What is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as Lipo, is a surgical fat removal procedure which involves extracting unwanted excess fat from various areas of the body to create defined and toned body contours.

It is a simple and often quick procedure, typically taking less than 90 minutes, and providing long-lasting, transformative results.

In 2024, Liposuction was the fifth most popular surgical procedure among women and men in the UK, with an increase of 8% in the number of procedures carried out.

Although it is one of the most popular surgical procedures in the UK, there are a number of misconceptions about Liposuction. It is essential to understand how the procedure works, the concerns it can address and the results that can be achieved to ensure you are a suitable candidate.

Cadogan Clinic is an award-winning surgical centre of excellence based in Chelsea, London. Our founder, Mr. Bryan Mayou, introduced Liposuction to the UK over four decades ago, and we continue to work at the forefront of research and innovation to refine and develop this fundamental surgical technique.

How Much Fat Does Liposuction Remove?

One of the most prominent misunderstandings about Liposuction is that it is a weight-loss surgery, allowing for the extraction of considerable quantities of excess fat.

However, Liposuction is designed to precisely target localised pockets of stubborn fat that have been resistant to weight loss methods such as diet and exercise.

Popular areas to have Liposuction treatment include the:

• Abdomen
• Hips
• Waist
• Arms
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Jawline

During a typical Liposuction procedure, up to 5 litres of fat can be removed. This equates to just under 5kg (11 lbs). The exact amount of fat removed will depend on the areas being treated and the extent of your procedure.

Rather than dramatically reducing the quantity of fat in the treatment areas, Liposuction sculpts and defines, resulting in smooth and proportionate contours.

How Long After Liposuction Do You See Results?

How quickly you see your Liposuction results will depend on the extent of the procedure and the areas you have had treated.

You will not see results immediately. Following your procedure, it is normal to experience some swelling and bruising. In smaller areas such as the jawline, this will subside within 10-14 days, whereas larger areas, such as the thighs or abdomen, may take up to six weeks to recover. After the swelling and bruising have resolved, you will be able to see your results more clearly.

It is also important to understand that the initial swelling and fluid retention may cause the treated areas to actually look fuller than they did before the surgery. Your surgeon will reassure you to be patient and allow your results to develop.

During your recovery, it is essential to follow your surgeon’s aftercare instructions. Depending on the treatment area, this may include wearing compression garments, which help support the area and control swelling. In some cases, you may need to wear these garments day and night for up to six weeks.

If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery period, Cadogan Clinic’s team of specialist Plastic Surgery nurses are on hand 24 hours a day, by phone, to assist you.

Are Liposuction Results Permanent?

Many people believe that Liposuction is a temporary solution and that patients regain the fat that has been removed. This is another common misconception.

Liposuction results are permanent, and once the fat cells have been removed from the body, they are unable to regenerate, meaning that the contouring and shape your surgeon has created is a long-term solution.

However, weight gain after Liposuction may result in changes to the body shape and proportion. It isn’t possible to completely remove all the fat cells during Liposuction, as some fat is required to protect and support the underlying muscle. The remaining fat cells can expand, resulting in increased fat reserves in the treatment area.

Additionally, gaining weight after Lipo may lead to an increase in fat in untreated areas. This may result in an unbalanced appearance to the body, where the areas treated with Liposuction retain definition, while other areas are disproportionately larger.

Areas where the skin is thinner and more elastic, including the upper arms and inner thighs, are more prone to changes following Liposuction. Your surgeon will discuss how to manage these changes and may suggest Liposuction methods such as Vaser Liposuction or Laser Liposuction, which can strengthen and tighten the skin as part of your surgery.

How to Optimise Liposuction Results

There are several ways to maintain and optimise your Liposuction results, ensuring you can take advantage of your outcome for many years.

Follow your surgeon’s recovery advice

Your surgeon will discuss Liposuction recovery with you during your initial consultation. It is essential to understand what your aftercare and recovery will involve so you are prepared and can put any necessary support in place, such as childcare or remote working.

Specific recovery advice will depend on your exact surgery and circumstances, but is likely to include:

• Wearing compression garments to control swelling and protect the area
• Adjusting your sleeping position
• Avoiding exercise and strenuous activity, such as heavy lifting
• Resting to allow your body to heal
• Staying hydrated

Maintain a stable weight

Although Liposuction results are typically long-lasting and in many cases are considered permanent, to optimise your outcome, it is vital to maintain a stable weight.

Significant weight gain may result in disproportionate body changes or the expansion of the fat cells in the treated area. Dramatic weight fluctuations may cause changes in the muscle and skin, which will impact the contouring effect of the Liposuction.

Following a healthy, balanced diet and a consistent exercise routine is the best way to ensure your weight remains stable, sustaining the longevity of your Lipo results.

Stay in touch with your surgeon

Following your Liposuction surgery at Cadogan Clinic, you will have two follow-up appointments. The first is 7-10 days after your surgery, with our specialist nurses to assess your incisions and remove your dressings. The second appointment is with your surgeon around 6 weeks after your surgery to discuss your results.

However, after this time, maintaining communication with your surgeon will allow you to address any concerns quickly and effectively. This may include weight gain or changes in your body’s proportions, both of which are normal as we age.

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