Liposuction

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure used to remove unwanted body fat. The aim is to alter body shape, and the results are generally long-lasting.

The procedure works by gently removing small amounts of unwanted fat from targeted areas such as the abdomen (tummy), hips, thighs and buttocks. Liposuction can help create a more balanced body shape and is often chosen by patients who are close to their ideal weight but want to address stubborn fat deposits.

Our experienced plastic surgery specialists at St Thomas’ Hospital provide liposuction as part of our private cosmetic surgery services. Treatment is delivered in a leading London hospital setting, with personalised care, expert surgical teams and high clinical standards throughout your journey.

What to expect during liposuction?

Liposuction is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, meaning you will be asleep throughout the procedure. In some cases, an epidural anaesthetic may be used, particularly when treating lower areas of the body. Your surgeon will discuss the most appropriate option with you during your consultation.

At the start of the procedure, the treatment area is injected with a specialist solution containing anaesthetic and medication to help reduce blood loss, bruising and swelling. Fat cells are then gently broken down using advanced techniques, which may include high-frequency vibrations, a weak laser pulse or a high-pressure water jet.

Small incisions are made in the skin, through which a thin suction tube (cannula) is inserted and connected to a vacuum device. The loosened fat is carefully removed to achieve a smooth, natural looking contour. Any excess fluid and blood are drained, and the incisions are closed and dressed.

The procedure typically takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on the areas being treated. Most patients stay overnight in hospital for monitoring. If you had a general anaesthetic, you will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Considering liposuction?

If you would like to understand how liposuction could work for you, complete our online enquiry form. Our specialist team will review your details and explain the next steps, including what to expect from treatment at St Thomas’ Hospital.

Liposuction recovery

After your procedure, the treated area will be supported with a bandage or compression garment (such as a corset) to help reduce swelling and support healing. Stitches are usually removed after around one week, unless dissolvable stitches have been used.

You will be advised to avoid strenuous activity for up to 4 to 6 weeks, although gentle movement such as walking is encouraged to aid circulation and recovery.

The time it takes to return to work and driving varies between patients and depends on factors such as the type of work you do, how many areas were treated and how your body heals. Your surgeon will discuss this with you and provide personalised guidance.

Swelling is common in the early stages of recovery, and results may not be immediately visible. It can take several months, and up to six months, for swelling to fully settle and for final results to become apparent.

What are the risks of Liposuction?

Liposuction is a safe and common procedure, and the majority of cases are successful. However, as with all surgical procedures there is the possibility of problems occurring, including:

• changes in skin colour in the treated area
• bleeding under the skin (haematoma)
• experience numbness in the treated area for an extended period
• lump and uneven results
• a build-up of fluid (pulmonary oedema) or a blood clot (pulmonary embolism) in the lungs resulting from the fluid injected into the body

Your surgeon will be able to tell you more about these risks, including how likely they are and how they’ll be corrected if you have them.

Discussing risks and suitability

Every procedure carries some risk, and it’s important to make an informed decision. Use our online enquiry form to request a private consultation, where your surgeon can talk through potential risks and whether liposuction is appropriate for you.