Procedure guide · Plastic and cosmetic surgery
Liposuction removes fat from specific areas of the body by suction. MedlinePlus is clear that it is not a substitute for diet and exercise. It does not treat obesity, cellulite or loose skin. It reshapes areas where fat bulges have not responded to a healthy lifestyle. It can have serious complications, so a careful assessment matters.
What is liposuction?
MedlinePlus describes the removal of excess fat using a thin tube and suction. It may be used on areas such as the chin, neck, arms, abdomen, hips, thighs and knees. The most common method is tumescent liposuction. A large amount of solution containing a numbing medicine and adrenaline is injected first. Other methods use ultrasound or laser energy to liquefy fat before suction.
After surgery, bandages and a compression garment keep pressure on the area. They help control bleeding and maintain the shape. Swelling, bruising and numbness are expected.
Who may be suitable?
MedlinePlus says people are assessed with a history, examination, psychological evaluation and blood and urine tests. Conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and lung problems need to be checked and controlled. Smoking matters too. The surgeon decides whether liposuction suits you or whether another procedure, such as a tummy tuck, fits your goals better.
MedlinePlus warns that liposuction can have serious or, rarely, fatal complications. They include reactions to the numbing medicine, fat entering the bloodstream, shock, fluid overload, infection, bleeding and blood clots. Uneven results, dents and baggy skin are also possible.
Limits on how much
Ask the surgeon how much fat they plan to remove in one session and why. Ask how they monitor fluids during surgery. These questions relate directly to the serious risks MedlinePlus lists.
What will a surgeon usually ask for?
Expect questions about your weight history and general health. Send recent blood tests and a list of all medicines and supplements. Send reports on any heart, lung or blood-clotting problems. Photographs of the areas of concern help with remote advice. Tell the surgeon about any previous surgery on those areas.
How do you plan the trip?
The stages are a remote review, an in-person consultation and surgery. Early recovery in a compression garment follows, then a check before you leave. MedlinePlus says walking early helps prevent blood clots. The NHS warns that air travel and major surgery both raise the risk of a blood clot. It advises waiting before flying. Bring a companion and pack loose clothing that fits over the garment. Your surgeon decides when it is safe to fly.
What should you ask the surgeon?
- Which technique will you use, and why for these areas?
- How much fat do you plan to remove in one session?
- What anaesthesia will be used, and who gives it?
- How long must I wear the compression garment?
- Who will check my wounds after I return home?
- What happens if the result is uneven?
Questions people ask
Is liposuction a way to lose weight?
No. MedlinePlus says liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise and does not treat obesity. It removes fat from specific areas. Keeping the result depends on regular exercise and healthy eating.
Can liposuction remove loose skin or cellulite?
MedlinePlus says it does not treat cellulite or excess skin. In some people, especially older people, the skin may look baggy afterwards. A surgeon may suggest a different procedure, such as a tummy tuck, for loose skin.
Which areas can liposuction treat?
MedlinePlus lists areas such as the chin, neck, cheeks, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles. It notes that fat at the sides of the breasts is usually avoided. Your surgeon will advise which areas suit you.
Sources
General information, not medical or legal advice. Rules change: confirm with the official source. Your treating specialist decides on suitability, treatment and length of stay. How we write and check.