What is liposuction? 

Liposuction is one of the world’s most popular cosmetic procedures. It reduces the overall number of fat cells in a specific area, enabling you to address where you may have contours and flaws. Being more about fat than skin, it is an effective way to remove the stubborn fat deposits around the body that are not helped by diet and exercise. 

Who is a suitable candidate for liposuction? 

Those who are moderately overweight can benefit from liposuction. It is a procedure for both women and men, and can usually be applied areas including the abdomen, hips, thighs, inner knees, upper arms and back. In men, the areas usually treated are the chest (gynecomastia), abdomen and flanks (commonly known as love-handles). 

In many cases, liposuction is performed as part of a body-shaping programme and used in conjunction with additional procedures for maximum benefit. These procedures include tummy tuck, thigh and arm lift and/or breast surgery. The results from liposuction do vary from person to person and a second session may be necessary if the patient desires further improvement. It should be understood that liposuction is not a substitute for diet and exercise and the goal should be improvement, not perfection. 

How long does liposuction last? 

Results will be permanent as long as you keep at a stable weight. If you gain too much weight after liposuction, it will show in the areas not treated, where the fat cells will continue to expand. This may cause unwanted results. Liposuction is a procedure that is possible from the age of 18 years, and the best results will be seen in those patients who have good elasticity in the skin. There are different procedures that address excess and saggy skin, (for example a tummy tuck) which can be performed in combination with liposuction to obtain the best aesthetic result. 

How is liposuction procedure performed? 

Tiny incisions (3-6mm) are made through the skin and a solution is infused into the area with a cannula (a hollow thin, tube like instrument that traps and removes the fat.) This fluid is used to anaesthetize the area, reduce bleeding and improve the process of fat extraction. The cannula is inserted under the skin and moved within the fat, without interrupting the vessels and nerves. The fat and accompanying fluid is then suctioned out using a vacuum system to remove it permanently. During the procedure the surgeon will actively review their work and check your body for symmetry and the desired contours, to give you the result that you require. 

Duration of operation 1-1.5hrs (general anesthesia / sedation) 

Hospital stay - Depending on the type of anesthetic used and the amount of fat that is removed, the patient may go home the same day or stay one night in the Hospital. 

Will I wear a support garment after liposuction? 

A specially designed surgical support garment will be fitted immediately following the procedure. This will be worn for between 2-10 weeks and helps to minimize swelling, improve skin retraction, and protect the treated areas, keeping you more comfortable. 

What should I expect following the liposuction surgery? 

You can expect significant swelling and even a little weight gain initially after liposuction. Your face, hands and feet may swell up from the fluids pumped into you during the procedure. Swelling travels downwards, so you may experience puffiness even in untreated areas. Leakage, asymmetry, lumps, and surface irregularities are common, as is discomfort and discolouration. These will all disappear within the first few weeks. A 3 to 7 night stay in Turkey is recommended for this procedure. Any swelling may continue for up to 6 weeks and you should see the final results between 6-12 months after the procedure. 

How long will it be before I can get back to my normal life? 

Most patients do not experience a large amount of pain from liposuction however they are although to restrict physical activities for the first 7 days. 

Can liposuction be performed without scar? 

Minimal scars for liposuction are placed within the natural folds of the body and although they will be visible initially, usually within a 6-12 month period they should be virtually invisible. 

Can you gain weight after liposuction? 

Liposuction removes some of the fat cells; if you gain weight after treatment you may gain weight more in other areas that were not treated. It is advisable to maintain a good diet and exercise program to see continued results. 

Does liposuction remove cellulite? 

Liposuction can make your body look smoother but it is not a cure for cellulite.