Results: 2 – 3 months
Recovery Time: 4 – 6 weeksProcedure Time: 1 – 3 Hours 
COST ON CONSULTATION
Pain Level: Moderate
Results: Permanent
Medically reviewed by Dr Kam Singh Bsc(Hons), MRCGP, MBCAM
Medical Advisory Committee for London Private Hospital
Last Reviewed July 4th 2024
Liposuction, often referred to as “lipo,” is a popular surgical procedure that removes fat permanently. It is particularly effective for targeting large fat deposits around the body, making it ideal for areas such as:
Double chin and neck
Upper arms, chest, and back
Upper and lower abdomen
Hips, flanks, and buttocks
Inner and outer thighs
Legs, knees, and ankles
While liposuction is excellent for body contouring, it is not a solution for obesity. Candidates should have a BMI of less than 30 and good skin elasticity to avoid sagging skin. There are several types of liposuction:
Traditional liposuction involves vacuuming away fat.
Micro-liposuction uses finer instruments, allowing for smaller incisions.
Power-assisted liposuction employs vibration technology to break down fat before removal.
At our medical facility in London, your lipo journey begins with a comprehensive medical consultation. We review your medical history and discuss your fat-related concerns to determine if you are a good candidate. With this information, our cosmetic surgeons develop a liposuction treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Liposuction treats the following fat-related concerns:
Liposuction in London is a straightforward procedure that requires precision for an excellent final result. It begins with either general anaesthesia to put you to sleep or local anaesthesia to numb the targeted area. The choice depends on your medical history and the location of your body under treatment.
Once you’re numb, the surgeon will make a small cut through the skin. This cut is just large enough to fit a thin, hollow tube known as a cannula. The surgeon slides the cannula in and gently moves it backwards and forwards to break up the fat cells in the areas. This dislodged fat is sucked out with a surgical syringe or vacuum attached to the cannula.
The surgeon removes the cannula and stitches up the area once the desired amount of fat is removed. They may repeat this process of making a cut and breaking fat with the cannula in other areas if necessary. Then the cuts are dressed, and you will be moved to a recovery room for observation.
Liposuction recovery varies from patient to patient as it depends on multiple factors. This includes the amount of fat removed, the areas targeted, and individual healing capability.
Swelling and bruising are common for most patients after liposuction. They are part of the body’s natural response to surgery and gradually subside over the following weeks. Wearing compression garments helps speed up this process.
It’s normal to experience some discomfort, soreness, or tightness in the treated areas after surgery. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to manage any discomfort. Light walking helps promote circulation and prevent blood clots, but strenuous activities should be avoided during the initial recovery period.
You’ll have follow-up appointments with your cosmetic surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns. Your surgeon removes stitches, evaluates your results, and provides further guidance during these visits. You’ll slowly see the final outcome of your procedure as the swelling subsides and tissues settle. However, it may take several weeks or even months before the final results are obvious.
Some possible issues that may arise after liposuction include numbness in the treated area, skin sensitivity, tenderness, and swelling. These may persist for several weeks or even months.
Although unlikely, there are a few more severe risks. These include excessive bleeding, blood clots, organ puncture, allergic reactions, fluid collection (seroma), and skin necrosis. Understanding and discussing these potential risks with your surgeon is essential for informed decision-making and optimal post-operative care. Get in touch with us to learn more about the procedure and about liposuction cost in London.
It can range from half an hour to about two hours. The exact time span hinges on a couple of the things. Mainly the size and number of areas targeted. The more fat, the more time. So smaller areas can take 30 minutes to an hour, which should be enough. Larger areas can take longer. The same goes for many areas.
Yes! In fact, London Private Hospital offers a number of alternatives to liposuction. We can also develop a custom treatment plan based on the look you are going for. Give us a call if you would like more info about your options.
Yes! Lipo results are permanent, provided you follow a healthy lifestyle. You can still gain weight after lipo. But it will spread throughout your body.
Absolutely! In one surgical session, you can address multiple problem areas. Why not discuss it more fully with our cosmetic surgeon? Book a consultation to learn more.
Your BMI needs to be 30 or below. Being at a healthy weight lowers the risks, as further weight loss or gain can affect the results of your surgery.
Lipo basically works on pretty much any part of your body! We found the best effects on larger areas of the body. So the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks are good places to have liposuction on.
Any surgery that cuts into the skin can also affect the tissue in the treated area. This can lead to possible changes in sensation – temporary or permanent. For most patients, the feeling comes back after their body has healed.
While rare, possible issues that may arise include:
Numbness and/or skin sensitivity
Swelling and bruising
Scars
Discomfort, tightness, or pain
Infection
It’s best to check with your cosmetic surgeon if it is safe for you to travel by air after lipo. Many airlines have certain protocols for post-op patients. You will have to inform your travel insurance company if you have had recent surgery too. We recommend avoiding travel in the first two months after your procedure.
No. We never advise liposuction if are pregnant because the anesthesia is neither safe for you nor your unborn baby. At London Private Hospital, your health always comes first. We never advise any procedure that poses even the slightest risk to your health.
Not immediately. So you’ll need to take a break for at 10 to 14 days. A general movement guideline is given below.
Slow walking in the first few days, 10–15 minutes at a time
1-2 weeks off work
1–2 weeks avoiding stairs
Six weeks of no heavy lifting or intense exercise
Your surgeon will provide special aftercare instructions for the smoothest recovery process.
Everyone should be able to achieve their body goals, no matter their financial situation. We believe cosmetic surgery should be accessible to all. That is why we offer flexible financing options around your needs. Discover our financing plans and pricing details, and explore how you can achieve a slimmer silhouette without the financial burden. Private Surgeon Consultation FREE 30 minutes of dedicated time Comprehensive health assessment and goal discussion Thorough examination to determine suitability Detailed explanation of the surgical process LiposuctionSurgery Zero Deposit Required Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs Expert Guidance from Our Experienced Cosmetic Surgeon Exclusive Private Hospital Accommodation
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