Is Liposuction Worth It?

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is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK, with over 5,000 procedures carried out in London alone in 2024. Here, we present the key information to help you consider whether liposuction is a suitable treatment option.

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What is liposuction?

Liposuction, or Lipo for short, is a body contouring procedure involving the removal of excess subcutaneous fat that has proven resistant to diet and exercise alone. . It is a highly effective treatment for removing fat that a sensible diet and physical exercise alone cannot remove.

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What are the common liposuction areas?

Some of the most popular liposuction areas include:

is a designed to contour the midsection. It involves , love handles and middle and lower back to achieve circumferential body contouring results that liposuction of isolated areas cannot achieve on its own. The areas of the body treated would depend on what you hope to gain from the procedure, your lifestyle and genetics. Some people are more likely to accumulate excess fat in certain areas than others. Once you have had an in-person consultation, your surgeon will provide customised recommendations on the best liposuction options.

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Am I suitable?

Ideal patients for liposuction include those who are physically and mentally well, at or near ideal body weight, and who are non-smokers. Liposuction is most suitable for patients with areas of localised subcutaneous fat lying directly beneath the skin. Liposuction is not a treatment for fat, which is the fat that surrounds the internal organs beneath the muscle.

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Patients with excess visceral fat should focus on losing weight before liposuction. Patients should have good skin elasticity before having liposuction surgery in London. If you have loose or sagging skin, there is a higher risk of getting unsatisfactory results with lumpy and wavy skin, as liposuction is likely to worsen pre-existing loose skin.

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Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?

Many people believe liposuction is a weight-loss method. It is not. is best suited for patients who are already at a healthy body weight and wish to contour and sculpt their bodies. The amount of fat that can be with liposuction is determined by several factors, including your treatment goals and the surgeon’s ability to safely remove excess fat to achieve aesthetically pleasing results.

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How to prepare for liposuction

You will receive detailed preoperative instructions from your surgeon before the . You should ensure you have a responsible adult who can drive you to and from our clinic and help you recover during the first 24 hours after your procedure. Certain medications, such as aspirin and medicines containing aspirin, should be stopped before the procedure as they are associated with an increased risk of bleeding during and after the procedure. Depending on your state of health, your surgeon may recommend specific blood tests before the procedure. You will also be assessed for potential allergies to medications, including anaesthetics. You will need to fast for 6 hours on the day of the procedure: 2 hours for clear fluids, including black tea, black coffee, and still water.

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What does the procedure involve?

Liposuction involves making small skin incisions to permit the insertion of cannulas into the fat. The cannulas are connected to vacuum suction and are moved back and forth to extract fat with a power-assisted liposuction technique. Once the procedure is complete, dissolvable stitches are applied to the small incisions, followed by a sterile dressing and compression garment. is performed as an outpatient at the Centre for Surgery, which means you can go home later the same day. Most liposuction procedures involve a general anaesthetic, and you must have a responsible caregiver to take you home and look after you for the first 24 to 48 hours.

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How long does it take to recover after liposuction?

Most patients who have had liposuction can return to light work after three days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided for up to 6 weeks to minimise excessive swelling, which could impair your healing. The speed of recovery varies between patients and the amount of performed. Some patients can return to specific activities within a week, while others may need several weeks to return to normal. Revision liposuction would involve a longer recovery than first-time liposuction due to additional scar tissue.

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What does liposuction scarring look like?

Most liposuction cannulas are no more than 5 mm wide and often much smaller. Liposuction scars reflect this and are barely noticeable once they are fully healed. The number of scars you have will depend on how many areas of liposuction have been carried out. Your age and skin quality determine the appearance of liposuction scarring. Darker-skinned people may have a high risk of developing excessive scarring. Most patients have virtually invisible scars by three months. The only way to have no wounds is not to have the procedure. All types of surgical incisions result in scars. Fortunately, our surgeons are experienced in positioning scars, so they appear as inconspicuously as possible.

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What results can I expect?

Patients should have realistic expectations of the level of liposuction results achievable. It is normal to have and swelling after the procedure; patients may notice temporary loose skin during recovery. It can take up to 3 to 6 months for the final liposuction results to become visible.

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Is liposuction permanent?

Once the fat is removed from the body with liposuction, it does not return. However, if you gain weight, other untreated areas may become more noticeable. We recommend following a healthy, nutritious diet and engaging in plenty of exercise, such as running. This is the best way to maintain your liposuction results for the long term.

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Liposuction at Centre for Surgery

Centre for Surgery is renowned for its expertise in liposuction and body contouring using the most advanced liposuction techniques available in London. We are home to some of the best liposuction surgeons in the UK. Our surgeons have many years of experience performing liposuction, and we perform more liposuction procedures than anywhere else in London. Once you are ready to take the next step and schedule an in-person consultation, call us today at to speak with one of our friendly and knowledgeable patient .

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Centre for Surgery is a private on London’s Baker Street, delivering plastic and cosmetic surgery through GMC-registered specialist surgeons. Our expertise spans facial procedures including and , , for men, and body contouring procedures such as and . Patient safety, surgical excellence and natural-looking results sit at the heart of everything we do.

Centre for Surgery is a CQC-regulated private hospital on London’s iconic , offering plastic and cosmetic surgery led by GMC-registered consultant surgeons.

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