Weight Management

Liposuction – All You Need to Know Before Undergoing Lipo!

The popularity of liposuction soars over and above the emerging call for body positivism and embracing the natural body. But, choosing or not choosing lipo should be an informed decision.


Written by Aashika Rajendran

On Apr 18, 2023 – 60 minutes read

Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery that sucks fat from different parts of the body. It supports the need to remove unwanted body fat from the body, but it is not a tool for weight loss (1).

It is ideal for people who want to get rid of excessive body fat, but at the same time, liposuction cannot be the solution for obesity. If a person leads an unhealthy life, then it is possible that the fat cells which remain may grow bigger.

Liposuction – Complete Guide!

This is why liposuction calls for people undergoing the surgery to be fully aware of the procedure, the risks involved, and the results that they should expect. It is important not to undermine the procedure and to be aware of the ways in which liposuction can be effectively used to improve overall health.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipo, lipoplasty, liposculpture suction, and lipectomy is a cosmetic surgery that aims to reshape pre-defined areas of the body. It breaks the extra fat and sucks it through an instrument that is inserted under your skin. Areas of the body that you can treat with liposuction are:

  • Thighs
  • Hips and buttocks
  • Abdomen and waist
  • Upper arms
  • Back
  • Inner knee
  • Chest area
  • Cheeks, chin, and neck
  • Calves and ankles

According to the 2022 report published by American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction tops the list of cosmetic surgical procedures with 491,098 liposuction procedures conducted in 2020-21 (2). The report showed that cosmetic surgeries increased 54% in 2021.

All about Liposuction Infographics

The brains behind modern liposuction are greatly credited to be that of the Italian gynecologists, Arpad and Giorgio Fischer (4). The father and son duo invented the cannula in 1974. It was a blunt, hollow surgical instrument that allowed them to suck out the fat with fewer risks. Other surgeons of the time used a curette, a scraping tool, for removing fat. But this had seemed very risky and caused lots of problems like blood clots, uneven skin, and other health concerns.

By 1978, a Parisian physician by the name of Yves Gerard Illouz improved the Fischer technique for liposuction and popularized it in France. As physicians started making more advancements, liposuction became less risky and by 1980, it was used throughout the USA. While there was a certain extent of negative publicity related to the risks for going under the knife, liposuction continue to be used in the USA and has now gained global recognition for its ability to remove excess fat from the body.

Invasive vs non-invasive

Even though less invasive surgeries are now available for patients, many choose to go through a surgical procedure because it is more lasting than non-invasive techniques. One can choose liposuction along with additional cosmetic procedures like a tummy tuck, facelift, or breast augmentation/reduction.

Liposuction has evolved to include a non-invasive type of procedure in which fat is removed from your body without having to go under the knife. As a result, these liposuction procedures are also gaining a lot of traction. Needless to say, even these procedures have certain risks which must be carefully evaluated. (5)

So, we can say that liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that can be invasive or non-invasive. It leads to the reduction of fat from specific areas of the body, helping you reshape your body and reduce your size.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Traditional liposuction is a surgical procedure. The person carrying out the procedure makes small incisions to the part of your body from which fat must be sucked out. A thin tube called a cannula is inserted into the fatty area. The cannula acts as a tunnel between the major blood vessels of your body and reaches out to the fat cells, which are suctioned out of the body.

mr bean

While liposuction can help a person reduce fat from the body, it still cannot be used as a treatment for obesity. People who undergo the surgery cannot substitute the treatment for proper diet and exercise. In fact, a lot of emphasis is laid on the importance of maintaining proper health after a liposuction procedure to help the body heal from the surgery. People suffering from cellulite may not find relief from liposuction either.

By understanding what liposuction can and cannot do, you can prepare yourself effectively and set the right expectations from the procedure. This is important because invasive surgeries may last longer, but they also come with their own risks.

Non-surgical liposuction is a non-invasive technique of destroying the fat cells which are eventually removed from the body through your body’s metabolic process. Such procedures can use any of the following to destroy the fat cells:

  • Laser energy
  • Radio-frequency
  • Cooling procedures
  • Sound waves

It helps you reshape your body without surgery. But it is less effective and may not be helpful in destroying fat in large areas. Non-surgical procedures are most effective in removing stubborn fat cells from small areas which have persisted even after diets and exercise (6).

Since fat isn’t really suctioned out from the body in a non-surgical liposuction procedure, some cosmetic surgeons do not agree to call it liposuction at all. Instead, the various methods of fat removal have their own names or are popular by a proprietary name.

Non-surgical procedures can successfully remove 20%-25% of the fat cells in one sitting. Usually, a person undergoing such a procedure may go through the procedure multiple times before they get the desired results. Surgical liposuction, on the other hand, tends to show results from a single visit and these results ideally last a long time if the person maintains a healthy lifestyle.

Types of Liposuctions

Liposuction can be of different types depending on the tools and procedures involved. The most popular type of liposuction is tumescent liposuction. It also happens to be the oldest form of liposuction. Newer forms include ultrasound-assisted liposuction and laser-assisted liposuction. Both of these have been gaining popularity as well.

1. Tumescent Liposuction

This type of liposuction was popularized by Dr. Jeffrey A Klein, a California-based dermatologist in 1985. He was researching a technique that will reduce the amount of blood loss caused in traditional liposuction. This liposuction uses local anaesthesia in which large volumes of lidocaine and epinephrine are used in a solution which is often known as the Klein formula.

Small incisions are made in the body area where the procedure will be conducted and the Klein’s formula is introduced as local anaesthesia. It also helps in constricting the blood vessels so that there is very little blood loss. Once the area is anaesthetised, a microcannula is used to suction excess fat.

Advantages

  1. Does not require general anesthesia – This ensures that the patient does not have to be hospitalized. It reduces hospitalization bills and also minimizes the risks which come along with general anesthesia.
  2. It is a painless procedure – Cosmetic surgeons use the Klein formula which anesthetizes the local area so that no pain is felt during the procedure. The size of the cannula used for this procedure is very small. It is known as a microcannula, which is about 2.8mm. This means it is just a little larger than the IV needles used in laboratories to draw blood (7).
  3. Relatively less bleeding – Use of the Klein formula makes sure that the blood vessels and capillaries are temporarily constricted. The average patient loses only about 15ml to 30ml of blood, which is about 1 to 2 tablespoons during the entire procedure (7).
  4. Accelerated recovery – Since local anesthesia does not cause as much light-headedness as general anesthesia, the person is able to recover quickly. Additionally, the loss of surgical blood is also low, so the person going through the procedure will be able to recover quickly. Even the incisions are very small because a microcannula is used for the removal of fat. This makes it possible for the incisions to heal quickly.
  5. Safety – It is considered safer than traditional liposuction because general anesthesia can complicate the procedure and more bleeding can also be a problem.

Disadvantages

The only disadvantage of the process is that it takes more time to perform than the traditional method. An entire procedure can take anywhere between 3 to 5 hours. This is because the anesthesia takes time to set in and the use of microcannula makes it very tedious for the cosmetic surgeon to remove fat. As a result, the overall time taken is longer, but the results are better.

​2. Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

Also known as ultrasonic-assisted liposuction or UAL, this type of liposuction utilizes sound waves of very high energy to destroy the fat cells (8). Ultrasound has been used in various medical procedures for more than 40 years now. Ultrasound equipment creates very high sound waves, which are used to eliminate tissues. It has been used in cataract surgeries and tumor removals by surgeons.

The role of ultrasound in liposuction is to melt or dissolve the fat so that it can be easily removed from the body. UAL can be external or internal.

  • External UAL

External ultrasonic liposuction is non-invasive. In this procedure, ultrasonic waves are directed towards the fat cells with the help of a metal paddle placed externally on the skin where the fat needs to be removed. Once the fat is broken down, it is suggested that the melted fat cells will automatically exit the body through the metabolic process. This is not known to be a very effective method, so fewer surgeons offer external UAL.

  • Internal UAL

This liposuction technique uses ultrasonic energy and is very similar to tumescent liposuction. The surgeon creates small incisions in the body and introduces the tumescent liquid which locally anesthetizes the area at the site of the procedure. Then the cannula is inserted into the incisions and the ultrasound waves melt the fat cells. The fat cells get dissolved into the tumescent liquid and are suctioned out with the help of a surgical vacuum or a syringe.

Advantages

  1. Makes it easy to remove tough fat cells – Ultrasound emulsifies the fat cells making it possible for the surgeon to easily remove tough fat cells that may not be removed through tumescent liposuction.
  2. Very little bleeding and bruising – Generally, there is very little blood loss and if the procedure is carried out properly, then there will be very little bruising as well. 
  3. Less recovery time – you can easily recover from the surgery because of low blood loss, small incisions, or no incisions in case of external UAL.

Disadvantages

  1. Burns and blisters – Surgeons must be careful to ensure that the equipment does not overheat or else you can suffer from burns or blisters. 
  2. Seroma – It is the result of your body’s natural instinct to heal. A seroma is a cavity filled with fluid or serum which is created by your body to heal a particular area that may have suffered damage. In the case of UAL, the use of excessive ultrasonic energy causes damage to the tissues and can result in a seroma. A person suffering from this problem may have to get the seroma drained multiple times before it disappears. It can also cause considerable discomfort.
  1. Risk of blood clots – Sometimes, blood clots may be created when the ultrasound energy increases the temperature in the blood vessels.
  2. Risk of nerve injuries – Excessive ultrasound energy can cause nerve injuries, which can take time to heal. 

​3. Laser-Assisted Liposuction

Laser liposuction was approved in 2006(9) and it has since become one of the most popular types of liposuction. The reason behind its popularity is that laser lipo is considered to be very effective and minimally invasive. In fact, you can also use non-surgical laser liposuction as a non-invasive way of reducing body fat. It is considered to be a relatively quick way of losing fat. An added advantage of this type of liposuction is that the laser beams can stimulate the production of elastin and collagen in the tissues making it possible for the skin to tighten gradually.

The procedure of laser liposuction begins just like tumescent liposuction with local anesthesia. Once the area is numbed and the blood vessels have contracted, a laser beam is used without any incisions to melt the fatty cells in your body. Till this part, the procedure is non-invasive. Some surgeons allow the melted fats to be removed from the body by the way of the natural metabolic processes of your body.

On the other hand, if the fat that had been melted by the laser was to be suctioned out from your body with the help of the microcannula then it becomes an invasive surgery.

Advantages

  1. Liquifies fat before removal – The laser beam liquefies the fat cells and destroys them so that they can be removed from the body either naturally or by being suctioned out. Since the fat is already liquefied and dissolved, it is easier to remove them from the body if the suctioning process is involved.
  2. Causes less discomfort – Because the laser already liquefies the fat, it is easily removed from the body with very less discomfort. A microcannula is used for the procedure, so you will also be able to recover from the incisions very quickly.
  3. Fast recovery – Non-invasive procedures are known to have very short recovery times and people could return to work within 2 But the extent of recovery will greatly depend on your health and immune system.

Disadvantages

  1. Possibility of burns – A laser beam is used to emulsify the fat. This means that your body will undergo injury to a certain extent during the procedure. But if the cosmetic surgeon does not handle it properly, then you can end up suffering from burns. The laser beam must be set to the right level to ensure that it does not cause burns and is still able to effectively liquefy the fat cells.

These are the types of liposuction based on the techniques used by cosmetic surgeons. Choosing the type of liposuction which will be most suitable for you will depend on your health and immune system. Tumescent liposuction is the safest way to reduce body fat, but in the right hands, an ultrasound-assisted lipo or a laser-assisted lipo can be highly effective, especially when you are trying to get rid of stubborn fat cells.

Who can do Liposuction?

Liposuction is not for everyone. If you choose to reduce body fat and shape your body with the help of liposuction, then you must go through a general medical exam to make sure that you are healthy for the procedure. But there are lots of other factors which must be considered as your body weight, the amount of fat you wish to lose, the regions you want to target for the procedure, and the costs that you are willing to bear.

In a number of cases, liposuction surgeries may be followed up with scar removal procedures or follow-up surgeries to remove more fat from the body. Are you willing to go through such follow-up surgeries? By asking yourself such a question, you will be able to make an informed decision.

An ideal candidate for liposuction will have the following:

  1. Bodyweight close to what needs to be achieved – Liposuction is more of a body shaping or body sculpting tool than a weight-loss tool. So if you consider liposuction then make sure you understand that you will be able to lose weight only to a certain extent. The amount of fat that will be removed from your body will only be limited to the fat present in the specific region which will be going through the procedure. As a result, the amount of fat removed from surgery is usually between 1 to 10 pounds (10).
  2. Stubborn fat in specific body regions – Liposuction can be used only in specific areas of the body. If you have stubborn fat in these regions then only you can consider this procedure. Liposuction is mostly used for the following areas of the body:
  • Arm
  • Chin
  • Armpit
  • Back
  • Butt
  • Neck
  • Breast
  • Stomach
  • Thigh
  • Face
  1. Tried exercise and diet to lose weight – There is no better way to reduce fat than diet and exercise. This is why many cosmetic surgeons may ask you if you have already used diet and exercise to shape your body before considering liposuction.
  2. Do not smoke – Smoking can interfere with the healing process. It can take longer for people who smoke to recover. If you smoke then it is best to avoid smoking for at least two weeks before the procedure. 
  3. Does not have any major health conditions – All surgical procedures involve a certain amount of risk. This is why it is important that your health allows you to undergo cosmetic surgery and that you will be able to easily heal afterward. If you suffer from any health condition or you are on medication, then you must inform your cosmetic surgeon about it. It is possible that liposuction may not be suitable for you.
  4. Strong immune system – Your immune system will play an important role in post-surgery. Since you run the risk of contracting infections after the surgery, it is important that you have a strong immune system to be able to defend your body from any infections. 
  5. Good elasticity of the skin – Only laser-assisted liposuction is known to stimulate the elastin and collagen cells to tighten the skin in the area where the procedure is conducted. All other surgeries will lead to sagging skin if your skin does not have good elasticity.
  6. Understanding of the risks – It is always important to learn and discuss the possibilities of risks with your cosmetic surgeon. By understanding the risks of the surgery, you can be prepared and may even be able to consider alternative options of reducing body fat.
  7. Reasonable expectations – It is always good to set practical expectations for the surgery. You cannot step out after the surgery hoping to see yourself sport an hourglass figure. The expectations you set from the surgery will have a great impact on your satisfaction with the process. 

How much weight can you lose with Liposuction?

Liposuction is ideally a body shaping procedure which aims to remove stubborn fat that does not go away with diet or exercise. These fat cells are relatively small. While they greatly affect the shape of your body, they do not weigh too much.

This means that you should not be looking at liposuction as a way to lose weight. It is more closely related to correcting your body shape. Usually, liposuctions aim to reduce weight between 1 – 10 pounds. So you will not really be shedding a lot of weight with the procedure. The end result will focus mostly on sculpting the body to a better shape.

lose weight

At this time, cosmetic surgeons have put the limit of fat withdrawal to a maximum of 5,000 milliliters (11), which is approximately 11 pounds. Studies have shown that removal of more fat in a single procedure can cause greater complications and may come with longer healing periods. This is why the average amount of fat removed in a procedure is usually about 4.5 pounds.

A study also suggested that cosmetic surgeons could use BMI to calculate the amount of fat that can be removed from a person’s body. People with higher BMI could have more fat removed while those with a lower BMI should choose to have lesser fat removed from the body.

While this makes sense, there are no specific guidelines about the ratios of BMI and the amount of fat that can be removed. Liposuction surgeries assisted by lasers and ultrasound can involve greater risk if more fat was emulsified during the surgery. The burning of fat also burns other tissues and can greatly harm or scar the skin.

Liposuction Procedures

First of all, you will be meeting the person conducting the liposuction. This meeting usually occurs a few days before the surgery. During this meeting, you will be able to identify the areas which will undergo liposuction, the type of liposuction which you would choose, the risks involved in the procedure, the precautions that you must take before and after liposuction. The cosmetic surgeon may also require that you share your goals so that he or she can understand if liposuction can actually help you or not.

You must be fit to go through the surgery. People who consider liposuction should ideally not suffer from other health conditions because it may be difficult to recuperate from the procedure. It can also cause complications during the procedure.

Once your cosmetic surgeon and you agree that liposuction is the best solution for your goal, then a date will be fixed for the procedure. You must have someone with you on the day the liposuction is carried out. This ensures that someone will be able to drive you home safely because liposuction involves anesthesia which can make you feel lightheaded and unsteady for some time.

The Procedure for Surgical Liposuction

Anesthesia

Cosmetic surgeons use certain medications to ease the pain during the procedure. They can use local or general anesthesia depending on what is most suitable for you. In most cases, modern liposuctions rely on local anesthesia which uses the tumescent solution.

needle surgery

Incisions

Once the anesthesia is administered, the cosmetic surgeon will make small incisions in the part of your body from which fat has to be removed. Since all modern liposuction surgeries use the microcannula, the incisions are relatively very small.

Incision

Loosening the fat cells

The cannula will be inserted through the incisions to loosen excess fat. This will involve a regulated back and forth movement of the cannula. If you choose ultrasound-assisted or laser-assisted surgeries, then the fat cells will be emulsified with the help of the respective technologies.

Cannula for Lipo

Fat suction

Fat is suctioned out with the help of a syringe or a surgical vacuum that is attached at the end of the cannula. The ease with which fat is suctioned out will depend on the type of liposuction you choose. UAL and laser lipo make it relatively easy for the liquefied fat to be removed.

Liposuction using Syringe

Results

Once the procedure is complete, you will be required to rest so that your body can heal. This can range anywhere between two days to a week. After the swelling goes down and fluid retention reduces, you will be able to notice the results of the procedure.

Surgical Liposuction procedures

Is Liposuction Safe?

One of the biggest concerns for men and women choosing liposuction is whether it is safe or not. The answer is that every surgery or procedure involves a certain level of risk. This is one reason why many surgeons urge you to lose weight naturally with the help of diets and exercise. But if you have stubborn fat pockets which seem to be permanent, then liposuction can definitely be used in such cases.

The extent of safety of this procedure lies mostly in the hands of the cosmetic surgeon who conducts the procedure. While laser-assisted liposuction is FDA approved, which means that it has minimal risks, you must choose a trustworthy surgeon for this procedure. The scope of error in liposuctions is very marginal. With the right knowledge of the instruments and equipment being used in the procedure, the surgeon will be able to comfortably complete the procedure and you will be on your way to recovery in no time.

On the other hand, there have been instances where the amount of heat directed on the fat cells through lasers or ultrasound was not regulated properly. This can lead to problems like burning and bruising, which can cause discomfort.

Additionally, your safety is also in your hands. Many patients overlook the precautions that they must take before and after the procedure. Some even insist to remove more fat cells from their body than what the surgeon seems to be appropriate. As a result, the procedure can create complications during the recovery stage or sometimes even during the course of the surgery.

If you have a medical condition that you chose to hide from the doctor or if you did not complete proper health evaluation, then the procedure can cause problems. Even the recovery process requires a lot of care. You must make sure that you follow the surgeon’s guidelines for recovery. Carelessness during the recovery process can increase the risks of contracting infections of health complications.

Liposuction Risks

Liposuction entails the risks of any surgical procedure. Additionally, there are specific risks arising from the use of laser beams and ultrasound. (12)

  1. Risks from anesthesia – One of the biggest concerns in surgery is the patient’s reaction to anesthesia. In some cases, the patient may react adversely to anesthesia creating complications for their health.
  2. Bruising and burning – Temporary bruising is considered to be normal in liposuction procedures, but if the procedure is not carried out properly then the person can end up with scars, bruises, and burns which can cause a lot of discomforts and may extend the healing period.
  3. Increased skin sensitivity – Some patients have found their skin to turn more sensitive in the regions which underwent liposuction.
  4. Seroma – It is identified by fluid-filled pockets in the regions where the procedure was conducted. Seroma may require additional medication and it can cause a lot of discomforts. A person suffering from seroma will also have to consider getting it drained multiple times before the seroma disappears.
  5. Poor healing – In some instances, people do not recover as quickly as expected. The low healing process can increase discomfort and may also increase the chances of infection. Poor healing can also leave behind bruise marks or cause scarring.
  6. Irregular pigmentation – There is a chance that you may suffer from irregular pigmentation in areas where liposuction is carried out. In some cases, skin necrosis is caused because of excessive burning. As a result, the skin in the area would either have black patches or may have a dark pigmentation than the rest of the skin. This can look unwanted.
  7. Infections – Infections are always a risk in surgeries. The incisions can become infected if not properly cared for. If you contract an infection, then it can delay the healing process and may cause complications of the health.
  8. Irregular contours – Since liposuction is a body shaping tool, you would want your body contours to be symmetrical after the procedure. But in some cases due to negligence, you may either notice over-correction where more fat cells have been removed than required, under correction where enough fat cells have not been removed, or asymmetrical correction where more fat is reduced from one part of the body and lesser fat from the identical other parts. Like asymmetry in arm liposuctions.
  9. Revision surgeries – Sometimes, the result from your lipo procedure may not be adequate or may have caused a negative impact like irregular contouring. As a result, you may have to consider revision surgeries, which once again all the risks involved in a liposuction procedure.
  10. Rippling or loose skin – Many people who undergo fat reduction procedures notice saggy skin, which is not aesthetically appealing. This may require a lot of medical attention and it may also need revision surgeries.
  11. Damage to deeper structures like nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs, and abdominal organs – If the heat from the procedure reaches the deeper structures of the body then it can greatly impact these parts and cause health problems which can last lifelong.

Is Liposuction Painful?

Liposuction is conducted under anesthesia. Modern-day cosmetic surgeons use liposuction techniques which only require you to be locally anesthetized. This means that only the regions where the procedure is conducted will be numbed. You will have sensitivity in the rest of your body. With the help of local anesthesia, cosmetic surgeons are able to ensure that you do not feel any painfulness during the procedure.

Once the procedure is complete and the effects of the anesthesia begin to reduce, you will start experiencing pain. The source of the pain is either the redness and swelling caused by non-invasive lipo or incisions made during the surgical lipo.

The average person who undergoes liposuction would feel pain and discomfort at least for the first two to four days of the surgery. The pain will slowly subside as your body recovers from the procedure. It is very important to follow the advice of the

Cosmetic surgeon and take medications only if prescribed by the surgeon. Over-the-counter medicines can cause more harm. (13)

You will also receive a compression garment from the clinic where you undergo the surgery. This garment must be used in areas where the procedure is performed. It will reduce swelling and painfulness. The compression garment should not be tied too tightly, or it can cause more pain. If painfulness persists, then you must consult with your doctor. It will help you identify any problems caused by the procedure.

Liposuction Side Effects and Precautions

Side Effects of Lipo

  1. Skin dimples

In a successful liposuction procedure, the remaining fat which is not destroyed automatically distributes itself evenly to create a smooth skin texture. But in some rare cases, there is a possibility that the fat cells end up being unevenly distributed. This can make your skin look like you are suffering from cellulite. The texture of your skin would resemble many dimples in a small patch. It is mostly noticed in the stomach region and the buttocks.

  1. Sagging skin

Once the fat is removed from the body, you must eat a healthy diet that promotes the production of elastin and collagen in order to help your skin’s elasticity. In some cases, if your skin does not produce adequate elastin and collagen, then you may end up noticing sagging skin in areas from where fat was removed.

  1. Inflammation and severe bruising

Both swelling and bruising are known to be common side effects of liposuction. A person undergoing liposuction must be prepared to deal with these two. This is why adequate rest must be taken over the period of the first two weeks.

  1. Painfulness

You will feel pain in the areas of the body which undergo liposuction. This usually happens because of the effect of the laser or ultrasound or because of the incisions made on the skin. It will disappear in about a week’s time.

Precautions

  1. Follow post-surgery guidelines

The best way to minimize the above side effects is to follow the post-surgery guidelines laid out by the doctor. These guidelines will prevent most problems that people face after surgery or liposuction. In many cases, failure to follow the guidelines has complicated the healing process.

  1. Take medication as prescribed by the doctor

Do not use over-the-counter medication because these medicines may have ingredients that can intervene with the healing process and create problems.

  1. Move around

Blood clots can occur if a person does not move around enough after the surgery. This is why doctors suggest that you start walking right after the surgery. You may require some help and the walking does not have to be very aggressive or for long periods of time. By moving around every one to two hours, you can reduce the chances of developing blood clots. (14)

  1. Avoid smoking and drinking during the healing process

Smoking and drinking can affect the healing process and may even create complications. This is why it is best to avoid drinking and smoking at least two weeks before the surgery and to ensure that you do not drink or smoke throughout the healing process.

How much does liposuction cost?

The cost of surgery depends on several factors. We will discuss each of these factors and also look at the pricing of liposuction in major countries in the world.

  1. Coverage – The parts of your body being covered will make the biggest impact on the liposuction price. Larger coverage will make the procedure more costly. Even the amount of fat that needs to be removed will be a deciding factor.
  2. Doctor’s experience – Experienced doctors with an excellent success rate are more likely to charge more. As we have discussed in depth earlier that it is very important that the surgeon you choose should be trustworthy and should have enough experience in liposuction. This is because there are lots of risks and a lot of margin for error experienced doctors charge more, but at the same time, they provide better results.
  3. Clinic reputation – The reputation of the clinic can also make a difference this is because a good clinic will also include two additional factors, which are:
  • Post-surgery care
  • Surgical facilities

Better facilities will cost more. So the liposuction cost in a well-maintained clinic which uses advanced equipment and technology is likely to be higher than in other clinics.

Cost of Liposuction in Different Countries

here’s a look at the average cost of liposuction in different countries around the globe:

The average cost of liposuction in 2022 was $3,637 as per the statistics shared by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (15). This is the basic cost of the procedure excluding the anesthesia fees, costs of the operating room facilities, medical tests, post-surgery garments, surgeon’s fee, and medication expenses. Liposuction cost is not covered by insurance.

Liposuction in the USA

Best surgeons to get liposuction in the USA from (19):

  1. Adam R. Kolker, New York, New York
  2. Aaron Rollins, Beverly Hills, California
  3. Constantino G. Mendieta, Miami
  4. Gregory A. Weiner, Chicago, Illinois
  5. Leonard B. Miller, Brookline, Massachusetts
  6. Anthony Youn, Troy, Michigan
  7. Barry Dibernado, Montclair, New Jersey
  8. David A. Bottger, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
  9. Jennifer L. Warden, Austin, Texas

Liposuction in Canada

The liposuction price in Canada is nearly the same as that of the USA. You end up paying an average of $3,500 for a lipo procedure in Canada.

The top plastic surgeons recommended for liposuction in Canada are:

  1. Phillip Solomon, Toronto (20)
  2. Jerome Edelstein, Toronto (21)
  3. Martin Jugenberg, Toronto (21)
  4. Michael Kredistein, Toronto (21)

Liposuction in Europe 

Liposuction costs in Europe will vary from country to country. You will end up paying anywhere between 1,400 € and 3,500 € (16). Marbella in Spain is known to be a favorite for cosmetic surgeries. Many people consider the warm climates of Spain and Portugal along with the beachside charm for cosmetic surgeries, but prices in Central and Eastern Europe tend to be lower. Prague in the Czech Republic is also considered to be a hotspot for medical travel for people considering cosmetic surgeries. In the UK, NHS does not cover liposuction either.

Turkey has also emerged as one of the leading hubs for cosmetic surgery. The average liposuction price in Turkey is approximately 2,500 €. Istanbul has some of the best clinics for liposuction in Turkey. (17)

There are lots of good places in Europe to get liposuction. The list of top places includes (22):

  1. Budapest Plastic Surgery Institute in Budapest
  2. Sarafianos, Thessaloniki Cosmetic Centre, Greece
  3. Istanbul Aesthetic Center, Istanbul

Depending on the city where you plan to get the liposuction, you can research local doctors to know the best clinics and prices.

Liposuction in Latin America

The cost of liposuction in Latin America is considered to be lower than that of the USA. It varies between $2,500 and $3,000. Some Latin American countries charge as low as $1,000 for liposuction. A lot of people choose to travel from the USA to Latin American countries like Mexico and Colombia for cosmetic surgeries. Brazil is known to be one of the most expensive countries for cosmetic surgeries. Liposuction in Brazil can average to about $5,700.

Every country has its own list of doctors who offer high-quality liposuction surgeries. Top doctors in Brazil are also reputed members of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery. These include Andre Mattos, Dr. Alexandre Charao, and Paulo Muller.

Liposuction in Thailand

Thailand is gaining a lot of popularity for medical tourism, especially for people looking to do cosmetic surgeries. A good clinic in Thailand can charge you anywhere between $1,980 and $2,420 for liposuction price. You may find cheaper clinic offerings, but these can be unreliable and may not have proper certification or the experience to properly carry out the procedure.

In Thailand, the best places for cosmetic surgeries like liposuction are (23):

  1. Sikarin Hospital, Bangkok
  2. Thainakarin Hospital, Bangkok
  3. Phi Beauty Clinic, Phuket
  4. Absolute Care Clinic, Chiang Mi
  5. ProDerma, Bangkok

Liposuction in South Korea

Known for its proficiency in liposuction, South Korea is still relatively cheaper when it comes to cosmetic surgeries. Liposuction here can cost you between $2,000 and $6,500. It is a popular destination for people looking for liposuction because of its relatively low costs.

The best clinics for liposuction are:

  1. JW Plastic Surgery, Seoul
  2. Banobagi Plastic Surgery, Seoul
  3. ID Hospital, Seoul

Liposuction in India 

In India, liposuction costs approximately $2,500. The success rate of doctors has been relatively high, which is making it a popular destination for medical tourism for the purpose of liposuction.  

Top cosmetic surgeons for liposuction in India are:

  1. Ajaya Kashyap, New Delhi
  2. Vijay Bhatia, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
  3. Milind Wagh, Mumbai, Maharashtra
  4. Krishan Mohan Kapoor, Chandigarh
  5. Debraj Shome, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Liposuction in the UAE

In the UAE the liposuction cost is higher than most other countries of the world. Liposuction can cost you approximately $5,110 in the UAE. The procedures are carried out in high-quality clinics with very good amenities. This could be one reason why the costs are high.

The best clinics for liposuction in UAE are:

  1. American British Surgical and Medical Centre (ABSAMC, Dubai. The best cosmetic surgeon is Jason Diamond, who splits his time between Beverly Hills and Emirates and is known to be a celebrity doctor in the US.
  2. Elite Cosmetic Surgery, Dubai
  3. Medical Arts Clinic, Dubai
  4. The Private Clinic, Dubai
  5. Kamil Al Rustom Skin and Laser Centre, Dubai

Popular body areas for Liposuction

Liposuction can be carried out in different parts of the body to shape or contour the region. It is important that the procedure is carried out by an expert and experienced professionals so that the body part does not suffer from any side effects. Since it is good for removing stubborn fat from the body, lipo can be useful if you have already tried diet and exercise with no luck. Parts of the body where stubborn fat deposits tend to be higher are targeted by liposuction.

Arm liposuction

When liposuction is used to remove excess fat from the upper arms in order to achieve shapely arms, then it is known as arm liposuction. Some people may also use arm liposuction to treat a condition called lymphedema in which fat accumulates in the arms if the lymph nodes have been removed during the course of medical treatments like breast cancer.

Arm Liposuction

Whether for aesthetic reasons or to remove accumulated fat caused by lymphedema, arm liposuction carries the same risks as any other form of liposuction, so you are required to take all precautions and to make sure that the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Your doctor will also be able to tell you if you will need an arm lift after the procedure. If skin elasticity is a problem, then it is important to consider an arm lift to make sure that you do not have sagging skin after the liposuction. You can do an arm lift as a revision surgery after you recover from the arm liposuction surgery.

Usually, younger people would be able to recover more easily and will have fewer troubles regaining the shape of their arms without going through an arm lift (24).

Chin liposuction

A lot of people suffer from the accumulation of fatty tissues under the chin, which causes a double chin. Men and women who are particularly conscious about their facial appearance may find a double chin to be very unwanted as it reduces the overall appeal. You can choose to go for liposuction that will contour the chin and reduce the fatty tissues.

Chin Liposuction

Ideally, chin liposuction, also known as submental liposuction, can be completed in a very short time. But the recovery can take up to two weeks. So you will be required to wear a chin strap during the healing process. Be prepared for it. If your skin’s elasticity is low, then you may also need a neck lift along with the chin lipo.

Once the fatty tissues are removed from the liposuction procedure, the skin under your chin can get wrinkly and may sag in the absence of the fat cells. If your skin elasticity is good, then it will not be a problem.

Consider taking three to five days off from work, if you work. This will give you enough time to heal. You will also be wearing the compression garment for at least one week. Since chin lipo can easily affect your facial appeal, it is important to choose a reputed doctor for the surgery because lipo side effects like dimpling and puckering can otherwise become a problem. (25) 

Armpit liposuction

Armpit fat is often considered to be stubborn fat, which can be difficult to reduce with the help of diet and exercise. So this is one reason why arm liposuction is gaining traction. One of the most popular celebrities known for her armpit liposuction is Chrissy Teigen.

Arm Pit Liposuction

Armpit fat can be caused for several reasons. If you lose excessive overall weight and your armpit fat didn’t go away, then it may seem unsightly. Even a poorly contoured bra can cause armpit fat or a bra-bulge.

The entire procedure of armpit liposuction is usually completed within an hour. This is because of the relatively small area where the procedure has to be carried out. It needs a lot of precision to maintain symmetry and to minimize risks.

Since it is an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day, but you must make sure that you have someone who can drive you home. Since the procedure will involve local anesthesia, it is important to have someone with you since the effects can make you feel light-headed.

If you choose non-invasive procedures for your arm lipo, then the results may not be as dramatic and may require more than one visit.

In some cases, you may have to follow up the procedure with skin excision or an underarm lift in order to get rid of sagging skin. This will be the case if you have less elastic skin. This liposuction is more common among women than men.

Back liposuction

To get rid of fat deposits on your back, you can undergo back liposuction. Since a large area is covered in this surgery, it must be carried out by an experienced and certified surgeon in order to make sure that the surgery is conducted successfully. By targeting the fat deposits on your back, you can achieve visibly changed contours, making it possible for you to look more shapely.

Back Liposuction

Back liposuction helps you reduce bulges on the upper and lower back. It also includes the reduction of love handles. The cost of back liposuction would usually depend on the areas you target. The larger the area covered, the higher the cost of the liposuction. It would also take longer to complete the procedure.

Proportion is also an important factor in back lipo. Since the doctor will have to target fats in different parts of the back, it is important that the end result is proportionate and balanced to make sure that the figure you achieve is well-contoured.

Following all post-lipo instructions are very important. You may require up to three weeks to completely recover from a back lipo especially if the area covered was large. It could usually take about six weeks for you to see the actual results of the procedure.

Butt liposuction

Liposuction for the buttocks is a procedure which requires a lot of care. The butt area is most susceptible to sagging and dimpling after liposuction. For people who intend to make their buttocks look more voluptuous tend to use liposuction around the butt area like the flanks and the lower abdomen. This naturally brings out the buttocks.

Butt Liposuction

When considering butt liposuction where you have a lot of fat deposits in the butt area and want it to get into better shape, butt liposuction can be considered; but is usually very rare. Reputed cosmetic surgeons encourage their patients to undergo liposuction around the buttocks region in order to improve the shape of the buttock.

If you go through butt liposuction, then you must ensure that the fat cells are targeted in a way that both the buttock cheeks are symmetrical after the procedure. Recovery can take a considerable period of time and it may not be comfortable for you to work after butt liposuction for at least about three weeks. This will give you enough time to recover and for the incisions to heal before you return to work.

In some cases, a butt lipo can cause dimpling and sag because of the nature of buttocks and the large area covered for the procedure. It can be avoided with the help of compression garments and later with the help of exercises to tone the buttocks. Make sure you consider exercises only after completely recovering from the surgery. (26)

Neck liposuction

Neck liposuction addresses more areas than just the double chin. It helps you get a pronounced jawline, a graceful neckline, and can greatly improve your overall facial appearance. Neck liposuction is helpful for anyone who has been able to reduce overall weight but is dealing with stubborn fat in the neck region, which can make your face look more round.

Neck Liposuction

With the help of neck liposuction, you can reduce a double chin as well as shape the neckline to look more graceful. Since the area which goes under the procedure is very small, the recovery time is lesser. Usually, people can return to work within five days, but they are required to wear a chin strap for at least one week. It helps them regain the shape of their neckline and ensure that the incisions are fully healed.

The elasticity of your skin plays a vital role in neck liposuction. Otherwise, you may be left with loose skin sagging in the neck area. Your doctor will be able to suggest if your skin is elastic enough or not.

You may have to use a follow-up surgery like a neck lifting procedure to make sure that your neckline looks beautiful and does not have saggy skin. (27)

Breast liposuction

Breast reduction with the help of liposuction is a procedure that can target selective fat and help you reduce the size of your breasts. It is ideal for young men and women with better skin elasticity. Older patients may notice sagging skin after the procedure (28). People who consider using this procedure usually have breasts which are not of the ideal size. As a result, they may suffer from lower self-confidence, bad posture, chronic back pain, and even difficulty fitting into clothing properly. A lot of men consider this procedure if they have breasts that are larger than usual.

Breast Liposuction

Women who are planning childbirth in the future should consider postponing the procedure and should do it only after childbirth. In some cases, the procedure may cause difficulties during breast-feeding and it can also reduce sensation in the nipples and skin surrounding the nipples.

Symmetry is also very important, so make sure that you undergo the procedure from a doctor who has a lot of experience and an excellent track record in breast reduction through liposuction. This will give you confidence and also reduces risks and chances of side effects.

The incision scars may disappear over time, but there is a possibility that it may not completely fade away. So you must be prepared for some amount of scarring. Depending on the size of your breasts, the nipples and areola may have to be removed and re-attached so that they are positioned correctly after the breast reduction.

Stomach liposuction

Belly fat can be removed with the help of stomach liposuction. It targets the fat around the lower abdomen and around your love handles. Abdominal fat is usually a concern for women after childbirth, but it can be a problem for almost anyone (29). Even genetics plays a role in the accumulation of fat in the tummy area. Liposuction can successfully remove fat from the region and help you get back into shape.

Stomach Liposuction

But liposuction surgeries are in no way a weight loss solution. This means that in the absence of the fat cells in your abdominal region, you may end up noticing unwanted loose and wrinkly skin. Stomach liposuction is successful in removing fat, but if you have a weakened abdominal wall, then you may still notice flabbiness of the tummy even after the lipo procedure.

A lot of cosmetic surgeons recommend a tummy tuck procedure to be combined with stomach liposuction to obtain expected results. This greatly depends on the quality of your skin. Your doctor will be able to tell you if a tummy tuck will be necessary or not.

Once the procedure is completed, you can expect to recover in three weeks. You will be required to wear a compression garment for at least one week. Some doctors suggest that you should use it for two weeks. 

Thigh liposuction

The thighs involve liposuction of more than one kind. These may be done individually, or they can be integrated into one procedure which covers all areas.

Thigh Liposuction

The areas that are targeted by thigh liposuction are:

  1. Inner thighs
  2. Outer thighs
  3. Around the knees
  4. Front of the thighs

Liposuction for inner and outer thighs is the most common procedures and lipo for the front of the thighs is rare. Inner thighs liposuction targets the fat deposits on the inner thighs, which may cause rubbing of the thighs and may even cause a person to adopt a specific gait because of the constant rubbing of thighs.

When targeting outer thighs, liposuction usually leads to a slimmer look since the outer thighs help you get a more contoured body shape. It is common for men and women to consider this liposuction when they are concerned about aesthetic appeal.

Liposuction around the knees can be done jointly with any of the two above. This can help in reducing fat tissues which reside around the knees making the knee region look flabby.

The thighs have very thin skin. So liposuction must be performed by an expert to avoid unwanted scarring or burning of the region. (30)

Face liposuction

If you have always yearned for a well-contoured face, then you may consider liposuction. It removes excess fat from specific areas of the face making it possible for you to sport a leaner and even younger look.

Face Liposuction

Since liposuction has certain risks and side effects, and since it is your face, you must consider these risks carefully and trust a reputed surgeon for the face liposuction. Also, ensure that you go through all precautions and take necessary steps to reduce the chances of side effects.

One of the problems with face liposuction is asymmetry. If the amount of fat reduced from one part of the fat is not properly mimicked on the other side, then you may require follow-up surgeries to correct this.

Face lipo usually targets the jawline and the neck like making it possible for you to reduce extra fat from the face area. It does not target your face directly like the cheeks, forehead, or lip region. You may end up combining face liposuction along with other plastic surgeries of the face to get that ideal look that you are expecting.

In some cases, a face lipo may also be combined with a facelift to make sure that your skin does not hang loose after the liposuction procedure. (31) 

Full body liposuction

Full body liposuction can be very effective in reducing overall weight and it can contour the whole body very effectively. This is ideal for people who have large fat deposits throughout the body. It can be effective in solving problems related to obesity to a certain extent. But it cannot be treated as a weight-loss tool alone. So it is important to consider exercising and dieting to maintain your weight or reduce it further after liposuction.

While some doctors would complete full body liposuction in several visits or sittings, some doctors consider a single sitting to be ideal to completely remove fat from the whole body. Since the surgery will target several areas of the body, it will require general anesthesia. This means that the risks of general anesthesia will also apply to this procedure.

If you choose to go through several sittings, then each visit would have to be appropriately scheduled to ensure adequate healing before you return for the next procedure. Some patients may need more time to recover and if any side effects were to follow, then this can greatly reduce the expectations of the person from the following settings.

Removing too much fat from the body all at once can also be risky. This is why you must choose your doctor carefully for full body liposuction. (31)

Non-surgical laser liposuction Vs. Surgical Laser Liposuction

Liposuction can be done through an invasive surgical process which involves incisions on the parts of the body where the liposuction is conducted, or it can be non-invasive where you do not have to go under the knife. Each of these procedures comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Procedure

Non-surgical laser liposuction – This procedure uses a laser beam to target fat and emulsify it under the skin without any incisions. The procedure requires you to set yourself in a position where the target areas can easily be reached with the lasers, then the laser is directed on the parts of the body that you want to contour. Once done, you will notice some redness and swelling, which is likely to go away in the next two to three days.

Surgical laser liposuction – In this procedure, you will be locally anesthetized. Then small incisions will be made in the region where the fat will be sucked out from. Then very thin tubes equipped with laser beams are inserted into your body. The laser delivers heat to the fat cells liquefying the cells to make sure that it can be easily suctioned out.

Effectiveness of the procedure

Non-surgical laser liposuction – This procedure requires you to supplement the liposuction with exercise once you have recovered. By following a good diet and by exercising, you will be able to ensure that the destroyed fat cells can quickly be removed from the body through normal metabolic processes.

Surgical laser liposuction – Since the fat is suctioned out immediately after being emulsified, this process is more likely to show early results than non-surgical laser lipo. It still requires you to continue a good diet to make sure that you do not return to the previous body shape.

Risks involved

Non-surgical laser liposuction – It is considered safer than surgical laser lipo because it does not involve the risks of surgery. The main risk for people who undergo non-surgical laser lipo is the chances of burning and bruising under the hands of an inexperienced surgeon.

Surgical laser liposuction – There are certain risks involved in surgeries. Like the reactions to anesthesia, delayed healing of the incisions, chances of the incisions leaving a scar, painfulness and the chances of the laser beams damaging important tissues and organs of the body.

Costs

Non-surgical laser liposuction – Non-surgical lipo can cost relatively less than surgical lipo, but this greatly depends on the surgeon that you choose for the procedure. Some surgeons tend to charge higher than others. We have discussed costs earlier and if all factors were considered, there is a possibility that you may end up paying higher for non-surgical laser lipo if you are visiting a reputed surgeon in a renowned clinic that offers world-class facilities and is known for excellent after-procedure care.

Surgical laser liposuction – Surgical lipo tends to cost more because of the additional costs involved in the surgery.

Recovery

Non-surgical laser liposuction – The process of recovery is shorter and less painful because there are no incisions. Non-surgical laser lipo patients can recover in two to three days and will be able to join work within a week.

Surgical laser liposuction – It takes longer to heal and you will be required to wear compression garments to ensure that your healing is quick. The whole recovery process takes two to three weeks.

Liposuction Recovery Time

The process of recovery varies from person to person. While some people will heal quickly, others may take longer to recover from a liposuction procedure. But the time taken for recovery can also differ because of the type of lipo that you choose. Non-invasive surgeries have a shorter recovery time, while invasive procedures require longer recovery periods.

Recovery Room

Once you undergo the liposuction procedure. You are placed in a recovery room where your vital signs are monitored to make sure that you can return home without any problems. Signs of nausea and light-headedness will also be checked. If you have gone through a surgical procedure, then you may be monitored for approximately an hour. In non-surgical procedures, the time spent in the recovery room can be relatively less. (32)

The first 24 hours after liposuction

You will need someone to be with you after the procedure in order to take you home. You may still be dizzy as the effects of the anesthesia can last for nearly 24 hours. At home, you should prepare for the recovery procedure by keeping towels (preferably dark ones), comfortable pillows to rest on, loose clothing, and medication as prescribed by the doctor.

If you have undergone the surgical procedure, then fluids will ooze out of the incisions in the first 24 hours. The towels are intended to help soak these liquids. This is normal. In a non-surgical procedure, you will usually notice some swelling and redness which will subside in a few days.

Rest is important, but you must get up and walk around in every one to two hours. This avoids risks of blood clots and supports the recovery process allowing the swelling to go down. Carefully adhere to all instructions given by the doctor to make sure that you heal without any problems.

The first week

Non-surgical liposuction will have completely healed by the end of the week. You should make sure that you take lots of fluids throughout the week and you rest a lot in order to allow your body to heal. Avoid heavy exercise. You can join work after the first week. Visit your doctor once for advice on any medications that you need to take and to check the recovery before you join work.

In surgical procedures, most doctors suggest that you keep the compression garment on for the first five days. This means that you cannot bathe and you cannot allow water to seep into the area where the liposuction was performed. It keeps the incisions free of infection and improves healing.

You must take lots of rest in the first week and continue to walk around in at least every two hours to avoid blood clots. It is advised that you take lots of fluids during this time.

By the end of the first week, you will be visiting the clinic once again. The doctor will remove the compression garment, gauge the healing, and advise on any medications if necessary. You will still be wearing the compression garment round the clock. It will be taken off only when you take a bath. The doctor will advise you how much longer the compression garment has to be worn. Ideally, it would be for the next ten days.

You can begin light exercise like walking and stretching after the visit. Your doctor will be able to advise you on it.

The first month

After the two weeks, you would have healed almost entirely from an invasive liposuction, to re-join work. Your doctor will advise you to wear the compression garment only for 12 hours a day for the third and the fourth week. By the end of the month, you would have regained your strength and you can resume regular activities, including exercise.

The results of liposuction can take nearly six weeks to be visible, but some people can see the results as early as the end of the month.

Liposuction Pros and Cons

Pros

  1. Helps you remove stubborn fat

If you have been facing problems burning fat from certain parts of your body even after exercise and diet, then liposuction can be helpful. It targets stubborn fat tissues and can help you destroy these fat pockets.

  1. Allows you to achieve a well-contoured body

Unlike popular belief, liposuction is not meant to lose weight. It is meant to help a person achieve a well-contoured body. This means that you may have an overall slim body but if you have certain areas where the fat deposits are too much then you can contour these areas with the help of liposuction

  1. Improves confidence

A lot of people who go through the procedure, hope to regain their confidence by achieving a shapely body. Since looks often play a big role in confidence, liposuction can be helpful.

  1. Can encourage people to maintain a healthy lifestyle

After liposuction, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, or else you may end up losing the contours of your body once again. This is why it has been noticed that liposuction often motivates people to lead a healthy lifestyle after the procedure.

Cons

  1. Carries certain risks and side effects

Liposuction of all types has certain risks and side effects that we have discussed. These are a disadvantage to the procedure. This is why surgeons would always ask you if you have tried losing weight through diet and exercise before considering liposuction.

  1. Can be expensive

If you plan to get a liposuction done from a reputed doctor at a renowned clinic, then you are likely to pay a huge amount for the procedure. In most countries, liposuction is not covered in insurance if it is a cosmetic surgery and does not have any medical reasons behind it.

  1. It is not a weight-loss tool

For people who think that liposuction can be treated as an easy way to lose weight, this is not true. Liposuction is a tool that helps you attain a good body shape. The procedure usually removes small but stubborn fat deposits in the body. It does not take out so much fat that you would weigh a lot lesser.

Liposuction Scar Removal

All cosmetic surgeons tend to choose very discreet areas to make incisions. This ensures that the scars even if they do not disappear will not be easily noticeable. Since all modern liposuction procedures involve very small incisions, you will not have very big scars on your body.

In most cases, scars cause hyperpigmentation or hypo-pigmentation. As a result, the scars would either bear a darker color than your skin or a lighter color than your skin. There are other ways in which scars can develop after liposuction. Atrophic scars are caused when the scar sinks below the surface of the skin because of lesser fat or muscle in the region. Hypertrophic scars are raised scars which may gradually reduce over time. Lastly, keloid are raised scars which have a smooth pink or purple head. (33)

Usually, scars tend to fade away by the end of the first year of the procedure. If the scars last longer and are in places which are easily visible, then you can consider one of the following procedures for scar removal:

  1. Give it twelve months

Scars can take up to a year to heal completely. So make sure that you do not rush into a scar removal procedure. All cosmetic surgeons advise patients to wait for at least twelve months before they consider a scar removal procedure. In these twelve months, your body would heal the scar and allow it to disappear. If it shows no signs of fading, then you can consider visiting a cosmetic surgeon or a dermatologist for advice on scar removal.

  1. Topical creams

There are certain topical creams which can help you reduce the signs of scars. These topical creams can treat hyperpigmentation and hypo-pigmentation. The scars eventually tend to merge with the skin color, making them nearly impossible to locate. But topical creams may not be helpful on all scars. Sometimes, the scarring left after liposuction may need a laser treatment.

  1. Dermabrasion

It is a method that can be used to treat raised scars. Dermabrasion kits help you exfoliate the upper layer of dead skin in order to lighten the scars. Most clinics offer dermabrasion as an option for reducing scars.

  1. Laser treatments

Laser treatments are the last resort for scar removal. The use of laser lights to repair and regenerate cells in order to lighten scars is only good for people who have light skin. Those with dark coloured skin may find that laser treatments can worsen the scarring. It is an expensive method and is not helpful in removing the scars completely. It may only be able to lighten the scars to a certain extent. (34)

Liposuction Before and After Results

The proof of the pudding is in its eating. It is often easier to judge the effectiveness of a procedure by going through its results. If a clinic or a doctor has a good track record, then they will have lots of before and after photos which you can look at to find out how effectively fat can be reduced from a certain area. It also helps you get a real insight into the procedure and how you may look after it.

But before and after photos may have a huge time gap. This will make sure that the photos you see are actually displaying the results of the procedure since it takes a lot of time to recover and start noticing the difference. Like we have said before, it could be nearly six weeks before you heal completely from liposuction surgery. Once you begin to exercise and return to your normal routine, it could take another month or two to notice the actual results.

Liposuction before and after male

Men often consider liposuction to reduce the chest size and to remove fat from the lower abdomen. But other liposuction surgeries like arm lipo are also beginning to gain traction. Even back liposuction is commonly used by many men who are trying to shed stubborn fat from the back region. The following before and after pictures show the difference that liposuction surgery can bring when carried out by an expert. It can be very effective in shaping your body to a perfect size. These photos have been taken at least six weeks after the procedure, so the photos do not show any of the side effects.

Liposuction Before and After Male
Lipo Before and After Male

Liposuction before and after female

Liposuction continues to be more popular among women than men. Although more men have started using liposuction, the statistics still favors women when it comes to liposuction surgeries. From liposuction of the face to butt lipo, women are known to be more concerned about their body shape and figure. When considering a lipo, you can set the right expectations by going through the before and after results. It will help you understand how much fat you will be able to lose and how your body would eventually look after the procedure. The after photos have been taken after at least 6 weeks of the procedure.

liposuction before and after woman
lipo before and after female

Liposuction love handles before and after

Love handles are always known to be stubborn when it comes to burning fat in these areas. Many people find it difficult to reduce fat from the love handles through diet and exercise alone. Liposuction provides a solution, albeit with certain risks for this problem. When done by an experienced cosmetic surgeon, love handles can be easily reduced for a perfectly symmetrical hip region. 

Liposuction before and After Love handles

Liposuction and tummy tuck

A tummy tuck and liposuction are two different procedures. Both aim at improving the contours of your body, but the procedures are different and it is always good to know which one will be more suitable for you.

Liposuction

Liposuction of the abdominal region will help you remove excess fat from the stomach area and its surroundings. You have the option to go for surgical liposuction or non-surgical liposuction. Both can eventually help in reducing stubborn fat from certain problem areas of the stomach region. But there are certain limitations to liposuction. It does not address problems related to sagging skin or a weakened abdominal wall.

The overall procedure is usually carried out on an outpatient basis and you would be able to return home the same day. Recovery could take about one month and results can be seen in six weeks.

Tummy Tuck

This procedure is effective in covering problems like loose and sagging skin and weakened abdominal wall. It is carried out under general anesthesia and requires you to stay in the hospital for a few days before you go home. A tummy tuck can be partial or full and it can be used as a follow-up surgery after liposuction if the person ends up with loose skin once the fat is suctioned out.

Your doctor may even recommend that you go for a tummy tuck along with liposuction in order to achieve better results.

A tummy tuck surgery will involve the removal of sagging skin and excessive fat in the abdominal region. Even stretch marks and old scars may be removed with excessive skin, but it is not a remedial procedure for stretch marks. The surgeon will also tighten the abdominal muscles.

The entire surgery can take several hours. (35)

Your body will also take a long time to heal from the procedure. It is usually several weeks before your body will recover completely and months before the bruising and swelling are completely gone.

Lipo vs Tummytuck Vs Coolsculpting

Can you do liposuction and tummy tuck together?

Yes. It is possible to combine the two procedures. This depends on your existing body structure and the shape that you expect to achieve. Your cosmetic surgeon will be able to advise you if both the procedures are required or not.

It is also important to remember that these procedures can help you get into good shape, but you will have to maintain your body weight through a good diet and proper lifestyle.

Weight gain after liposuction

Liposuction targets fat cells located right under the skin. This is also known as subcutaneous fat. But there is a second group of fat cells known as visceral fat cells which are located deeper inside the abdominal cavity where it is close to organs like kidney, liver, stomach and intestines. Visceral fat is often considered the reason behind lifestyle health problems like type 2 diabetes and heart problems.

After liposuction, doctors encourage you to lead a healthy lifestyle because if the fat returns, then it will eventually find its way to areas where the liposuction has not be carried out. Since liposuction destroys fat cells in a particular region, the new fat will be stored in areas around the destroyed fat cells or in remote regions.

For example, if you have had a stomach lipo, then new fat will end up being accumulated in the buttocks, the breasts, around the upper arms and thighs. Even the existing fat cells in the stomach region may enlarge to accommodate more fat. As a result, the shape you achieved through liposuction can eventually become blurred.

How to reduce the chances of weight gain after lipo?

  • Eat healthily – Maintain a healthy diet to make sure that you do not end up accumulating more fat. Take suggestions from the clinic where you get the procedure done. They may be able to provide you with dietary advice. Otherwise, consult a dietician so that you can create a good diet plan after your liposuction procedure.
  • Exercise regularly – Exercise is known to be helpful in improving overall health and in reducing the chances of fat accumulation. Create a workout regime that you can follow on a daily basis. This will help you avoid weight gain after your liposuction procedure. Make sure that you start your exercises only after you have completely healed or it can cause problems. (36)

Liposuction alternatives

A person’s confidence often depends on their body shape and size. Many people feel more comfortable when they look shapely in the mirror. This is why body contouring has become so popular even though it has certain side effects and carries some risks. We have come a long way from the traditional method of liposuction to the new and much-advanced methodologies which lean towards greater safety of the person undergoing the procedure.

It is perhaps the need for safer procedures that have led to the emergence of alternatives that are non-invasive and relatively less risky than liposuction. People also need methods that do not require too much downtime. So they can recover quickly and return to their regular life without having to wait too long. Liposuction alternatives carry their own pros and cons and have their own set of prerequisites. But these alternatives are also gaining grounds in the area of cosmetic enhancements giving liposuction a lot of competition.

Most clinics that offer liposuction also offer these alternatives. It is always good to research the options you have for contouring your body before you proceed with a specific procedure. The most popular alternatives to liposuction are:

Coolsculpting

Coolsculpting, also known as cryolipolysis is a procedure that destroys fat cells by freezing them. It is a non-invasive surgery which carries very few risks. It is an FDA approved procedure which is considered to be safe for the body.  The procedure does not require any anesthesia and is generally known to be a pain-free method. A person undergoing the procedure can comfortably return to normal work with very little rest. Some need no healing time at all. (37)

The process involves meeting with the clinical surgeon to fix an appointment for cool sculpting. On the day of the procedure, it is ideal to bring someone along with you to the clinic who can drive you back home. The equipment used for cool sculpting will be put in direct contact with the skin. The two cooling panels will start freezing the fat underneath your skin in order to permanently destroy these fat deposits.

Once the procedure is complete, you may notice the following side effects:

  • Redness in the area which was treated
  • Minor swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Bruising
  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Muscle cramping

These side effects usually disappear in a few days, but it may continue for a few weeks. You may also feel itchy in the areas that have been treated for the first few weeks.

The fat cells are destroyed, but since they are not removed through a surgical procedure, your body will eventually expel these fat cells through your natural metabolic process. Some patients may experience diarrhea after the procedure. This is because your body is trying to get rid of the destroyed fat cells.

Your surgeon will mention what to expect after the procedure and may even prescribe medicines for it. You must always make sure that you intake lots of fluids during the recovery period. If you find anything amiss, then you must immediately consult the clinic where you went through the procedure.

Areas of the body covered by cool sculpting are:

  • Stomach
  • Flanks
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Thighs
  • Male chest
  • Arms
  • Under buttocks

Zerona

Zerona is the technology which allows a non-invasive treatment for fat reduction. It is known to carry very low risks and few side effects. It is a good alternative for liposuction if you do not prefer invasive surgeries. Another reason why people tend to choose Zerona is that it does not require any anesthesia and there is hardly any healing time required after the process.

It uses equipment which usually has four arm-like protrusions with lasers embedded in them. These lasers are guided to the parts of your body from where you want to reduce the fat deposits. Your surgeon may provide you with protective eyewear while you undergo the procedure. Usually, a session is completed in an hour. Ideally, doctors suggest six sittings before you could notice changes.

You are usually required to wait for 48 hours between two procedures (38). But you should not put a big gap between the two procedures. Some doctors advise that you should come for the next sitting within 72 hours.

The science behind Zerona is that the laser beams puncture the fat cells so that fat can ooze out along with glycerol and water from these fatty tissues. Your body flushes out the expelled fat through the lymphatic system, or it is used up as energy.

Since the fat cells are not entirely destroyed during the procedure, they can once again store fat. This is why you must follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly to ensure that your body does not regain the fat deposits that you lost through a Zerona.

It is ideal for people who are looking for a contoured body which they can maintain with the help of diet and exercise. It is important to commit to a healthy lifestyle or else the body would try to compensate for the fat loss by quickly storing more fat in the cells.

Kybella

For those who have been struggling with a double chin which does not go away with diet or exercise, and if you do not want to consider submental liposuction, then Kybella can be a solution. It is an injection technique used by cosmetic surgeons to reduce fat from under the chin. It is a US FDA approved the procedure.

The main ingredient in Kybella is synthetic deoxycholic acid. This naturally occurring molecule is known to help in the breakdown and dissolution of fats. Since the fat cells are destroyed, fat cannot be stored in those cells any longer. But Kybella does not work in a single sitting. A person must agree for multiple sittings until the time they achieve the right look. If you are looking for something that can be done in a single sitting then you must consider submental liposuction.

The entire process takes only about 15 to 20 minutes. During the procedure, the cosmetic surgeon would inject you multiple times in different areas of the chin region. The number of injections you receive will depend on how much fat has to be removed. It is usually between 20 to 30 injections, but in some cases, it can be as many as 50.

After the procedure is over, you will notice redness and swelling, which is common for any injections. This will subside in a few days and you will completely recover in a week’s time. You may be required to wait for up to a month before you go for your next sitting.

Kybella is a non-invasive procedure, so once the fat cells are destroyed, they are not removed through any incisions. Instead, your body’s metabolism would automatically flush out the destroyed fatty tissues over the period of the next few months.

There are fewer risks and minimal side effects. But Kybella is fairly new and has received FDA approval only in 2015. As a result, research about it is relatively less. In some cases, patients are known to face problems which include an uneven smile, trouble in swallowing and nerve injury in the jaw. (39)

Liposuction pills

  • Lipo 6

Launched in 2005, it was the first liposuction pill available for people who wanted to lose weight without having to go through any clinical procedure. Manufactured by Nutrex Researchers, it is a liquid pill which is easily absorbed into the body promoting weight loss. Its list of ingredients includes caffeine, synephrine, guggulsterones, bioperene, and yohimbine (40). Most of these promote weight loss but they can have other side effects as well. It is ideal for a person to use these pills only if they are not taking any other medication and do not suffer from any medical conditions. A lot of people swear by it, while some feel that it is not effective. The effectiveness of the pills can depend on your lifestyle, diet, workout regime and genes.

  • NDS Liporush XT

It is a pill that includes several ingredients which are known to have a multi-level approach. Each pill serves the purpose of burning fat, shedding extra water, recharges your body and helps you stay fit. The manufacturers claim to use a mix of ingredients to achieve the results which not only lead to weight loss but also improve the overall functioning of the body. The pill requires you to maintain a healthy diet and a good workout regime in order to achieve the desired look. Since it targets weight loss, it cannot be compared directly to liposuction which is more focused on shaping your body rather than shedding weight. (41)

  • Liposynergy Thermo Booster

This fat burning pill helps you lose weight by suppressing the appetite and boosting your energy. It claims to be able to block the absorption of dietary fat and speed up your metabolism. As a result, fat is burned quickly and you start losing weight. The capsule claims to target fat in the abdomen region, thighs, and buttocks but it does not mention the science behind it. Overall fat may be lost but the effectiveness of the pills will greatly depend on your lifestyle as well. You are required to be on a clean diet and to regularly exercise in order to burn all the fat.

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Aashika

Aashika is a makeup and beauty expert known for creating stunning looks that not only accentuate facial features but also empower women to feel confident in their skin.

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