What to expect from liposuction surgery

Liposuction surgery is rapidly growing in popularity as a way of dealing with areas of stubborn fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. However, many women worry liposuction may not be safe or permanent, or that it will be painful.

Mr Marc Pacifico - Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells explains more about the procedure and what to expect before, during, and after surgery, below.

1. Don't expect major weight loss

Fat is surprisingly light, so don’t expect major weight loss. Even if you remove four litres of fat, this will only translate to around 3kg on the scales.

2. Liposuction is about 'sculpting'

Liposuction cannot turn a size 16 into a size 10.

I like the terms 'liposculpture' and 'body contouring' because they best describe what's actually involved.

This procedure is best for targeting stubborn fat deposits in specific areas, such as 'saddlebags' or back fat, to rebalance your shape, rather than shrinking you all over.

3. Results require patience

Results may take longer than you think to show.

Post procedure swelling means that we see patients up to five months later who say results have not met their expectations, however, after nine months, they come back and are delighted.

You may also have extensive bruising for a few weeks afterwards too, so don’t expect liposuction to make you look better in a bikini if your holiday is just a few weeks away.

4. Prepare yourself for surgery

You should be at a healthy, stable weight before you have liposuction. If you are losing weight, you may not need liposuction. If you gain weight afterwards you may not see much of a result.

Also, do as much reading as you can. Your surgeon will run you through everything you need to know about the procedure you're undertaking, however familiarising yourself with the surgery you're having and doing some research yourself is always helpful too.

5. Your skin type can affect the result

After liposuction, your skin needs to shrink to fit the area emptied of fat. If your skin has lost elasticity due to genetics, age or sun exposure, it may not be able to do this.

An experienced, qualified surgeon will be able to advise you on your suitability for surgery, as the presence of excess skin afterwards can impact a patient's outcome and satisfaction.

6. Never skip aftercare

Aftercare is very important.

You’ll need to wear a compression garment to speed healing, help control swelling and improve the final result. This resembles a large, elastic bodysuit which may reach down your legs and up to the bust.

The garment must be worn day and night for for up to six weeks. In summer, this can be hot and affect the type of clothes you can wear, so keep this in mind before you schedule surgery.

7. Rest up following surgery

You will have to take a break from work and the gym.

You may also need to take between one and two weeks off work after your operation too. You can start exercising again after around a fortnight, but you’ll need to take it easy at first.

8. Understand the potential for side effects

In most cases, when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, liposuction is safe, with proper anesthesia it should not be painful, and results are lasting. The majority of patients are delighted with their results, however, liposuction is not for everyone.

This doesn't mean to say that side effects don't happen, even when surgery is succesful. Side effects of liposuction can include infection, bleeding, bruising, temporary lumpiness, and sometimes too little or too much fat may be removed, which may require further surgery.

9. Make sure you're certain about surgery

Liposuction is permanent in the sense that the fat cells are removed permanently. If you regain weight after liposuction you are less likely to gain it in the treated areas.

The downside is this could mean your body proportions change. For example, if you have liposuction on your lower abdomen then gain weight, your lower abdomen may stay slim while your upper abdomen becomes fatter.

10. There is no 'quick fix'

Forget the 'quick-fix' mindset.

To maintain your result you need to commit to keeping your weight stable with a sensible diet and regular exercise. This takes time and demands discipline.

Last updated Monday 11 November 2024

First published on Thursday 20 August 2015