Hello! Do you have that stubborn fat that just won’t go away, even with diet and exercise?
You’ve probably thought about getting liposuction. But many people have questions about this procedure. If you have areas of localized fat that seem resistant to diet and exercise, liposuction may be an option to consider.
In this article, I will explain everything about how liposuction works, one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries worldwide.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body, mainly those areas genetically predisposed to accumulate fat. During the surgery, we use a special technique to suction out the fat, resulting in a more proportionate body contour. In the surgery, fat cells are permanently removed, so if the patient maintains a stable weight, fat will not accumulate in those areas again.
Liposuction is recommended for people with localized fat that’s difficult to eliminate with diets and exercise, depending on each person’s body type; the areas vary. Most women tend to accumulate fat in the hips, thighs, and love handles.
On the other hand, some women have a wider trunk, accumulating fat in the abdomen, back, and arms. In men, common areas for fat accumulation are the flanks (sides of the abdomen near the back) and the lower abdomen.
It’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss treatment and is suitable for patients within a normal weight range who cannot lose fat in specific areas through diet and exercise alone.
There is no ideal age, and it varies according to each patient’s needs. Ideally, the surgery should be done at an age when we have a good amount of collagen in the skin so that skin retraction is adequate after the procedure. This means that older patients and those with significant skin laxity may not achieve the ideal results as their skin may have more difficulty adapting. In these cases, it may be necessary to combine liposuction with other skin removal procedures.
The most important criterion is to be in good overall health. The procedure is suitable for adults who maintain a stable weight, do not have skin laxity, and have realistic expectations.
During liposuction, we make small incisions in the area to be treated and insert a cannula connected to a suction device. The fat is gently suctioned out, sculpting the desired body contour. At the end, the cannula entry sites are closed with special stitches, and dressings are placed over the stitches.
The choice of anaesthesia depends on the extent of the liposuction and the patient’s clinical condition. The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia. In selected cases, in small areas, it can be done with local anaesthesia and sedation.
The duration of liposuction depends on the size and number of areas to be treated. On average, the procedure ranges from 1 to 3 hours.
The vast majority of patients undergoing liposuction have the surgery as an outpatient procedure, meaning they can return home on the same day without the need for hospitalization.
Liposuction should be performed in an appropriate surgical environment. The surgery is carried out in hospitals in Greater London, which are properly equipped and maintain high standards of sterilization and safety.
Recovery after liposuction varies from patient to patient. In small liposuctions, most patients can resume light activities within a few days and more intense activities within a few weeks.
After liposuction, it is essential to follow our instructions carefully. This includes wearing compression garments, avoiding strenuous physical efforts, and keeping the surgical area clean and well cared for to ensure a smooth recovery and satisfactory results.
The first step is to schedule a consultation with me. During this consultation, I will evaluate you in detail to determine if liposuction is suitable for your specific case. I will explain the possible results and provide all the details regarding your case.
According to the recommendations of the UK Medical Council, healthy patients (without any medical conditions) under 50 years old do not require pre-operative tests. However, each case is individual, and in some cases, blood tests or an electrocardiogram may be necessary. For females of childbearing age, a pregnancy test is required.
The costs of liposuction can vary considerably and depend on various factors. The price is influenced by the number of areas to be treated, the amount of fat to be removed, the type of anesthesia used, and whether any specific technology will be applied.
Generally, the costs include the hospital fee, the anesthetist’s fee, the surgeon’s fee, and the nursing team’s fee. On average, prices can range from £7,000 for small-area liposuctions to £21,000 for large liposuctions using technologies such as Renuvion and Bodytite.
However, it’s important to note that each case is unique. During the consultation, I will discuss specific details with you and provide a customized quote based on your needs.
If you are considering liposuction and would like to obtain more personalized information, a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, and a specific quote, I am available to schedule a consultation.
Remember that each patient is unique, and during our consultation, we will discuss your specific needs and expectations to ensure a safe and personalized liposuction. I am here to help you through this process as comfortably and safely as possible.
