Liposuction

Is liposuction right for me?

Even slim, toned people can have areas of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. Liposuction isn’t a weight-loss operation: it’s best for removing smaller amounts of fat to improve your shape. Good skin tone is essential, so that removing the fat doesn’t leave loose, sagging skin.

Liposuction can treat almost any area of the body, and can also remove small amounts of fat, for example from the neck. I sometimes combine it with other operations, such as a tummy tuck, for the best result.

The operation

Before surgery, the areas to be treated are marked. Once you’re asleep, I inject fluid that helps the liposuction work well and numbs the area. Through small 0.5–1cm incisions, a thin tube (cannula) is used to break up the fat, which is then removed with gentle suction.

The operation is usually done under a general anaesthetic and takes one to three hours, depending on how much fat is removed and how many areas are treated. Most people go home the same day, though some need an overnight stay.

Recovery

There’s usually some bruising and swelling, which takes a few weeks to settle fully. For the first couple of days some blood-stained fluid may leak from the incisions, but this soon reduces. You’ll wear a compression garment for up to six weeks to get the best result.

Risks and possible complications

Infection can occur, and nerve damage may cause numb skin, which should recover over time. The incisions are very small, so scars shouldn’t be noticeable once healed. Occasionally a repeat procedure is needed to correct unevenness.

Results

Most liposuction patients are very satisfied with the improvement in their body shape.

Common questions

Page last updated October 2026.