Liposuction removes unwanted fat to improve the shape of your body. It is important to note that liposuction is not a method for controlling weight or obesity and it is not effective at removing cellulite or stretch marks. At consultation your BMI (body mass index) will be assessed and your surgeon will use this to determine how appropriate the liposuction is for you.
There is a physiological limit to the amount of fat that that can be safely removed from an area, which is typically 3 litres. Given the restrictions you need to be realistic of what is achievable, liposuction would not prove beneficial for very overweight people.
Typically the hips are the most treated area, but liposuction is possible on the inner and outer thighs thighs, tummy, inner knees, ankles, neck, back and upper arms.
It is most common for General Anaesthetic is administered and you will sleep throughout, but in some cases liposuction is carried out under local anaesthetic with sedation. A very small incision will be made and a thin metal tube called a cannula will be inserted to extract the fat. Once your surgeon has removed the appropriate amount of fat, the tube will be taken out and your incision stitched over. The liposuction should take 1-2 hours and if you are a day case you will be discharged on the same day, if your surgery is more extensive an overnight stay will be required. You will wear a support garment for up to 6 weeks after liposuction surgery.
You will need to wait weeks post liposuction to see the true result, in this time the bruising and swelling will heal and go down. Your consultant will discuss timescales with you. Most individuals return to work 1-2 weeks after liposuction
