Lower Body Liposuction improves body contours by liquifying and vacuuming away fatty deposits. Commonly targeted areas include the buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles. The procedure is generally performed on an out-patient basis, but more extensive approach may require brief hospital stays. Patients may experience temporary bruising, swelling, drainage, numbness, soreness or a burning sensation. Potential complications include asymmetry, skin rippling or discoloration, fluid retention, excessive fluid loss leading to shock (only in cases which result in significant tissue removal), bleeding, or infection. Patients generally return to work within two weeks and to strenuous activity within a month. Swelling and bruising typically subside within one to six months, but those side effects are minimized with tumescent techniques. The results are permanent with sensible diet and exercise.