Liposuction surgery is an effective way to remove areas of fat in both men and women that are typically stubborn to lose using diet and exercise such as the tummy, buttocks, thighs and hips. It can also be used to treat areas on the face and for medical conditions such as lymphoedema and gynaecomastia.

Prior to liposuction surgery you will meet with your surgeon to discuss your reasons for wanting to undertake it and the desired aesthetic outcome you wish you achieve. Your suitability for the surgery will be assessed along with your expectations of what can be achieved as the amount of fat that can removed in one surgery is limited and the surgery has the best results for patients that are healthy and fit and with a lower BMI. You may need to discuss your intentions for liposuction with your GP prior to surgery to ensure it is the right treatment for you.

There are different techniques for liposuction depending on the area that is being treated and those areas are then also prepared in different ways. You may have an injection of anaesthetic and medication into the area and the fat cells are then broken down using high frequency vibrations, a pulsating laser or a water jet. The technique recommended for you will be discussed with you at your consultation with your surgeon. A small incision is then made and a tube connected to a vacuum is then inserted. The fat is then vacuumed out through this tube. This process may be repeated if there is a larger area to be treated.

Liposuction is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, although a local anaesthetic can be used on small areas and will take between 1 and 3 hours depending on the size of the area being treated and you will likely require an overnight stay in hospital. We recommend you take at least 3 days off from work and up to 10 depending on your surgery. You will have a compression bandage given to you that you will be required to wear between 2 and 4 weeks. Your first after care appointment with your nurse will see your bandages removed and any sutures and you will be given further advice to care for yourself at home depending on where you are in the recovery stage. Since you will be swollen after surgery, it can take up to 2 weeks to be able to see the results of your surgery and then up to 6 months to fully settle.

There is no set price for liposuction as the final price is bespoke to your requirements and has to factor in individual circumstances. You will be advised of your price at your consultation once the surgeon has discussed all the relevant information and options with you.

As with any surgery, there are potential risks and complications. These will be discussed with you before any surgery takes place, along with your medical history and you will be provided with comprehensive information in relation to your specific procedure that you can take away and reflect over after your consultation. Don’t forget our friendly team are here to answer any questions you may have.

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