Liposuction
Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that targets specific areas where fat tends to accumulate, such as the stomach, thighs, hips, arms, neck or buttocks.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that targets specific areas where fat tends to accumulate, such as the stomach, thighs, hips, arms, neck or buttocks.
The aim is to remove unwanted fat
deposits to form a smoother, more
streamlined silhouette.
Lipoplasty is often considered one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK.
Note that liposuction is not a weight-loss solution but rather a contouring method for areas resistant to diet and exercise. It does not either remove stretch marks, cellulites or excess skin.
• Improved contouring
• Boosted confidence, self-esteem, and body image
• Proportionate end result
• Easily find clothes that fit
• Minimally invasive procedure, resulting in little to no visible scarring
Ideal candidates for liposuction are close to their ideal body weight but struggle with isolated pockets of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise. You should also:
• Have realistic expectations
• Be in good health
• No conditions that could impair healing
• Be a non-smoker or quit smoking
During a detailed consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, they will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss what liposuction can realistically achieve and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your body type and objectives. Together you will talk through your aesthetic goals, medical history and any concerns you might have.
To come fully prepared for the surgery, you will be asked to:
Liposuction is typically performed under general anaesthesia, though local anaesthesia or sedation may be used for less extensive procedures. This ensures that you are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.
The surgeon makes small, strategic incisions in the targeted areas. A thin tube (a cannula) is inserted through these incisions to loosen the excess fat. The fat is then suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum or syringe attached to the cannula. There are two different methods to liposuction: wet and dry.
Wet
Wet liposuction involves the injection of a solution containing saline, an anaesthetic and a drug that contracts blood vessels, into the fatty area before the fat is removed. This method reduces blood loss and provides anaesthesia during and after the surgery, making the fat easier to remove and minimising discomfort and bruising.
Dry
Dry liposuction does not use fluid injection before fat removal. Due to a higher risk of bruising and blood loss compared to other techniques, it is rarely performed today. However, it may still be used in very small areas or in very precise adjustments. Speak with your surgeon during consultation to decide what method should and will be used.
To get the best results and speed up the recovery timeline, you will need to follow after-care guidelines. Post-operation, you will be advised to:
• Wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the affected areas
• Limit physical activity to promote healing in the initial weeks following surgery
• Attend scheduled follow-up visits to monitor progress
• Watch for signs of infection or complications
Most patients are able to return to daily activities after about a week. After 6 weeks, most can return to work.
To ensure proper healing and satisfactory results, you will be attending follow-up
appointments. During these visits, your surgeon will assess the healing of incisions, evaluate the swelling and discuss any concerns you might have. You may also receive additional care or advice if needed.
The results of liposuction can be seen once the swelling subsides, which typically begins to diminish after a few weeks and continues to improve over the months following the procedure. The full effect of the surgery will be evident once the body has completely healed, usually within 3 to 6 months. Patients will notice a more sculpted and defined appearance in the treated areas, with a reduction in unwanted fat.
To maintain the results and make them long-lasting, you need to commit to a healthy lifestyle. That includes:
• Regular exercise
• A balanced diet
• Follow post-operative care instructions
Although considered safe, as with any surgical procedure, liposuction carries potential risks and complications. In order to fully understand how they apply to your situation and how they can be minimised, you should discuss them with your surgeon during consultation. Risks and complications may include:
• Infection at the incision sites
• Some bleeding is expected, but excessive bleeding may occur
• Uneven body contours
• Seromas
• Temporary numbness in the treated area
• Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
• Permanent changes in skin sensation
Side effects after a liposuction are part of the body's normal healing process following surgery. Most are temporary and typically resolve within a few weeks to months. Take the opportunity to discuss these and any other concerns with your surgeon to fully understand what to expect and how to best manage the recovery period.
Some common side effects that you may expect are:
Bruising
This is common after the procedure due to the movement of the cannula under the skin. Bruising typically fades within a few weeks.
Swelling
A normal response that can persist for several weeks as the body heals. It usually
diminishes gradually over time.
Pain and discomfort
Postoperative pain is an expected side effect from liposuction, particularly in the first few days following the procedure. This can usually be managed effectively with prescribed pain medications.
Temporary numbness
Numbness or a decrease in sensation in the treated areas may occur due to nerve
irritation or damage during surgery. This typically resolves itself over a few months.
Soreness and tenderness
The areas treated might feel sore and tender as they heal, similar to the sensation after vigorous exercise.
Limited mobility
Depending on the extent and location of the procedure, some patients might experience limited mobility during the initial recovery period.
Small scars
The appearance of scars largely depends on individual healing characteristics and proper post-operative care.
