Liposuction Surgery | Restore Your Body Confidence

People who struggle to lose weight through natural means such as dieting and exercise may turn to surgical alternatives, such as liposuction. The procedure promises to remove fat pockets from trouble areas including the stomach, underarms, thighs, and hips. Liposuction is renowned for instilling patients with a new lease of life and restoring their self-confidence.

The liposuction procedure process

Before your surgery, your consultant will talk you through the procedure in detail and answer any questions you have. Your consultant will place markings on your body where fat will be removed and how they will guide the operation. Your procedure can be performed under general and sometimes local anaesthetic (this can be discussed with your surgeon).

The procedure involves removing fat through a medical device called a cannula, which is inserted under the skin. This process is typically very fast and procedures excellent and immediately noticeable results. A high-pressure vacuum is then used to remove fat from the targeted area. Swelling bruising is to be expected post-surgery and this will mask your final results for anywhere up to two months.

What are the benefits of liposuction?

Liposuction has been made popular because of the results it produces and the benefits patients can enjoy from the treatment. Some of the benefits include: Reducing fat in areas where diet and exercise have no effect. Removing stubborn fat deposits, leaving a defined shape. It boosts self-esteem and enhances body image and confidence.

Your liposuction recovery process

After the procedure, you will be fitted with a support corset or compression bandages to help reduce swelling, bruising and aid in recovery. As part of your aftercare plan, you will be prescribed medication from your consultant for up to two weeks. After your stay with us, you will need someone to drive you home.

Any strenuous activity should be avoided for two to three weeks to avoid any damage as your scars heal. The results of your liposuction procedure will not be immediately obvious until the swelling has reduced – this can take up to six months to settle completely.

At eight weeks post-liposuction, your results should begin to take proper shape. Do not be discouraged if your results aren’t immediately apparent. Residual swelling can obscure your results, but this should go down in the residual swelling that can obscure the actual changes that you might see in a few more months.

When to expect your liposuction results

Every patient will experience different results based on the extent of their surgery and their own expectations. Where you choose to have your liposuction procedure will also be taken into account. For example, abdominal liposuction results may be more noticeable than someone who has had underarm liposuction due to the size of the operated area.

It is important to be realistic regarding your liposuction results. You will have a far better understanding of your results when you have spoken to your liposuction consultant. They will be able to show you a rough extent of your results by drawing surgical lines on the areas where fat will be removed.

Liposuction for men

Due to its popularity among women, many people assume liposuction is only for females. This is not the case. Liposuction is also available to men wanting to remove stubborn fat from problem areas around their body. Liposuction for men is increasing in popularity due to the contouring techniques available for creating personalised end results. The surgery and recovery for men undergoing liposuction treatment is the same as it is for women.

Liposuction questions to ask your surgeon

• How long should I wear compression garments after liposuction?
• Does fat come back after liposuction?
• How long before I see results from liposuction?
• Am I an ideal candidate for liposuction?
• How should I prepare for liposuction?
• How is each procedure priced?

This article was written by The McIndoe Centre, in collaboration with Paul Banwell BSc MB BS FRCS (Eng) FRCS (Plast) Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. All information, advice and procedures were updated on 17th September 2019.

Liposuction FAQ's

Is there any scarring with liposuction?

The liposuction procedure does leave small scars where the small incisions have been made to extract the fat. However, the liposuction scars are just a few millimetres in length – and are made in discreet locations. To the naked eye, these scars should not be visible and your surgeon will work hard to keep scarring to a minimum.

Scarring can also be drastically reduced through the use of creams and oils and by following the liposuction aftercare routine provided by your surgeon.

Does liposuction make you lose weight?

Liposuction should not be seen as a replacement for weight loss. Ideal liposuction candidates are those who maintain a healthy lifestyle and are looking to remove fat from stubborn places that exercise and healthy eating cannot help with. Patients who experience a loss of skin elasticity are also good candidates.

Can you get liposuction at 16?

The age of which you get liposuction depends on various factors. For example, a patient may be chronologically 70 years old but have a physiological age of 50. This is not uncommon and can be due to a number of reasons, such as regular exercise, healthy dieting and even genetics.

However, older patients opting for liposuction will have to meet certain requirements before they are considered for this type of procedure. If they suffer from medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes or similar chronic conditions, this will lessen the likelihood of being accepted for the procedure.

Younger patients considering liposuction surgery are advised to arrange a consultation with one of our specialists to talk through their options.

If you are of sound health and mind and you have realistic expectations of your liposuction surgery, you may be considered for the procedure.

Is liposuction safe before pregnancy?

You can opt for a liposuction procedure before and after pregnancy. We do recommend that you maintain a stable weight before you opt for the procedure to achieve the best results.

Does insurance cover liposuction?

It is unlikely that liposuction will be covered by standard medical insurance. This is because it is a cosmetic and therefore elective surgery.

However, we can offer you finance options and payment plans for your liposuction procedure. Talk with one of our friendly team members today to learn more about your payment options.