Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses suction to remove fat from specific areas of your body, such as your hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck and improve their shape. You may decide to have liposuction if you have stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise or have lost a lot of weight but still have areas of fat that you would like removed. Liposuction is not a type of weight loss surgery and is most suitable for people who are a healthy body weight and have good skin elasticity.

The cost of getting liposuction depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

Liposuction works by using a thin tube attached to a vacuum device to remove fat cells from under your skin, reducing the amount of fat in treated areas. It also improves the shape and proportions of targeted areas of your body, a process known as contouring. If you maintain a stable weight, you can expect the results of your liposuction to be long-lasting as the fat cells are permanently removed. 

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a consultant plastic surgeon, a doctor specialising in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Your first appointment is important as it’s where you’ll meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care.

At your appointment, your consultant will ask you about your reasons for wanting to have liposuction as well as some questions about your medical history and general health. They will assess whether liposuction is a suitable procedure for you by performing a thorough physical examination, spending time getting to know you, discussing your expectations for treatment and answering any questions you may have. Your consultant may show you some before-and-after photos to give you an idea of what you can expect from your liposuction treatment.

It may help to write down any questions before your consultation, so you don’t forget them. Some things you may want to ask about include:

• Your consultant’s qualifications and experience
• What happens during the procedure
• The type of anaesthetic that will be used
• What results you can expect 
• The typical recovery time
• What you can expect during your recovery 
• Any potential risks and complications
• How long before you see the final results

Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your liposuction. Instructions on how to prepare will also be in your appointment letter.

If there’s anything you’re not sure about or if you have any questions, please contact the hospital for advice.

Pre-operative assessment 

Around a week or two before your surgery, you may need to attend the hospital for a pre-operative assessment to make sure you are fit for surgery. Take any medication you take regularly with you to your appointment. At the preoperative assessment, we will check your weight and blood pressure and order tests such as a blood test, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate your general health.

Optimise your general health

It's important to be in the best possible health before your liposuction as this will allow your procedure to go as smoothly as possible, speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of any complications after your surgery.

To ensure you are as healthy as possible before your surgery:

• Stop smoking at least eight weeks before your procedure. Smoking increases the risk of complications, such as breathing difficulties and infection, and can impair wound healing. Your consultant can offer you advice and support with quitting smoking before your surgery  
• Follow a healthy, nutritious diet
• Take regular exercise
• Avoid alcohol for a few days before your surgery. Alcohol thins your blood and can increase the risk of bleeding during your procedure
• Protect your skin from the sun and avoid excessive sun exposure for a few weeks before and after your liposuction. Ultraviolet (UV) rays can impact how your skin heals after your surgery

Preparing your home

You can help your recovery go as smoothly as possible by making some preparations in advance. These include:

• Stock up on food and prepare a few meals in advance that you can freeze and heat up during your recovery
• Arrange for child and pet care if needed 
• Arrange for someone to help you with household chores such as shopping, cooking, laundry and cleaning for the first few days during your recovery 
• Keep things you use regularly, such as your glasses, medications, useful telephone numbers, a book and the TV remote control within easy reach

Regular medications

Your consultant may tell you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, for a few days before your surgery. This is to minimise the risk of bleeding during and after your procedure.

On the day of your surgery

On the day of your surgery, take a shower before you arrive at the hospital. Do not apply any products to your skin, such as lotions, creams, make up or perfume. Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to take on and off and leave any valuables and jewellery at home.

If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will not be able to eat or drink anything from midnight on the day of your procedure. 

Before your liposuction, you’ll need to sign a consent form to say that you agree to have the procedure, are aware of what it entails and the possible risks and complications.

Before your surgery, your consultant will mark the areas on your body where the fat is to be removed.

What happens during liposuction varies from person to person and depends on the number of areas being treated. It may be performed under general anaesthetic, or local anaesthetic and can take from 45 minutes to three hours.

There are several types of liposuction procedures. Your consultant will decide on the most appropriate technique for you based on the area to be treated, whether you have had liposuction before, and your expectations for treatment.

Types of liposuction techniques include:

• Suction-assisted liposuction: This is the most common type of liposuction and involves your consultant injecting a combination of salt water and medications to reduce bleeding and bruising and reduce pain. Your consultant then makes small incisions (cuts) into your skin and inserts a thin tube connected to a vacuum that sucks fat and fluids from the area being treated 
• Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): A technique that may be used in combination with suction-assisted liposuction. It involves inserting a metal rod under your skin that releases energy to open the fat-cell walls and break down the fat, making it easier to remove
• Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL): Uses laser technology to break down fat deposits before removing the fat using a thin tube
• Power-assisted liposuction (PAL): This type of liposuction uses vibrations to allow your consultant to remove tough areas of fat faster and more effectively. It may be used if you have a lot of fat to be removed or if you've had liposuction before

During liposuction: 

• Your consultant will inject the area being treated with a solution containing anaesthetic and a medication to reduce blood loss and minimise bruising and swelling
• They will then use high-frequency vibrations, a laser pulse or a high-pressure water jet to break up fat cells
• They will make small incisions (cuts) in each area to be treated and insert a suction tube attached to a vacuum machine, which is moved back and forth to loosen the fat and suck it out.
• Any excess blood and fluid is removed
• The incisions are closed with sutures and a sterile dressing, and a bandage is applied

Recovering from any type of surgery is a gradual process that is different for everyone. Recovering from liposuction depends on several factors, including your age, general health, the type of procedure you had and your individual recovery process. You can help your recovery go more smoothly by being as well-informed as possible about your surgery and recovery, taking things at your own pace and following your consultant’s post-operative instructions carefully. Call the hospital if you have any questions or concerns.

After your liposuction, you'll need to wear an elasticated support corset or compression bandages for a few weeks to help reduce swelling and bruising. Follow your consultant’s instructions on how long to wear your compression garments for.

You may be able to go home the same day as your liposuction, or you may need to spend one night in hospital. If you had a general anaesthetic, you’ll need someone to drive you home from the hospital and stay with you for at least the first 24 hours after your procedure.

When you can return to work depends on your individual recovery and the type of job you do. Most people can resume normal activities (including work if your job is not strenuous) within a few days. Avoid strenuous activities for four to six weeks after your liposuction. 

You can expect to have some discomfort, swelling and bruising around the treated area for a few weeks after your liposuction. Take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol if you need to. 

The final results of your liposuction will become noticeable after several months as the swelling subsides and your skin tightens. To maintain the best results, keep your weight stable and take regular exercise. 

Liposuction is a generally safe procedure, but as with any type of surgery, there is a small risk that complications may occur. 

Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications of liposuction before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. It’s important that you are fully informed about any possible risks and complications before your liposuction and are able to make an informed decision. 

Possible complications of any type of surgery include:

• Adverse reactions to the anaesthetic
• Bleeding 
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Wound infection
• Damage to nearby structures
• Chest infection

Possible complications specific to liposuction include:

• Skin burns: Thermal burns or heat injury can occur with ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) 
• Nerve injury: Injury can occur to the small nerves that supply the skin
• Fat embolism syndrome (FES): A rare but serious complication that occurs when fat globules enter the bloodstream and obstruct small blood vessels, primarily in the lungs, brain, and skin
• Damage to nearby structures, such as your bowel, kidneys, liver, or blood vessels 
• Seroma (a collection of fluid that develops under your skin)
• Changes in skin sensation (may be long-term) 
• Changes in skin colour 
• Irregular or asymmetrical result 
• Poor wound healing 
• Loose or rippling skin, or worsening of cellulite

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care, including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you 
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant best suits your needs 
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs 
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard 
• A range of delicious, healthy meals 
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included 
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about liposuction, book your appointment online or call a member of our team today.

1. Liposuction, NHS
2. Liposuction, BAAPS
3. Liposuction, Johns Hopkins Medicine