Liposuction surgery is a cosmetic procedure to remove small areas of unwanted body fat. Lipo is performed on areas of the body that are prone to fat deposit build-up such as the stomach, thighs, hips and arms.

'How is Liposuction done'? Is a common, and understandable question. Liposuction is performed either under general anaesthetic or under local anaesthetic with sedation. A small incision in the area being treated will be made by your surgeon, a thin plastic tube called a cannula is then inserted. The cannula is attached to a powerful vacuum device which removes the fat quickly and efficiently.

Your surgeon will take you through the process step-by-step during your free consultation.

Liposuction is generally performed on any part of the body that is prone to fatty deposits. The post popular body areas for Liposuction are:

Thighs (inner and outer) - the most common area of the thigh to have Liposuction is on the inner thigh to address the complaint of the inner thighs rubbing together. We often recommend considering having Liposuction to the inner knee for symmetrical reasons. Liposuction to the outer thigh is often performed along with treatment to the hips and flanks.

Calves - Liposuction to the calves is generally performed on the inner calves around the knee area. Calves are a notoriously difficult area to treat as much of the bulk is caused by muscle rather than fat. Also, Liposuction around the calves can change the profile of the entire lower leg. yet subtle Lipo-sculpting can create a curve from the calf to the ankle creating a tapering effect.

Flanks (also known as ‘love handles’) - this is the area found on the lower back above the buttocks. Liposuction for love handles is a very common treatment area for both men and women as there are very few exercises that work this area, which would enable you to burn the excess fat deposits. Hips and flanks are often treated together.

Hips - the hips are a difficult place to target with exercise alone. Liposuction to the hips has become increasingly popular following the growing trend for an hourglass figure. For many Liposuction removes small pockets of stubborn fat creating a more streamlined silhouette.

Face, neck and chin - Liposuction to the face and neck removes excess fat deposits to create a more rejuvenated appearance, which results in a subtle and natural full face lift with fewer scars. We often recommend pairing face and neck Liposuction with facial skin tightening treatments and Skin Peels to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Arms (also known as bingo wings) - arms are one of the most visible parts of the body, which is why Liposuction on the arms is a popular procedure to help reduce the appearance of loose, aged skin and remove any excess fat. When Liposuction to the upper arm area is combined with skin tightening the results can give you an overall thinner and more youthful appearance.

Stomach - even with exercising it can be difficult to get a flat stomach, particularly following pregnancy, which is why Liposuction to the stomach and waist is one of our most popular areas for Liposuction surgery. Depending on the type of Lipo undertaken, the results can vary from a giving you a flattened stomach to an intricately sculpted and defined look.

Some areas of the body are only treated with Vaser Liposuction or Promax Laser Liposuction due to the size of the area or level of definition required.

Significant fat loss will be noticeable immediately following a Liposuction procedure, and these results will continue to improve as the swelling goes down.

There will be considerable swelling, which is managed with a specially designed compression garment, for the first week or two following the procedure, as the swelling subsides more dramatic results will be discernable.

There is then gradual improvement until final results are evident, approximately three or four months after surgery.

We are often asked is Liposuction surgery good for weight loss and how much weight is lost with it? At The Harley Medical Group we think it is very important to understand that Lipo surgery is not a weight loss tool. Liposuction should only be used to treat resistant areas of fat that healthy eating and exercise alone cannot remove.

The follow-up question is often how much fat can be removed? This depends entirely which part of the body is being treated and how much fat there is to be removed. Please be assured that your surgeon will remove enough fat to get the ideal results.

During Liposuction surgery, fat cells are permanently removed from the treated area to create a new body shape. Once the excess fat cells have been removed, they do not grow back. This means that the results are more or less permanent if a healthy lifestyle, including a good diet and exercise is maintained.

If a moderate amount of weight is gained following Liposuction then the figure will simply be a larger version of the new body shape. However, there is evidence that if there is a more significant increase in weight after fat removal the body will redistribute any excess fats between the remaining cells. For example, if Lipo surgery was performed on the stomach and there was considerable subsequent weight gain, the stomach would remain relatively flat but fat cells in the thighs and flanks may increase to compensate.

All surgical procedures carry some degree of risk and Liposuction is no exception. Generally, when the treatment is performed by a specialist cosmetic surgeon classically trained in Liposuction and Lipo-sculpture and is performed within a fully equipped hospital, Fat Removal surgery is widely regarded as a safe, low risk operation.

If the surgeon is not specially trained there is an increased risk that an internal organ is punctured by the cannula causing post-operative complications.

Long-term risks are related to weight gain. Following the removal of fat cells, an increase in weight can cause your body to store the new fat in a different location, this new fat can grow deep inside your body and around your organs, such as your heart or liver.

No, we are unable to offer any surgery while you are pregnant or breast feeding. However, please contact us 6 months after giving birth or after breast feeding and talk to our friendly advisors to discuss next steps.