Liposuction

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.

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 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?

Click here and select your local Nuffield Health hospital to find contact details and guide prices for liposuction. 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, 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.