What can liposuction achieve?

Liposuction can improve the shape of a treated area by removing excess fat from localised pockets. It may help if you want to remove unwanted fat deposits from areas that do not change much with weight loss, diet and exercise.

The aim is usually to improve contour, shape and proportion. Liposuction may be used to treat areas such as:

• Stomach
• Hips
• Outer thighs
• Inner thighs
• Upper arms
• Back
• Chest
• Neck
• Chin
• Lower body areas

Liposuction is not intended to be a weight loss procedure. If you have significant excess weight, your surgeon may advise weight management before surgery. This is because liposuction is generally safer and more effective when you are already close to a stable, healthy weight.

What liposuction cannot do

Liposuction cannot tighten loose skin, remove stretch marks or replace a healthy lifestyle. It removes fat cells from the treated area, but it does not stop remaining fat cells from enlarging if you gain weight after surgery.

This means your results can change over time. Ageing, weight gain, pregnancy and changes in skin tone can all affect the final appearance.

Liposuction may also be unsuitable where the main issue is excess skin rather than excess fat. For example, a tummy tuck may be discussed if you have loose abdominal skin or weakened abdominal muscles. Your surgeon should explain whether liposuction treatment is suitable, or whether another option would be more appropriate.

Who may be suitable for liposuction?

You may be suitable for liposuction if you are close to a healthy weight, have localised fat deposits and have realistic expectations about what surgery can achieve.

Before you undergo liposuction, your surgeon should carry out a medical evaluation. This should include reviewing your medical history, medication, smoking status, body mass index, previous surgery and general health.

Suitability may also depend on:

• Your skin elasticity
• Good skin tone
• The amount of body fat being treated
• The treatment area
• Your risk of blood clots
• Previous wound healing problems
• Whether you can follow aftercare advice
• Whether your expected result is realistic

Consultation with qualified plastic surgeons is important because not everyone is suitable for liposuction surgery. BAPRAS explains that each liposuction procedure should be tailored to the person’s needs and physical condition. You can read the BAPRAS liposuction guide.

What should happen before liposuction surgery?

Before liposuction surgery, you should have a detailed consultation with the surgeon who will carry out or supervise the procedure. This should help you understand what will happen, what the likely results are and what risks are involved.

As with any form of plastic surgery, you should be assessed carefully before treatment goes ahead. Your surgeon should make sure liposuction is suitable for your body, health, skin quality and expectations.

Your surgeon should ask about:

• Your current health
• Your medical history
• Medication you take
• Allergies
• Previous surgery
• Smoking or vaping
• Weight changes
• Pregnancy plans, where relevant
• What you want to change
• Any concerns about appearance or expectations

Your surgeon may examine the treatment area, take photographs, mark body areas for planning and discuss which liposuction techniques may be suitable.

The General Medical Council says patients should be given clear, accurate information about the risks of cosmetic interventions, including anaesthesia and sedation. You can read the GMC cosmetic interventions guidance.

What should informed consent include?

Informed consent means you have been given enough information to make a voluntary decision about whether to proceed.

Before a liposuction procedure, your surgeon should explain:

• What the procedure involves
• What type of anaesthetic may be used
• Which areas will be treated
• How much fat may be removed
• What results are realistic
• What the main risks are
• What recovery may involve
• Whether further treatment may be needed
• What alternatives are available
• What could happen if you decide not to have surgery

The Royal College of Surgeons’ professional standards for cosmetic surgery address key areas including communication, consent and patient safety. You can read the RCS professional standards for cosmetic surgery.

How should you prepare for a liposuction procedure?

Preparation for liposuction will depend on your health, the areas being treated and the type of anaesthetic being used. The clinic should provide personalised instructions before surgery.

Preparation may include:

• Stopping smoking before surgery
• Avoiding certain medicines or supplements
• Arranging time off work
• Planning transport home
• Arranging for someone to stay with you afterwards
• Preparing loose clothing
• Following fasting instructions if required
• Buying or preparing compression garments if advised
• Asking what to do if symptoms develop after surgery

You should not feel rushed into a decision. You should have time to consider the risks, cost, aftercare and likely outcome before agreeing to treatment.

What types of liposuction techniques may be used?

There are several liposuction techniques used in aesthetic surgery. The best approach will depend on the treatment area, the amount of fat being removed, your health and your surgeon’s recommendation. 

Traditional liposuction

Traditional liposuction usually involves using a cannula and suction to remove fat from beneath the skin. Your surgeon moves the cannula through fatty tissue to loosen fat cells before removing them.

Suction assisted liposuction

Suction assisted liposuction is one of the most common forms of liposuction. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions and connected to a suction device to remove fat cells.

Tumescent liposuction

Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a medicated fluid into the treatment area before fat removal. This fluid may help numb the area, reduce bleeding and make it easier to remove fat.

Power assisted liposuction

Power assisted liposuction uses a vibrating cannula to help loosen fatty tissue. This may help your surgeon remove fat more efficiently in certain areas.

Ultrasound assisted liposuction

Ultrasound assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to help break down fat before it is removed. Ultrasound assisted liposuction UAL may be considered in some cases where the fat is more fibrous or difficult to remove.

Laser assisted liposuction

Laser assisted liposuction uses laser energy to help break down fat cells before removal. It may also be described as laser assisted lipolysis. Some providers promote it for skin tightening, but you should still be given realistic advice about what it can achieve.

Water assisted liposuction

Water assisted liposuction uses a jet of fluid to help loosen fat before it is removed. Like other methods, it should be performed with care to protect surrounding tissue and blood vessels.

Our infographic below demonstrates what you can expect during each type of liposuction procedure.

Here, we have detailed what you can expect from the three most popular methods:

How is a liposuction procedure done?

A liposuction procedure is usually done by making small incisions in the treatment area, inserting a thin tube called a cannula and using suction to remove fat cells. The exact process depends on the technique used and the area being treated.

The procedure commonly includes these stages:

• Your treatment area is marked
• Anaesthetic is given
• Small incisions are made
• Tumescent fluid may be injected
• A cannula is inserted beneath the skin
• Fat cells are loosened
• Suction is used to remove excess fat
• Incisions are dressed
• A compression garment may be applied

Your surgeon should work carefully around blood vessels, nerves and surrounding tissue. Safe technique is important because aggressive or poorly controlled fat removal can increase the risk of complications.

What anaesthetic is used during liposuction?

The anaesthetic used during liposuction depends on the size of the treatment area, how much fat is being removed, your health and your surgeon’s plan.

Smaller areas may be treated using local anaesthetic, sometimes with sedation. Larger areas, or liposuction combined with other cosmetic surgery procedures, may require general anaesthetic.

You should be told what type of anaesthetic is planned and what risks are involved. You should also be told whether the liposuction procedure will be an outpatient procedure or whether longer monitoring may be needed.

How is fat removed during liposuction?

Fat is removed during liposuction using a cannula inserted beneath the skin. The cannula loosens fat cells in the fatty tissue, and suction removes them from the body.

Your surgeon should aim to remove fat evenly and avoid taking too much from one area. Removing too much fat or using poor technique can lead to dents, uneven skin texture, contour problems or damage to surrounding structures.

Liposuction removes fat cells from the treated area, but it does not remove all fat cells. Remaining fat cells can still enlarge if you gain weight later.

How much fat can be removed?

How much fat can be removed depends on your health, the treatment area, the amount of excess fat and your surgeon’s judgement. Removing larger amounts of fat can increase risk.

You should be cautious if a clinic promises dramatic fat removal or presents liposuction as an easy way to lose weight. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a replacement for diet and exercise.

A responsible surgeon should explain what can safely be achieved and whether your goals are realistic.

How long does liposuction take?

The length of a liposuction procedure can vary. Smaller treatment areas may take less time, while larger areas or multiple body areas may take longer.

Timing can depend on:

• The number of areas being treated
• The amount of fat being removed
• The liposuction technique used
• Whether another cosmetic procedure is being performed
• The type of anaesthetic
• Your health

The clinic should explain how long the planned procedure is expected to take and what will happen afterwards.

Is liposuction an outpatient procedure?

Liposuction is often an outpatient procedure, meaning you may go home on the same day. However, this depends on the extent of surgery, the anaesthetic used and your condition after treatment.

The NHS explains that, after liposuction, you are usually fitted with an elasticated support corset or compression bandages and may need antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. You can read the NHS liposuction guidance.

Larger procedures, combined procedures or complications may require longer observation.

What happens immediately after liposuction?

Immediately after liposuction, the treated area may be swollen, bruised, sore and covered with dressings. Fluid may leak from the incision sites, especially where tumescent liposuction has been used.

You may be given:

• Dressings
• A compression garment
• Pain relief
• Antibiotics, where appropriate
• Advice on moving around
• Instructions on wound care
• A follow-up appointment
• Emergency contact details

You should usually arrange for another adult to take you home and stay with you after surgery, especially if sedation or general anaesthetic was used.

What should you expect in the first few weeks?

In the first few weeks after liposuction, swelling, bruising, tenderness and fluid retention are common. The treated area may feel firm, numb or uneven while your body heals.

A compression garment may be worn for several weeks to reduce swelling and support the treated area. The exact length of time varies, but compression garments are commonly worn for two to six weeks after surgery.

You may be able to return to work within a few days, depending on the size of the treated area and the type of work you do. Strenuous exercise should usually be avoided until your surgeon confirms it is safe.

How painful is a liposuction procedure?

A liposuction procedure should not be painful during surgery if the anaesthetic is working properly. However, soreness, tenderness, bruising and aching can happen after the anaesthetic wears off.

The level of pain can depend on:

• The area treated
• The amount of fat removed
• The technique used
• Whether multiple areas were treated
• Your pain tolerance
• How your healing progresses

Severe pain, pain that is getting worse, or pain with fever, spreading redness, unusual discharge, chest pain or breathlessness should be treated as a warning sign.

What are the risks and downsides of liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and is not 100% safe. Most people will not experience serious complications, but risks should be explained before treatment.

Potential risks and downsides include:

• Swelling and bruising
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Nerve damage
• Numbness
• Uneven skin texture
• Dents or contour irregularities
• Fluid imbalance
• Organ perforation
• Fat embolism
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring
• Dissatisfaction with the result

The NHS lists risks including infection, blood clots and pulmonary embolism. These are uncommon, but they can be serious and require urgent medical attention.

Does liposuction permanently remove fat cells?

Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated area. These removed fat cells do not usually grow back in that specific area.

However, this does not mean the result cannot change. If you gain weight after liposuction, remaining fat cells can enlarge. Fat may also increase in untreated areas of the body.

Long-term results usually depend on maintaining a stable weight, eating well, exercising and following medical advice.

How long will liposuction results last?

Liposuction results can last for many years if you maintain a healthy weight. However, ageing, weight gain, pregnancy and changes in skin tone can affect the appearance of the treated area over time.

The final result may not be visible immediately. Swelling can take weeks or months to settle, and your body may continue to adjust as healing continues.

You should be given realistic expectations before surgery. Liposuction can improve contour, but it cannot guarantee a perfect or permanent body shape.

What happens 10 years after liposuction?

Ten years after liposuction, the treated area may still have fewer fat cells than before surgery. However, your overall appearance can change with age, lifestyle, weight changes and skin elasticity.

You may remain happy with your results long term, but you may also notice weight gain, loose skin, unevenness or changes in body shape. This does not always mean the original surgery was negligent.

The key issue is whether you were properly advised before surgery about realistic outcomes and how results may change over time.

When should you seek medical advice after liposuction?

You should seek medical advice if symptoms feel severe, unusual or are getting worse. Early review can be important where there are signs of infection, blood clots or tissue damage.

Warning signs may include:

• Severe pain
• Fever
• Spreading redness
• Unusual discharge
• Foul smell from wounds
• Heavy bleeding
• Sudden swelling
• Chest pain
• Breathlessness
• Calf pain
• Darkened skin
• Dizziness or feeling very unwell

If symptoms are serious, contact emergency services, NHS 111 or your GP depending on the severity. You should also inform your clinic or surgeon as soon as possible.

When could a liposuction complication be negligence?

A liposuction complication may be negligence if your surgeon or clinic failed in their duty of care and this caused avoidable harm. A poor result or recognised complication does not automatically mean negligence.

A claim may be possible where harm was caused by:

• Poor suitability assessment
• Failure to explain risks
• Failure to obtain informed consent
• Unsafe surgical technique
• Removing too much fat
• Failure to monitor symptoms
• Poor aftercare advice
• Failure to respond to complications

The duty of care applies before, during and after treatment. You should be assessed properly, told about risks and realistic outcomes, treated to the expected standard and supported with appropriate aftercare.

You can read more about liposuction compensation claims if you believe negligent liposuction has caused avoidable harm.

Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors supports people who have suffered avoidable harm after negligent cosmetic surgery. If your liposuction procedure caused unexpected injury, poor results or further treatment needs, we can help you understand whether you may have a claim.

We can help by:

• Reviewing what happened
• Gathering evidence
• Obtaining independent medical evidence
• Assessing whether duty of care was breached
• Dealing with the surgeon, clinic, insurer or their solicitors
• Pursuing compensation for pain, suffering and financial losses

In many cases we act on a no win, no fee basis. Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors achieve an approximate 95% success rate in cases pursued after obtaining supportive medical evidence.

Contact Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors today for a confidential discussion, or complete our online enquiry form.