Objective To review the characteristics and deficiencies of various liposuction methods to provide reference for choosing more suitable liposuction in clinic and ideas for the improvement and development of liposuction equipment. Methods The literature related to liposuction in recent years was consulted, and the principle, indications as well as existing problems were reviewed. Results Liposuction can be divided into two categories according to the principles of fat separation. The first type relies on physical cutting to separate fat, including suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), power-assisted liposuction (PAL), and water-assisted liposuction (WAL). SAL and PAL are simple to operate and low in price, but the effect of liposuction mainly depends on the experience of the surgeon, and complications such as uneven appearance, hematoma, and ecchymosis may occur. WAL saves time and effort, but has lower cost performance. The second type relies on energy destruction to separate fat, including ultrasound-assisted liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, and radiofrequency-assisted liposuction. This type of surgery has the advantages of less trauma, fast postoperative recovery, and skin tightening. However, the equipment is more expensive, and has a risk of skin burns. Conclusion Liposuction can effectively reduce local fat accumulation, but it still has limitations. Equipment improvement and fat transplantation are important directions for liposuction’s future development.