Liposuction

Fat removal — Body contouring

A procedure that refines body contours by removing localised fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise with fine cannulas.

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Surgeon discussing a body silhouette drawing on a tablet with a patient

Procedure card

Duration
1–3 hours
Anaesthesia
General or local with sedation
Hospital stay
Usually 1 night
Recovery
Compression garment 4–6 weeks
Back to social life
5–7 days
Settled result
Settles within 3–6 months

Liposuction is not a weight-loss method; it suits people close to their ideal weight with stubborn fat in specific areas. The abdomen, waist, hips, inner thighs and backs of the arms are the most common areas.

Skin elasticity has the greatest effect on the result. Where elasticity is reduced, sagging may become more visible after fat removal; in that case a procedure that also tightens the skin, such as a tummy tuck, may be recommended.

Preparation and procedure

  1. Consultation

    Areas are marked and skin elasticity is assessed.

  2. Procedure

    Fat is removed with fine cannulas through tiny incisions.

  3. First week

    The compression garment is worn continuously; walking early is encouraged.

  4. Check-ups

    Week 1, months 1 and 3.

Recovery timeline

Drag along the line or tap a day to see what usually happens at that point.

0 day

Procedure day: compression garment on, usually one night at the clinic.

  1. Day 0Procedure day: compression garment on, usually one night at the clinic.
  2. Day 2Bruising and swelling are noticeable; take short walks.
  3. Day 7Return to desk work.
  4. Day 30Light exercise starts.
  5. Day 42Compression garment no longer needed.
  6. Day 90Most swelling has resolved and contours become clearer.

The timeline describes an average course; recovery varies from person to person. Your surgeon gives you your own timeline.

Questions about this procedure

All questions
Does liposuction help me lose weight?
Liposuction is not a weight-loss method; it targets localised fat. Being close to your ideal weight and maintaining it afterwards determines the result.

The information on this page is for general guidance and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Every surgical procedure carries its own risks and results vary from person to person. The right approach for you can only be decided after an examination.

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Hospital stay
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Recovery
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Hospital stay
1 night
Recovery
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Surgery that corrects sagging of the cheeks, jawline and neck by repositioning the deeper tissues.

Hospital stay
1 night
Recovery
Stitches out on days 7–10
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