Liposuction

Sometimes no amount of exercise or dieting will shift stubborn pockets of fat. Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove these localised deposits and refine the body's contour. It’s not a weight loss procedure, but a sculpting one – designed to address specific areas that have not responded to lifestyle changes and bring the body into better proportion as a result.

It’s also a procedure that works well alongside others. Liposuction is frequently used to enhance the results of body contouring procedures such as a tummy tuck, arm lift or thigh lift; harvested fat can be used for transfer to the breasts where natural augmentation is desired; and it forms part of my specialised lymphoedema treatment.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure in which a thin cannula – a small hollow tube – is used to break up and remove fat from beneath the skin through tiny incisions. The technique can be applied to a wide range of areas including the abdomen, upper back (under the bra line), hips, inner thighs, upper arms and beneath the chin.

Where harvested fat is to be used for transfer elsewhere – most commonly to the breasts – it’s carefully processed before being reinjected, providing natural augmentation using the body's own tissue.

Is liposuction right for you?

Liposuction works best for patients who are at or close to a healthy, stable weight and are looking to address specific areas of persistent fat that are disproportionate to the rest of their body.

It’s important to be clear about what liposuction can and cannot do. It’s not a treatment for obesity or significant excess weight, and it won’t address loose or sagging skin. In some cases, skin removal via a separate procedure such as a tummy tuck, arm lift or thigh lift may give a better overall result. I’ll discuss this honestly with you at your consultation.

Liposuction is not recommended during or shortly after pregnancy. I ask all my patients to stop smoking – or using any nicotine products – from 4 weeks before procedures until6 weeks after to avoid compromised wound healing and anaesthesia risks.

My approach to liposuction is rooted in the same reconstructive precision I bring to all my work – focused on proportionate, natural-looking results that complement your frame, rather than simply removing the maximum amount of fat.

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“Liposuction is not about changing your shape – it is about refining it. The result should look natural and, above all, like you.”

Consultation

We’ll discuss the areas you would like to address, your weight history, your goals and your general health. I’ll examine the areas in question, assess fat distribution and skin quality, and explain what liposuction can realistically achieve – and where an alternative or additional procedure might serve you better. I lay out your options clearly and the decision on how to proceed is entirely yours.

Procedure

Liposuction is most commonly performed under general anaesthetic, though local anaesthetic with sedation is possible for smaller areas. Surgery typically takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the number of areas being treated and is usually carried out as a day case. A tumescent solution is injected into the treatment area to reduce bleeding and bruising before the cannula is introduced through small, carefully placed incisions. The fat is then gently removed. Where fat transfer is also being performed, the harvested fat is processed and reinjected in the same procedure.

Recovery and aftercare

You will wear compression garments over the treated areas for 4 to 6 weeks. These are essential for supporting the skin as it contracts and for reducing swelling. Most patients return to light activity within 1 to 2 weeks and exercise at 4 to 6 weeks. I provide personalised guidance on rest, wound care and nutrition, and follow-up appointments are included as part of your care.

Scarring

Incisions for liposuction are very small – typically 3 to 5mm – and are placed in natural skin folds or discreet locations wherever possible. They heal well and are rarely noticeable once fully resolved. Any residual marks typically fade significantly within 12 months. We can discuss your individual expectations openly at your consultation.

Risks

No surgical outcome can be guaranteed, and I will always be transparent about what surgery involves. Possible risks include:

Infection, bleeding or seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin)
Uneven contour or asymmetry if the skin does not contract uniformly
Prolonged swelling, bruising or numbness
Skin laxity or waviness in areas with poor skin elasticity
Changes in skin sensation, which are usually temporary
Variable fat retention following fat transfer (where applicable)

I encourage you to ask questions at every stage. Being fully informed is an essential part of making a decision you feel confident in.

The results

Final results from liposuction are visible once swelling has fully resolved – typically at 3 to 6 months, though improvement is noticeable well before this. Most patients find that the areas treated look and feel noticeably more proportionate, and that clothing fits and sits differently as a result.

Results are long-lasting provided weight remains stable – fat cells removed by liposuction do not return, though remaining cells can still enlarge with significant weight gain.

Your next steps

If you’re considering liposuction – whether as a standalone procedure or alongside another treatment – the most important first step is to understand your options.

For a clear picture of what to expect from each stage, explore the guides I’ve put together, including more details on preparing for surgery and the recovery process.

When you’re ready to start the conversation, I would be glad to meet with you.

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FAQ

Your questions, answered

1. How smooth will the result be?

In the majority of cases, completely smooth and natural-looking. Contour irregularity is a known risk – more likely where skin elasticity is poor or in particularly uneven areas. My approach focuses on proportion rather than simply removing the maximum amount of fat. I'll assess the areas you have in mind and be honest if the result may be less predictable.

2. What happens if I gain weight later?

The fat cells removed are gone permanently. But remaining fat cells elsewhere can still enlarge with weight gain, which can alter the overall balance of the result. For most patients with moderate fluctuation, treated areas remain proportionately slimmer. Significant weight gain is a different matter and we’ll discuss if the timing of surgery is right at our consultation.

3. How long until I can shower after the procedure?

You can shower from the day after surgery. I know this surprises some people, who expect to be told to avoid water for weeks. I'll give you specific guidance on how to manage your wounds and dressings. (Swimming and bathing are however off limits until your wounds are fully healed.)

Costs

The cost of liposuction depends on the number of areas being treated, the complexity of the procedure and whether fat transfer is being carried out simultaneously. Your quote will include the surgical fee, anaesthetic fee and hospital costs, as well as pre-operative assessment and post-operative consultations.

Download the full price list

Liposuction

Liposuction

What is liposuction?

Is liposuction right for you?

“Liposuction is not about changing your shape – it is about refining it. The result should look natural and, above all, like you.”

The process from start to finish

Consultation

Procedure

Recovery and aftercare

Scarring

Risks

The results

Your next steps

Your questions, answered

Costs

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Procedures

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