Liposuction at Plymouth Hospital

What is liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as ‘lipo’ or fat removal surgery, is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body to improve shape, contour and proportion. It’s most often used when certain areas don’t respond to healthy eating or regular exercise, and while it can refine your silhouette, it isn’t a weight loss treatment or a solution for obesity.

Instead, liposuction works best for people who are near a healthy weight but have localised pockets of fat that are particularly resistant to lifestyle changes.

In some cases, it can also support treatment for medical conditions, such as lymphoedema, by removing excess fatty tissue that contributes to swelling and discomfort.

What areas of the body can liposuction treat?

Liposuction can be used on many areas of the body. It is most effective for patients who are near a normal weight and have firm, elastic skin.

• Abdomen, stomach or waist liposuction: One of the most common areas treated, helping reduce bulges and improve waistline definition.
• Double chin liposuction: Removes fat beneath the chin to create a more defined jawline and neck contour.
• Arm liposuction: Targets fat on the upper arms to create a slimmer, more toned appearance.
• Thigh liposuction: Can treat the inner or outer thighs to improve leg shape and reduce chafing.
• Hip liposuction: Helps contour the hips and reduce “love handles”.
• Buttock liposuction: Used to refine buttock shape or reduce fullness in the buttock area.
• Other areas: In some cases, liposuction can also be used on the knees, back, chest (including in some male breast reduction cases), and ankles, depending on your goals and suitability.

Why choose Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital for your liposuction?

Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital has been providing private healthcare in Devon since 1971 and is home to a well-established cosmetic surgery service. Patients considering liposuction and fat removal surgery benefit from receiving their consultations, treatment and aftercare within the same hospital, supported by experienced cosmetic surgeons and dedicated inpatient teams.

The hospital offers private en-suite accommodation for patients recovering after surgery, with complimentary Wi‑Fi and TV access available in patient rooms. A dedicated 24-hour nursing team provides round-the-clock care and support throughout your stay, helping to ensure a smooth recovery. These facilities, combined with the hospital's long-standing cosmetic surgery experience, make Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital a popular choice for patients seeking liposuction in the South West.

How to book a private consultation at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital?

Taking the first step towards liposuction is simple. Whether you'd prefer to book online with a consultant, speak with our team directly on 01752 423 562 or complete the form below, we're here to help you access the information you need. Your consultation at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital will give you the opportunity to discuss your concerns and treatment options with an experienced cosmetic surgeon.

What are the different types of liposuction?

There are several techniques, each suited to different needs:

• Tumescent liposuction: The most common method, using fluid to make fat removal easier
• Vaser liposuction: Ultrasound-assisted fat removal
• Micro lipo: Suitable for small, delicate areas (for example on the face and under the chin)
• Laser-assisted liposuction: Uses laser energy to break down fat
• Water-assisted liposuction: Uses a gentle water jet to loosen fat
• Power-assisted liposuction: Uses a vibrating cannula to break down fat.

Which liposuction treatment is best for me?

The best technique depends on your goals, the area being treated, your skin quality and how much fat needs to be removed. Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable approach for you during your consultation.

Who is suitable for liposuction?

You may be suitable if you:

• Are close to a healthy weight
• Have firm, elastic skin
• Have localised areas of fat that don’t respond to lifestyle changes
• Are in good general health.

Who is not suitable for liposuction?

Liposuction may not be recommended if you:

• Have significant loose skin
• Are significantly overweight
• Have certain medical conditions
• Smoke heavily
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What BMI do you need for liposuction?

There is no strict BMI requirement, but most surgeons recommend a BMI under 30 for safe and effective results.

Can men get liposuction?

Yes. Liposuction is commonly performed on men, particularly for the chest, abdomen, and side of the torso.

Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?

Yes. Liposuction is often combined with tummy tuck surgery, breast reduction, body contouring or fat transfer procedures.

What are the alternatives to liposuction?

Alternatives can include:

• Non-surgical fat reduction (e.g., ‘fat freezing’ for small areas, cryolipolysis)
• Weight management programmes
• Exercise and nutrition support
• Skin tightening treatments.

What is the difference between liposuction and liposculpture?

Liposculpture is a more detailed form of liposuction that focuses on shaping and defining specific areas, rather than simply removing fat and it may require reinjecting fat to some areas to get better definition.

Liposuction vs tummy tuck

A tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles. Liposuction removes fat only.

Liposuction vs non-surgical fat reduction

Non-surgical treatments reduce fat gradually and are best for small areas. Liposuction provides more immediate and dramatic results.

How should I prepare for liposuction?

Your surgeon may advise you to:

• Stop smoking and any nicotine use at least 6 weeks before your surgery
• Avoid certain medications
• Maintain a stable weight
• Arrange for someone to drive you home
• Prepare for a short recovery period.

What assessments will I need before liposuction?

You will have a pre-operative assessment that includes:

• A medical history review
• Blood tests if needed
• A physical examination
• A discussion about your goals and expectations.

What questions should I ask my surgeon before liposuction?

You may want to ask about:

• The technique recommended for you
• Expected results
• The recovery time
• The risks and complications
• What the scarring will be
• Whether additional procedures may help.

What happens during liposuction?

Liposuction can be performed under local or general anaesthetic depending on the area and amount of fat being removed. The procedure length varies but usually takes 1–3 hours.

• Your surgeon will make a small incision and insert a thin tube (cannula) to break up and remove fat using suction.
• Larger areas will require several incisions
• Once complete, the incisions are closed and the area is bandaged for support, and/or you will probably be supplied with a compression garment to wear.

How long does it take to recover from liposuction?

Most patients may go home the same day. You may need pain relief once the anaesthetic wears off, and you will likely need to wear a compression garment for 2–6 weeks to reduce swelling and support healing.

What to expect in the first weeks:

• Days 1–3: You must wear your compression garment day and night. Expect swelling and bruising.
• Days 4–7: Walking may feel uncomfortable if your lower body was treated. Increase physical activity gradually. It is very important you stay mobile.
• Days 7–10: Your stitches are removed.
• 2 weeks: Many patients return to work if approved by their surgeon.
• 3 weeks: Normal activity levels resume; you may still need your garment.
• 2 months: You can usually stop wearing the garment.
• 6 months: Most swelling has settled.
• 12 months: Final results are visible if your weight remains stable.

What are the possible risks and complications of liposuction?

Liposuction is generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, but all surgery carries risks.

Specific complications of liposuction may include:

• Stiffness and pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Numbness
• Unusual sensations
• Fine thread veins
• Lumpy appearance as remaining fat settles
• Infection
• Damage to the skin.

Be sure to discuss any concerns you might have about these risks with your surgeon.

How much does liposuction cost at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital?

Please note that the guide price stated is an approximate cost of treatment only. You will be given a fixed all-inclusive price for treatment following your initial consultation with a consultant.

Making the right decision

Choosing to have liposuction is a personal decision. At Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, you’ll never be rushed. Our surgeons will help you understand what’s achievable, what to expect and how to prepare, so you feel confident every step of the way.