What is Liposuction?
Liposuction involves the surgical removal of stubborn pockets of fat from the body that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Once you reach puberty, your body maintains the same number of fat cells throughout your life. Weight gain doesn’t increase the number of fat cells in your body, instead, it increases the size of those cells.
When you undergo liposuction, fat cells are not reduced in size, they are completely removed, which is why its results are permanent as long as your weight remains stable.
Even so, it is important to know that liposuction is not a weight loss surgery; there’s a limit to the amount of fat it can safely remove. Primarily, this surgery improves the contour of an area of the body by sculpting it better. It can be performed in a variety of regions, including:
- Abdomen
- Chin
- Flanks
- Neck
- Arms
- Cheeks
- Chest and breast
- Hips and buttocks
- Thighs, calves, knees, and ankles
- Back
Liposuction can also be combined with other procedures, such as tummy tuck, breast surgeries, facelifts, and body lifts, for a more dramatic improvement in the overall shape of the body.
Despite the fact that it is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures around the world, it can be done for functional reasons as well.
Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
When it comes to removing stubborn fat from the body, liposuction is very effective. Nevertheless, this surgery is only recommended for those considered suitable candidates. Find out what makes you a good candidate for liposuction below.
Liposuction can be performed to address both cosmetic and functional concerns.
Stubborn fat deposits: You have fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise.
Gynecomastia or pseudogynecomastia: You are a male with enlarged breasts due to fatty tissue, and you want to get rid of the fat for a flatter chest.
Buffalo hump: The base of your neck has a fatty deposit forming a “hump” and causing pain, neck mobility issues and difficulty performing day-to-day tasks (e.g. working, driving, etc.)
Lymphoedema: You have fat deposition due to an abnormality in your lymphatic system.
Lipoma: You have a lump of fat tissue underneath your skin that you want to get rid of.
Lipoedema: You have abnormal fat deposition in the lower half of your body and/or arms, and you want to remove it from your body.
Lipodystrophy: Your fat is abnormally distributed in your body, and you have an excess of it in some areas, which you want to lose.
Enlarged breasts: You have large breasts due to fat deposition, and you want to reduce your breast size.
To achieve a satisfactory outcome from your liposuction, you must have skin that can “snap back” after fat removal.
Good skin elasticity: You have good skin elasticity so that once the fat is removed from your body, you’re not left with loose skin. If, however, this is a possibility, your surgeon will recommend lifting procedures or a tummy tuck, depending on the target area
Being in good health is important before you can have liposuction.
Weight goal: You are already at your ideal weight — with a less than 30 body mass index (BMI). You should also be well aware that this surgery is not for weight loss, so you do not have unrealistic expectations of the surgical outcome.
Mental and physical health: You have a healthy lifestyle and are physically and mentally fit.
Who is Not Suitable for Liposuction?
Liposuction is contraindicated in the following cases:
- Unrealistic expectations
- A body mass index lower than 30
- Mental health issues (e.g. body dysmorphic disorder, affective disorders)
- Physical health problems (e.g. blood disorder, cardiovascular disease, anaemia)
For your safety, your surgeon will thoroughly assess your medical history and profile to make sure you have this surgery safely and satisfactorily.
If you’re considering breast lift surgery, our expert team at Longevita is here to guide you. We’ll help determine the best approach to meet your needs, whether cosmetic or reconstructive. Book a consultation today to take the first step toward feeling more confident in your body.
How Best To Prepare For Liposuction
To prepare for your liposuction, here are some common pre-operative do’s and don’ts:
Do...
- Inform us about your routine medications and any diseases.
- Do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the night before your surgery.
- The night before surgery, shower and wash the surgical areas with hygienic soap. Wax or shave your bikini area and legs. It may be uncomfortable to do so in the days immediately after surgery.
- Wear only comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that button or zips in the front.
Don't...
- Do not take Aspirin, Alieve, or Ibuprofen. Review the list of drugs containing aspirin and ibuprofen carefully.
- Do not smoke for 2 weeks before surgery or consume alcohol during the week leading up to surgery.
- Do not wear make-up, moisturizers, creams, lotions on the day your procedure is scheduled.
- Do not wear jewelry, contact lenses and remove any piercings on the day of the procedure.
What are the Different Types of Liposuction?
Depending on the type of surgical equipment used, there are several types of liposuction. The main difference between these techniques is how the fat is broken down before being removed from the body:
Traditional Suction-Assisted Liposuction
In traditional liposuction, the surgeon uses a thin tube called a cannula to manually break up and suction out fat deposits. This technique, however, typically results in more tissue trauma, bruising and a longer recovery time.
Power-Assisted Liposuction
In power-assisted liposuction, the cannula comes with a motor and moves back and forth automatically, as opposed to suction-assisted liposuction.
The surgeon will also move the cannula manually, but this vibration makes the procedure relatively less fatiguing and easier for the surgeon. This can also be helpful if a large sized or number of areas are being treated and may also work better in areas where fat is more difficult to remove.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (VASER)
When it comes to ultrasound-assisted liposuction, also known as VASER (vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance), the unique feature of this technique is that it uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat cells before suction.
This allows for a more precise, less invasive fat removal with minimal impact on the surrounding tissues. In turn, it causes less bruising and swelling and makes the recovery quicker. For some, VASER can also achieve enhanced skin retraction and smoother contours compared to traditional methods.
It has several other advantages, including its use in creating “abs” by carefully sculpting the body and highlighting the underlying musculature. It is known as high-definition VASER. Moreover, this high-definition liposuction can be combined with fat grafting, such as if you’re considering getting a Brazilian butt lift with liposuction.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Lastly, laser-assisted liposuction, as the name suggests, involves the use of lasers to get rid of fat pockets. In this technique, the cannula comes equipped with the laser device.
Once inside the target area, it melts the fat, making it easier to remove; it is then suctioned out like in other techniques. However, a big downside of it is that it is more expensive and doesn’t sculpt the body the same way as VASER.
While there are different ways in which this surgery can be done, keep in mind that your surgeon will thoroughly assess your case before making suitable recommendations based on your unique needs and goals.
How is Liposuction Performed?
After the surgeon has marked the areas of your body to be liposuctioned, you’ll be headed to the operating room for general anaesthesia, so you will not experience any pain during the surgery — sedation will also be administered prior to anaesthesia to help you relax. This is followed by:
- Tumescence
- Aspiration of fat
- Suturing and wearing of a compression garment
The total time of the surgery can widely vary, depending on the size and number of treatment areas. If it’s only a small area, it might take around an hour.
However, if you’re considering a 360 liposuction, which targets the abdomen, lower back and love handles, the surgery can take up to 4 hours. In any case, since the surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, you will need to stay in the hospital one night.
“Tumescence” literally means to “swell” something up. Early liposuction techniques would cause substantial blood loss, however, this issue was effectively dealt with through the use of a tumescent solution.
It contains drugs like epinephrine, which constricts blood vessels to reduce bleeding and loosens fat, and a local anaesthetic to keep the target area numb for about 8 hours. Since tumescence creates a “bloodless environment,” it allows only the fat to be suctioned out during the surgery, with minimal blood loss.
To inject this solution through a cannula, small incisions (of a few millimetres) are made in multiple yet discrete locations (for example, near the pubic area and inside the belly button for the abdominal region); the amount of this solution injection is slightly more than the amount of fat that is planned to be removed.
Taking a blunt-tipped cannula connected to a vacuum or syringe (to suck the fat out), the surgeon inserts it into the body via the prior incisions and moves it back and forth to break the fat.
The fat globules are then picked and pulled out of the body through the openings at the tip of the cannula. This is done through multiple incision points for even results.
If VASER is performed, the fat is first broken up by ultrasound waves. Through a cannula, VASER energy transforms solid fat into liquid, allowing aspiration (fat removal) to take place.
On average, 2-3 litres of fat is removed during liposuction, and, in total, no more than 5 litres of fat should be taken out. Even in patients with more weight, the amount of fat removed should not exceed 5 litres as it comes with life-threatening risks, such as embolism.
Bear in mind that this surgery is not for weight loss. It’s suitable for someone struggling to lose stubborn pockets of fat. In order to remove more fat, a person should lose weight or consider weight loss (bariatric) surgery.
After the fat is removed, the incisions, which are only 2-3 mm in size, are closed with one stitch each. Since these stitches are dissolvable, there is no need to get them removed.
Additionally, for the best results, you will be given a compression garment by your surgeon, which you’ll have to wear for 6 weeks post, starting from the day you have surgery.
Patient Journey
Liposuction only removes one type of fat…
During liposuction, the surgeon only removes fat from the deep and superficial layers of “subcutaneous fat” — the fat located under the skin. This surgery does not target “visceral fat,” which is a type of fat that wraps around the internal organs of the body, such as the stomach, intestines and heart. Diet and exercise are the most effective ways to get rid of visceral fat.
Also note that when fat is removed from an area, not all of the fat is taken out as that would give you an abnormal contour and unsatisfactory results. An experienced surgeon is very careful about where exactly the fat should be removed, which is typically a centimetre below the skin and not immediately below the skin.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Liposuction?
Recovery from liposuction can take 1-2 weeks, however, it depends on your unique case.
During the healing process, you can experience temporary swelling. Most of it resolves after 6-8 weeks, but may remain for at least 6 months. The surgical area can also feel hard as a result of this. In some cases, it can feel stone-hard for 2-3 weeks after the procedure. However, it will get better, and your skin will start to feel normal after 2-4 months.
Some other temporary postoperative side effects include: numbness, bruising, soreness, redness, burning sensation, bleeding, fluid draining from incision sites and pain. You will be prescribed necessary medication to ease discomfort.
Importantly, stay patient during recovery. While the new shape of your target area will start to become apparent after 1 month, the final results can take 6 to 12 months.
Here are some other things that you need to be aware of during the healing process:
Scars fade with time
Scarring will become much less noticeable within a month of the surgery, but it can take up to 2 years to fade completely. Your doctor may recommend the use of bio-oil to improve the appearance of scars, but make sure to follow their advice on its usage.
Asymmetry is temporary
It is possible for your liposuctioned areas to not look equal postoperatively. This is because 2 litres of solution is injected into the body for surgery, which is then slowly absorbed. It can take 3-6 months to get better, so please remain patient.
Skin quality remains unaffected
Liposuction does not affect skin’s quality, and it is possible for you to have loose skin after the surgery.
Exercise can help improve skin’s elasticity. Additionally, foods that are full of fibre, lean protein, vitamins, and minerals will help keep your skin supple and healthy.
If loose skin is a concern, your surgeon will let you know beforehand and recommend appropriate treatments accordingly.
* Aftercare instructions can vary between surgeons, so make sure to follow the advice of your surgeon.
All the aftercare instructions will be explained to you by your surgeon during the check-up appointment. A digital copy of them will also be shared with you. However, if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery at any point, you can get in touch with the Aftercare team at [email protected].
What Are the Potential Complications of Liposuction?
Like other surgical procedures, liposuction comes with its benefits as well as risks. Some of the potential complications associated with this surgery include:
- Contour irregularities
- Infection
- Seroma
- Haematoma
- Altered skin colour
- Asymmetry
Keep in mind that an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon will take all the necessary measures to reduce the risk of post-op complications.
With Longevita, you can have peace of mind about being in safe hands. A board-certified plastic surgeon will operate on you at a world-class Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited facility.
Liposuction In Turkey Before-and-After Photos
After the fat cells are removed from your body, you can enjoy the results of your liposuction for a lifetime. However, diet and exercise are important for maintaining a stable weight.
It’s also essential to remember that results can differ between individuals, as every person is unique.
What our Patients Say
Don’t take our word for it – see for yourself what patients say about their experience!
How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Turkey?
On average, the cost of liposuction in Turkey can start from £2,000, while the prices in the UK can be around £3,000 to £5,000 or more. It can differ according to the number of target areas as well as surgical technique.
With Longevita, the price of this surgery starts from £1,500 but varies according to the surgical technique and the number of areas being treated. The cost breakdown is as follows:
- One Area: £1,500
- Two Areas: £1,750
- Three Areas and Above: £2,000
- One Area: £1,750
- Two Areas: £2,000
- Three Areas and Above: £2,250
Frequently asked questions
Is liposuction safe?
You can safely have liposuction surgery with a qualified, experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon. While no surgery is without risks, there have been significant improvements in the way a liposuction is performed, allowing it to be done more safely.
Do you use liposuction surgery to treat cellulite?
Liposuction may improve mild cellulite in specific areas, but it may not have a dramatic effect in spots where cellulite is more extensive. Keep in mind the goal of liposuction is to get rid of stubborn fat. In case of cellulite, there are other treatments that might work better (e.g. acoustic wave or laser). Make sure to consult a board-certified doctor about it.
Will my stomach appear flat after liposuction?
While liposuction can improve the contour of your body by getting rid of stubborn fat, if your belly is protruded due to issues like muscle separation or loose skin, you’d need another treatment like tummy tuck. Depending on your needs and goals, you should consult your surgeon to determine the most appropriate procedure.
What’s the difference between abdominal liposuction and tummy tuck?
In a liposuction, excess fat deposits are vacuumed out of the body, whereas in a tummy tuck, excess skin is excised and abdominal muscles are tightened if needed. For this reason, it depends on the underlying problem which procedure is most suitable for you.
Can liposuction get rid of stretch marks?
Liposuction is not a treatment for the removal of stretch marks. Instead, surgically, it’s a tummy tuck which can help you get rid of stretch marks in the abdominal areas as the excess skin is cut off. However, there are also other treatment options for stretch marks (e.g. laser or microneedling), which you should discuss with your doctor.
What is the downtime for liposuction?
You might have to take 1-2 weeks off work after your liposuction.
When do you see the full results of liposuction?
It can take 6-12 months before you can see the final results of your lipo surgery.
What kind of anaesthesia is used for liposuction?
To achieve good results, liposuction is performed under general anaesthesia. However, if it’s a very small area, local anaesthesia with sedation might be used.
How long do liposuction results last?
Since liposuction vacuums the fat out of the body, its results are permanent.
