This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.Read More Here

About the procedure Liposuction

Our Philosophy on Liposuction

We approach liposuction with a strong emphasis on patient education, individualised planning, and surgical precision. The surgeons who operate at AR Plastic Surgery have extensive experience performing liposuction procedures and aim to address areas of localised fat that have not responded to lifestyle measures such as diet and exercise. Each case is carefully assessed to help ensure that the chosen technique is suitable and that the goals discussed during the consultation are achievable within the scope of the procedure.

We believe in transparent, respectful communication with patients, particularly around the expected changes and limitations of liposuction. This includes a thorough explanation of the procedure’s capabilities, the areas that can be targeted, and how these align with the patient’s physical characteristics. Setting realistic expectations is considered essential in supporting patient understanding and satisfaction.

Patient safety remains a central priority. A detailed pre-operative assessment is conducted, considering a patient’s general health, body mass index (BMI), and the suitability of the areas selected for treatment. Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and is most appropriate for patients with stable weight and good skin elasticity who are seeking targeted body contouring.

Understanding Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of localised fat deposits through suction. It is performed through small incisions using a cannula, which is inserted into the subcutaneous fat layer. The fat is broken down and then removed using negative pressure from a suction machine. This can be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with other body contouring procedures.

Liposuction is most commonly used to address areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, neck, and under the chin. Suitability is determined during the consultation, where skin quality, fat distribution, and overall body proportions are assessed. The surgeons who operate at AR Plastic Surgery want to ensure that patients understand which areas may be safely treated and how much fat can be removed.

It is important to note that liposuction does not treat excess skin or muscle separation. In cases where there is significant skin laxity, other procedures such as abdominoplasty or brachioplasty may be more appropriate. Liposuction may also be limited in its ability to address deeper visceral fat, which cannot be accessed surgically.

Different Techniques in Liposuction

There are several liposuction methods used in modern practice, each with its own technical considerations. The choice of technique is based on clinical evaluation, patient-specific factors, and the volume and location of fat to be removed.

  • Tumescent Liposuction: This is the most common technique and involves the administration of a solution containing saline, local anaesthetic, and adrenaline into the treatment area before fat removal. This assists in minimising bleeding and increasing fat removal.
  • Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): In PAL, the cannula is motorised to increase fat disruption and removal. It may be used for areas with dense or fibrous fat or where a larger volume is being addressed.
  • Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL): This traditional method involves manual movement of the cannula to dislodge fat, which is then removed via suction. It remains a standard technique for many areas of the body.
  • Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): This technique uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat before removal. It may be applied in specific areas, such as the upper back or male chest, where fibrous fat is more common.

 
The surgeons who operate at AR Plastic Surgery select the appropriate method based on patient needs and procedural goals, following a full clinical evaluation.

Areas Commonly Treated with Liposuction

The procedure can address areas of localised fat, such as:

  • Abdomen and flanks
  • Thighs (inner and outer)
  • Upper arms
  • Neck and submental area (under the chin)
  • Hips and buttocks
  • Chest (including treatment of gynaecomastia in males)
  • Knees and calves

 
Not all areas are suitable for all patients. The decision to treat specific regions is based on a combination of clinical examination and patient expectations discussed during consultation.

What to Expect During the Day of the Procedure

On the day of liposuction, patients are admitted to the surgical facility where the operation will take place. The pre-operative process involves confirming the treatment areas and discussing the surgical plan once more with the medical team. Markings are made on the skin to guide the procedure.

Patients are then prepared for surgery with standard pre-operative steps. This may include changing into a surgical gown and completing routine health checks. Once in the operating room, the surgical team follows the plan discussed during the consultation.

The duration of the procedure depends on the number of areas treated and the volume of fat being removed. Small-area liposuction may take under an hour, while multiple areas or high-volume procedures may require several hours. Post-procedure, patients are monitored in a recovery area before discharge or admission for observation, depending on the extent of the surgery.

AR PLASTIC SURGERY Meet your surgeons

Aftercare and Recovery

Recovery from liposuction varies depending on the size and number of treated areas, as well as the patient’s general health. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following the procedure. Compression garments are often recommended to support healing and help reduce swelling.

Patients can resume light activities within a few days, although strenuous exercise and heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks.

The surgeons who operate at AR Plastic Surgery provide individualised guidance on activity restrictions and expected recovery timelines. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing, assess the progress of fat reduction, and address any concerns that may arise.

Swelling may take several weeks to settle, and the final result may take a few months to become fully visible.

Patients are encouraged to maintain a stable weight following liposuction. Significant weight gain after the procedure can affect the outcome and may lead to fat accumulation in untreated areas.

Procedure gallery View our patient results

Abdominoplasty Results

Breast augmentation Results

Breast Lift Results

Breast Reduction Results

Disclaimer: The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Some images may have the patient’s tattoos, jewellery or other identifiable items blurred to protect patient identities.

Potential Risks

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction carries risks, including but not limited to:

  • Bruising and swelling
  • Infection
  • Seroma or fluid accumulation
  • Changes in skin sensation
  • Asymmetry or contour irregularities
  • Scarring at the incision sites
  • Thrombosis or embolic events
  • Complications related to anaesthesia

The surgeons who operate at AR Plastic Surgery conduct thorough pre-operative assessments and discuss these risks in detail to support patient understanding and informed consent. Patients are also advised on signs of complications and when to seek medical attention.

Associations