Liposuction (fat removal) is the removal of stubborn fat tissue that accumulates in certain areas of the body and does not go away despite diet and exercise. The aim is not weight loss but correcting disproportions in the body contour — which is why it is also called liposhaping or liposculpturing. The abdomen, waist, back, hips, buttocks, legs, arms and double chin are the main treatment areas.
What is liposuction not used for?
- It is not a weight-loss method. It does not provide general weight loss; it is performed on people close to their target weight.
- It is not a cellulite treatment. It is not performed to improve the appearance of cellulite.
- It is not sufficient on its own if there is sagging skin. In people with marked excess and laxity of the skin, removing fat alone can make the appearance worse; in this case, procedures that remove skin, such as a tummy tuck or an arm lift, are needed.
How is liposuction carried out?
Before surgery, the areas with excess fat are marked while the patient is standing. Small incisions of 1-2 mm are made in the area to be slimmed, and a special fluid solution that reduces trauma and bleeding is injected through these incisions. The fat tissue in the area is then broken up with thin cannulas and removed by negative pressure (suction).
Liposuction techniques
| Technique | How it works | Key feature |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Fat is broken up mechanically with a cannula and suctioned | The likelihood of skin irregularity and a cellulite-like appearance is higher than with other techniques |
| Laser | The fat layer is broken up with heat, the liquefied fat is suctioned, and the emptied skin above is tightened with heat | Helps the skin tighten; because heat is used, it requires experience — care must be taken because of the risk of skin burns |
| Vaser (ultrasonic) | The fat layer is broken up with ultrasound waves and then suctioned | The emptied skin above is tightened with special cannula tips |
Which technique is suitable is determined at the examination according to the area to be treated, the thickness of the fat tissue, skin elasticity and general health.
What is 360-degree liposuction?
360-degree liposuction is the application of the procedure not only to the front of the abdomen but around the whole torso, including the waist, the flanks and the lower back. Rather than slimming a single area, it aims to balance the torso contour as a whole. Suitability is determined by assessing fat distribution and skin elasticity. This procedure is performed when there is subcutaneous fat in the back of the torso.
Recovery process
| Period | What to expect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| First night | Observation in hospital; pain is minimal | Controlled with painkillers |
| First days | Bruising, swelling and oedema are normal | The compression garment is worn continuously |
| Week 1 | Return to social life | Walking is encouraged |
| 4-6 weeks | Oedema decreases further. | The compression garment continues to be worn throughout this period |
| Month 1 | Sports activities can be started | Gradually, with the doctor's approval |
| Month 2 | Most of the oedema resolves (varies with skin type) | The result becomes visible |
Is the result permanent?
The fat cells removed during the procedure do not come back. However, liposuction does not prevent weight gain: the fat cells remaining in the body grow when weight is gained, and the appearance may change. How long the result lasts depends largely on eating habits and regular activity after the procedure. For this reason, the patient is given advice on weight control.
Risks
Bleeding, infection, skin irregularity and rippling, asymmetry between the two sides, temporary numbness, seroma and prolonged oedema are possible. Because treating a very large area in the same session increases the risks, the procedure is planned after assessing general health.
For other body contouring procedures, see the body aesthetics page; to determine the method suitable for you, you can contact the clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is liposuction performed?
Thin cannulas are inserted through entry points a few millimetres long in the skin, and excess fat tissue is removed by suction. Beforehand, a fluid that reduces bleeding and softens the fat tissue is injected into the area. The area and amount to be removed are marked and planned before surgery. It is performed under general or regional anaesthesia; the duration varies with the number of areas treated.
Is liposuction a weight-loss method?
No. Liposuction is performed to correct localised fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise and to balance the body contour; it is not done to achieve general weight loss. The best results are achieved in people close to their target weight with good skin elasticity. If eating and activity habits are not maintained after the procedure, the remaining fat cells can grow and change the appearance.
When does swelling go down after liposuction?
Swelling is at its most noticeable in the first 1-2 weeks, and the compression garment is worn continuously during this period. A marked reduction begins within 3-4 weeks; most of the oedema resolves in 2-3 months. The result may take up to 6 months to settle fully as the skin tightens. Wearing the compression garment regularly and lymphatic drainage started at the time recommended by the doctor have a positive effect on this process.
When can I return to work and sport after liposuction?
A return to desk work is usually possible within 3-7 days. Walking is encouraged early on; brisk exercise and weight training are postponed for about 4 weeks. These periods may be longer as the number of treated areas increases. The timing of your return is decided by the doctor who follows your recovery.
Does fat removed by liposuction come back?
The fat cells removed during the procedure do not come back; however, the fat cells remaining in the body can grow when weight is gained. Therefore, if weight is not kept under control, the appearance may change both in the treated area and in other areas. How long the result lasts depends largely on eating and activity habits after the procedure.