Liposuction | HMT St Hugh's Hospital

Liposuction

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> Liposuction

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is an operation to improve the shape of your body. It involves using a cannula (thin, hollow tube) attached to a suction device to remove fat from under your skin.

Is liposuction suitable for me?

Your surgeon will carry out a detailed assessment before deciding if surgery is suitable for you.

Liposuction is not a substitute for losing weight.

You are most likely to benefit from liposuction if, after losing a lot of weight, you still have localised deposits of fat that seem out of proportion to the rest of your body.

What are the benefits of surgery?

Your body should have a better shape.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Improving your diet and doing more exercise can reduce localised fat deposits. It may be possible to inject a solution that dissolves the fat.

What does the operation involve?

The operation is performed either under a general anaesthetic or under a local anaesthetic, depending on how many areas need to be treated.

The operation usually takes 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how many areas need to be treated.

For each area to be treated, your surgeon will make several small cuts. They will insert the cannula through a cut and into the fat.

They will usually move the cannula backwards and forwards through the fat to break up the fat, making it easier to suction out.

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home the same day or the day after, depending on how many areas were treated.

You should be able to return to work after 2 to 3 days, depending on how many areas were treated and your type of work.

Your new body shape will usually take several months to appear as the fluid is reabsorbed and your skin tightens. The best results for you will happen if you keep to a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

What complications can happen?

Some complications can be serious and can even cause death.

General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Blood clot in your leg
Blood clot in your lung

Specific complications of this operation

Skin burns
Injury to small nerves
Fat embolus
Damage to structures such as your bowel, kidneys or liver
Developing a collection of fluid (seroma) under your skin where fat is removed
Irregular body shape where fat has been removed
Loose or droopy skin
Changes to skin colour
Circulation problems

Availability

Private

Pricing*

Consultant

£781

Anaesthetist

£273

Hospital

£2246

Prices start from

£3300

*The prices shown are minimum guide prices only. Diagnostic scans and investigations are not included unless otherwise stated. The exact cost of treatment will be made clear to you before you proceed.

This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice your healthcare team gives you. This information is published under license from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print, download or otherwise reproduce it.

Liposuction is an operation to improve the shape of your body. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

What to do next

Talk to us about ways to pay, either insured or self-pay, and find out if you need a referral from your doctor.
If you need one, ask your doctor for a referral letter.
Call us to book an appointment with a consultant.

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I can’t thank everyone enough for the amazing care given. Such lovely attentive nurses. I will definitely recommend St Hughs and Mr Riaz and his team. Brilliant hospital.

Could not fault anything about my stay in St Hughs. Everybody was wonderful. Thank you all.

Everybody was kind, considerate and a jolly bunch, which helps to put you at ease and gives you confidence in knowing that they know what they are doing. 5 stars.

All staff extremely kind, patient and friendly. A credit to the hospital. Thank you.

Very good hospital and very good staff. I have never met so many caring people in one place. The nursing was 1st class. The encouragement to walk was also very good.

I had an amazing experience during my time at St Hugh’s Hospital, from my initial consultation to the aftercare following my procedure. Communication with the cosmetic nurse was brilliant; every member of staff I met was kind respectful, caring and polite. My surgeon was fantastic, so professional and kind, I trusted his knowledge completely.