Tumescent liposuction totally by local anesthesia is the safest form of liposuction. Liposuction using general anesthesia or heavy IV sedation is somewhat less safe than liposuction totally by local anesthesia. Microcannulas permit smoother results after liposuction. A liposuction cannula is a small stainless steel tube that is inserted through an incision in the skin and removes subcutaneous fat.