Getting rid of stubborn fat can be a struggle for many of us, with many of us following strict diets and exercise regimes, only to still struggle to get rid of the excess weight.
Modern medical treatments can help us eliminate excess fat that we can’t shed through diet and exercise.
Thanks to liposuction procedures, surgeons can remove excess fat from the body safely and without leaving lasting trauma.
Over the years, liposuction has become one of the most popular procedures performed in the cosmetic surgery industry, with people throughout the UK opting to undergo liposuction to regain their confidence and remove stubborn fat.
There are many different forms of liposuction, each with its own unique benefits for patients.
In this post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the liposuction procedure, including its benefits, different types, and associated risks and cover some of the more popular liposuction procedures available right now.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical cosmetic procedure designed to eliminate excess fat deposits from targeted areas of the body. It involves the use of a suction technique to remove fat from areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and neck.
It is also known as lipoplasty or body contouring.
The goal of liposuction is to improve the overall shape and proportion of the body by targeting areas where stubborn pockets of fat have accumulated, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and chin.
Liposuction can provide significant improvements in body contour and can help you achieve a more sculpted appearance.
A typical liposuction procedure will involve the following steps:
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anaesthesia may be used to numb the area and keep you comfortable during the procedure.
Incision
Small, inconspicuous incisions are made in the targeted area.
Suction
A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions. The cannula is connected to a vacuum or suction device. The surgeon moves the cannula back and forth to break up and suction out the excess fat.
Finishing up the Procedure
Once the desired amount of fat has been removed, the incisions are closed with stitches.
It’s worth mentioning that each type of liposuction procedure will differ slightly, although the core aspects of the procedure will remain the same to achieve the desired results. Though they follow the same method, more complex liposuction, such as tummy liposuction, will take longer than leg or arm liposuction.
What is the UK Liposuction Cost?
The cost of liposuction can differ substantially depending on a number of factors. First of all, the price of any cosmetic procedure is down to the discretion of the clinic, so the clinic you choose has a huge impact on price.
If you want to know how much a liposuction procedure costs at New Birkdale Clinic, we would suggest looking at our pricing list.
You can expect to pay from £3,000 to £8,500 for a lipoprocedure, with the area of treatment also having an impact on the price.
What is the Most Popular Area For Liposuction?
Abdomen, or tummy , liposuction is the most popular area for liposuction. This is because the fat deposits found in your abdomen can sometimes be resistant to diet and exercise once they are already there, so many people choose to undergo tummy liposuction to remove any stubborn fat.
Tummy Liposuction Prices
As already touched on, the price of tummy liposuction can differ from clinic to clinic, with a single area of treatment starting at around £3,000 in the UK.
At New Birkdale, our liposuction is carried out by experienced surgeons and is always completed with our patients’ safety in mind, so our prices start at £3,895 for tummy liposuction.
Different Types of Liposuction
There are several different types and techniques of liposuction, each with its unique characteristics and advantages.
Some of the most common types of liposuction include:
Traditional Liposuction
This is the standard and most widely practised form of liposuction.
It involves making small incisions in the targeted area and using a cannula to break up and suction out the excess fat.
It may be performed under local anaesthesia with or without sedation, or under general anaesthesia.
The Benefits of Traditional Liposuction
- Proven effectiveness in fat reduction and body contouring.
- Versatile, can target various body areas.
- Predictable and substantial results.
- Well-established safety profile.
- Minimal scarring.
- Local anaesthesia option.
- Fast procedure.
- Improved body contouring.
- Long-lasting results.
- Customisable to your own needs.
Tumescent liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is a variation of traditional liposuction.
It involves injecting a tumescent solution into the fat before the suction process.
This solution contains a combination of saline (sterile saltwater), local anaesthetics, and epinephrine (a vasoconstrictor).
The tumescent solution helps to reduce bleeding and pain during the procedure.
Get to know more about whether to choose tumescent liposuction or vaser liposuction.
The Benefits of Tumescent Liposuction
- Reduces pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.
- Minimises bleeding.
- Allows for larger volume fat removal.
- Improved safety profile.
- Smoother and more even results.
Laser-assisted Liposuction (LAL)
LAL, also known as laser liposuction, uses laser energy to melt the fat cells before suction.
It can help tighten the skin in addition to removing fat. Popular LAL methods include SmartLipo and SlimLipo.
A study conducted on 300 patients has proven that using LAL resulted in no clinical thermal burns or injury to the skin.
The Benefits of Laser-assisted Liposuction
- Simultaneous fat removal and skin tightening.
- Minimal scarring.
- Reduced post-operative bruising and swelling.
Power-assisted Liposuction (PAL)
PAL employs a mechanical or vibrating cannula that helps the surgeon break up and remove fat more efficiently.
It can be less physically demanding for the surgeon and result in a quicker procedure.
The Benefits of Power-assisted Liposuction
- Quicker fat removal.
- Reduced physical exertion for the surgeon.
- Enhanced precision and control.
Water-assisted Liposuction (WAL)
Also called water-jet-assisted liposuction, WAL uses a gentle stream of water to dislodge and remove fat cells.
It is a relatively less invasive and more controlled technique.
A study involving 63 patients demonstrated that WAL can be used to effectively treat early-stage lipoedema.
Lipoedema is a condition that involves an abnormal buildup of fat cells in the legs, thighs, buttocks and sometimes arms.
Benefits of Water-assisted Liposuction
- Gentle and controlled fat removal.
- Reduced post-operative bruising and swelling.
- Reduced risk of damage to surrounding tissues.
Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL)
RFAL combines liposuction with radiofrequency energy to heat and liquefy fat cells while promoting collagen production for skin tightening.
It’s commonly used for body contouring and skin tightening.
In a study of 10 patients who underwent RFAL, all reported satisfaction with the aesthetic results.
The Benefits of Radiofrequency-assisted Liposuction
- Simultaneous fat reduction and skin tightening.
- Minimal scarring.
- Enhanced collagen production.
- Suitable for body contouring and skin tightening.
Vaser Liposuction
Vaser, which stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, uses ultrasound technology to break down fat cells before removal. It’s a different process compared to the traditional liposuction process.
It’s known for its ability to target fat while minimising damage to surrounding tissues. Many people often compare Vaser liposuction with microaire liposuction and decide based on their bodies and the treatment that suits them the best.
Studies have shown that Vaser liposuction is a safe procedure for patients, with approximately 86% of the 261 patients involved stating that they would recommend it.
The Benefits of Vaser Liposuction
- Effective for targeting specific fat areas.
- Enhanced skin tightening.
- Minimised damage to surrounding tissues.
- Customisable and precise.
The choice of liposuction technique depends on the patient’s specific needs, the area being treated, and the surgeon’s expertise.
Each technique has its advantages and potential limitations, and the right one for you will depend on your unique circumstances and desired outcomes.
It’s also worth finding out if you need a Vaser liposuction or body jet liposuction.
Vaser Liposuction Cost UK
At New Birkdale Clinic, our Vaser liposuction prices begin at £2500, with additional costs included if you would like to target more than one area. This is more cost-effective than traditional liposuction.
Liposculpture Liposuction
Liposculpture liposuction is essentially just liposuction, only with more of an emphasis on sculpting and reshaping to contour the body. With liposculpture, liposuction is often used to remove fat from one area and transfer it to another for sculpting and enhancement.
The results of liposculpture are usually long-lasting as long as a healthy weight is maintained.
The Benefits of Liposculpture Liposuction
- Liposculpture can help to define and tone muscle.
- The procedure creates a more sculpted, athletic look.
- The results of the procedure are visible right away.
Risks of Liposuction
Liposuction is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon.
However, like any surgical procedure, liposuction does carry certain risks and potential complications.
Some of the risks and complications associated with liposuction include:
Infection:
There is a risk of infection at the surgical site, although it is relatively rare. Surgeons take precautions to minimise this risk. According to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the risk of infection from liposuction is less than 1%.
Bleeding:
Liposuction can lead to bleeding, which is typically managed during the procedure. In some cases, postoperative bleeding may require additional treatment. Bleeding used to be the most common cause of death during liposuction, but now it represents just 4.6% of lethal events.
Bruising and Swelling:
Bruising and swelling are common after liposuction and can persist for several weeks. Proper post-operative care can help minimise these side effects.
Numbness or Changes in Sensation:
Some patients may experience numbness or changes in sensation in the treated area, which is usually temporary but can be long-lasting in rare cases.
Contour Irregularities:
Over-correction or under-correction of the treated area can result in contour irregularities, such as unevenness or dimpling of the skin.
Skin Irregularities:
Sometimes, the skin may not contract properly after fat removal, resulting in loose or sagging skin. It is more common in individuals with poor skin elasticity.
Fluid Accumulation:
The accumulation of fluid (seroma) can occur in the treated area and may require drainage. Seroma is a common complication that can cause distress to both the patient and the surgeon.
Scarring:
Liposuction incisions are typically small and inconspicuous, but some scarring may occur. Scars tend to fade over time.
Anaesthesia Risks:
Anaesthesia-related complications can occur, although they are relatively rare. These may include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or other anaesthesia-related problems.
Cardiac Complications:
In rare cases, such as this one, liposuction can cause cardiac complications, mainly when performed under general anaesthesia.
Where on The Body Can You Get Liposuction?
Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body where localised pockets of excess fat accumulate.
The suitability of liposuction for specific areas depends on factors such as your overall health, skin elasticity, and the surgeon’s expertise.
The most common areas of the body for liposuction are:
- Abdomen.
- Hips and flanks.
- Buttocks.
- Arms.
- Back.
- Neck and chin.
- Chest.
Liposuction Recovery
When undergoing liposuction, you can expect the following in your recovery journey:
Discomfort
After the procedure, it is perfectly natural to experience pain, swelling and bruising in the treated area. Your medical professional will be able to prescribe pain medication to help make the discomfort more manageable.
Numbness
After undergoing liposuction, it is not uncommon to experience numbness in the area where you have had your procedure, but this should subside within a matter of weeks.
Changes in Shape
As your body’s swelling reduces, you might experience slight changes to your body’s shape. Initially, it might feel as though you have not achieved your desired shape after surgery, but you likely need to wait a few weeks for the swelling to reduce before you can see the real results.
How Long Does Liposuction Recovery Take?
Recovery from liposuction typically spans several weeks to a few months, with notable improvements often visible within 4 to 6 weeks. Achieving the complete results, which include skin tightening and reduced swelling, may take 3 to 6 months or longer.
Liposuction with The New Birkdale Clinic
With liposuction being one of the most common procedures conducted in the cosmetic surgery industry, it’s important to have an overview of what the procedure entails.
Liposuction is not a substitute for leading a healthy lifestyle, but it can assist you in sculpting the body shape you desire, and it’s something we’ve been helping with for many years.
Thanks to our world-class surgeons and advanced medical facilities we can deliver incredible results for our patients.
Contact us today if you’re interested in learning more.
