but progressively substituted by smaller cannulas to complete the microliposuction procedure of sculpting and fine contouring the face or body's region, requiring less volume of fat removal.

The best candidates for this type of cosmetic surgery procedure are those people with localized areas of fat in the face of in visible areas of the body, such as the upper arms. Microliposuction has also been the most recommended procedure for the overall body area in individuals who are slightly overweight, and people with normal weight but wanting to contour their bodies.

In all cases, best results are achieved in individuals with elastic, firm skin, because good elasticity makes it easier for the skin to shrink, reducing the contour of the area. In some cases, a surgeon may recommend wearing any sort of compression garment for at least 2 weeks, to help skin shrink faster.

Contrary to the popular tumescent liposuction, liposculpture does not require the injection of large amounts of anesthetic liquid before the procedure is performed, however, scars occur even when the incision is smaller than those occurring with regular liposuction. However, because of the smaller size, microliposuction scars fade easier over time, becoming barely noticeable.

Complications after undergoing liposcupture procedure are very uncommon, although bleeding, infection and nerve damage may occur. When microsculpture is not performed by a qualified surgeon it is more likely that complications will occur. Another rare complication reported includes waviness and contour irregularities.

Performed in breasts, microliposuction is recommended for male breast reduction when breasts are not so noticeable, and the procedure can also be performed in teenagers who develop early with large breast, since liposculpture is effective for reducing the growth of the mammary glands.

Liposculpture sometimes is referred to as fat transfer, because in some cases fat is taken from one area of the body, and injected into another area to fill it out for contouring reasons.