Liposuction is surgery that removes stubborn fat between the skin and muscle through small incisions using a thin suction cannula, to improve body contour. Liposculpturing refines this by removing smaller amounts and shaping the remaining fat. It suits healthy people at a stable weight with elastic skin; it is not a weight-loss or cellulite treatment.
- AnaesthesiaGeneral or local (tumescent)
- DurationTypically 1-3 hours
- Hospital stayUsually day care
- Back to routineUsually a few days to 1 week
What is liposuction and liposculpturing?
Liposuction removes excess subcutaneous fat, the fat between the skin and muscle, from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, hips, buttocks, back, thighs, upper arms and neck. It can be combined with other procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast reduction or facelift. Liposculpturing removes smaller amounts of fat and reshapes what remains to follow the underlying muscles, for example to give a more defined abdomen.
Several techniques are available. Tumescent liposuction, where a dilute local anaesthetic solution is injected before fat removal, is widely regarded as efficient and safe. Energy- and power-assisted methods include ultrasound-assisted (UAL), laser-assisted (LAL), power-assisted (PAL) and twin-cannula-assisted (TCAL) liposuction, and liposelection, a UAL-type technique with grooved probes for delicate areas such as the arms, chin, neck and inner thighs.
Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, does not remove stretch marks and does not improve dimpling or cellulite. Loose, inelastic skin, common on the abdomen after pregnancy or weight loss, and on the buttocks and neck, may need skin excision during or after liposuction. Body contour typically settles over a few months, and any future weight gain tends to deposit in untreated areas.
Who is liposuction and liposculpturing for?
- Healthy adults with fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise
- People with a stable weight, ideally within about 20% of their ideal body weight
- Those with healthy, elastic skin
- People in good emotional health with realistic expectations
- Not suitable as a weight-loss method, or for stretch marks or cellulite alone
How is it done?
- Usually an outpatient (day-care) procedure under general or local anaesthesia
- Tumescent fluid is often infiltrated to reduce bleeding and discomfort
- Small incisions are made and a thin cannula connected to suction is passed through the fat
- Energy-assisted devices (ultrasound, laser or power) may be used depending on the area
- Incisions are closed and a compression garment is applied
What is recovery like?
- Time off work is usually a few days
- Pain, swelling and bruising are common and managed with medicines
- Compression garments are typically worn for several weeks
- Exercise is usually avoided for about 3 weeks; normal activity resumes within a few weeks
- Final contour typically settles over a few months; diet and exercise help maintain it
What are the risks?
- Bruising, swelling and temporary numbness
- Contour irregularities, dents or asymmetry
- Fluid collection (seroma), bleeding or infection
- Loose skin where elasticity is poor
- Rare but serious risks such as blood clots or fluid imbalance with large-volume liposuction
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
How much weight will I lose with liposuction?
Liposuction is a contouring procedure, not a weight-loss treatment. The scale may change only modestly; the main benefit is improved shape and proportion in the treated areas. Results show gradually over several months as swelling settles.
Will the fat come back after liposuction?
Fat cells removed by liposuction do not return, but remaining fat cells can enlarge if you gain weight. New weight gain tends to be deposited in untreated areas. A balanced diet and regular exercise are important to maintain the result.
Which areas can be treated?
Common areas include the abdomen, flanks (love handles), hips, buttocks, back, thighs, upper arms, chin and neck. Liposuction can also be part of other procedures such as a tummy tuck, breast reduction, gynaecomastia surgery or facelift.
Does liposuction remove cellulite or stretch marks?
No. Liposuction does not remove stretch marks and does not improve the dimpled appearance of cellulite. If the skin is loose and inelastic, a skin-tightening excision procedure such as a tummy tuck, arm lift or thigh lift may be needed.
How should I prepare for liposuction?
Discuss your goals with your surgeon, stop smoking, and stop medicines that increase bleeding risk as advised, usually a few days before surgery. Eat a light meal the evening before and follow fasting instructions. Arrange for someone to take you home after the procedure.
