Also known as lipoaspiration, liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure worldwide. It is a safe and effective technique for permanently eliminating localized or diffuse fat deposits, helping patients achieve a slimmer, more contoured silhouette.
Principles of Liposuction
Liposuction removes excess fat through a minimally invasive technique using multiple small incisions of 3 to 4 mm. A solution containing water and adrenaline is injected into the targeted fat to minimize bleeding. Fine, multi-holed cannulas connected to a closed suction system are then used to aspirate the fat evenly, promoting optimal skin retraction.
Commonly treated areas include:
- Chin
- Arms
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Buttocks crease
- Thighs
- Knees
- Calves
- Ankles
While non-invasive alternatives like ultrasound, laser, or cryolipolysis exist, they do not typically offer results as dramatic as surgical liposuction. Patients can expect to lose one to two pant sizes after the procedure.
Liposuction in Practice
The procedure can be performed under different types of anesthesia, depending on the number and location of areas treated:
- Local anesthesia for one small area (formerly called “gentle liposuction”)
- Neuroleptanalgesia (deep local anesthesia with IV sedatives)
- General anesthesia for multiple areas
Liposuction is often done on an outpatient basis (admission at 8:00 AM, discharge at 4:00 PM), but an overnight stay may be required in some cases. A pre-anesthetic consultation is mandatory at least 48 hours before the procedure.
After surgery, a compression garment (Medical Z girdle) must be worn continuously for 1 to 2 months. Showers are allowed from the day after surgery, ideally with the garment still on for the first two days to reduce discomfort. Mild soaps should be used, and baths are allowed after one month.
Bruising typically resolves in about three weeks, and final results are visible by the third postoperative month. Starting on day four, lymphatic drainage or palpate-and-roll massage sessions (LPG) are highly recommended to reduce swelling and smooth the skin.
The Specifics of Our Liposuction Technique
- Over 80% of our liposuctions are performed on an outpatient basis
- We use fine 3 to 4 mm cannulas to ensure smooth, uniform results and reduce the risk of irregularities
- We encourage early resumption of physical activity and offer guidance on diet and aftercare to help you maintain your new figure
Questions et Réponses
How is liposuction performed?
Liposuction is carried out under local or general anesthesia depending on the areas and volume to be treated. Through small incisions, fat is suctioned out using a cannula. A compression garment is worn post-surgery.
Where is liposuction performed?
Liposuction is always performed in a sterile operating room setting.
How can I pay for liposuction?
Payment can be made in one or more installments by cash, credit card, or bank transfer. Visit our pricing page for more information.
When should I consider liposuction?
Liposuction is ideal when localized fat persists despite a stable weight and healthy lifestyle. It is not a substitute for weight loss.
Why choose liposuction?
It is the only method that physically removes fat, reshaping your silhouette effectively and often reducing one or two pant sizes.
What is the cost of liposuction?
Prices range from €3,500 to €8,500 depending on the number of areas and amount of fat removed.
Which type of anesthesia is used?
Local or general anesthesia is used depending on how many and which areas are being treated.
How should I prepare for liposuction?
Maintain a stable weight, avoid anti-inflammatories and aspirin 10 days before surgery, and stop smoking one month before and after.
What is the recovery like?
Rest is important but early walking is encouraged to prevent complications like phlebitis. Lymphatic drainage or massage therapy helps reduce swelling and improve results.
How should I wash post-liposuction?
Shower with your compression garment for the first two days. Afterward, gentle soap is recommended. Avoid baths for at least one month.
What are the risks?
Common effects include swelling and bruising. Rare complications include phlebitis, infection, or hematoma. Serious complications like deep organ injury are extremely rare.
What are the benefits?
Liposuction reshapes targeted areas with lasting fat removal and helps enhance body contour.
How is chin liposuction performed?
Usually under local anesthesia, a small incision under the chin allows for fat removal via cannula. Ice application afterward helps reduce swelling.
How is hip liposuction performed?
Under general anesthesia, small incisions are made at the lower back or hip area, fat is suctioned, and the incisions are closed with a stitch. A compression garment is applied.
Why wear a compression garment?
It minimizes swelling, promotes skin retraction, and ensures proper contouring.
How does the skin react?
Swelling occurs initially but subsides gradually. Skin retraction begins within one month and continues for 6 to 12 months.
How do I maintain my results?
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet. Liposuction results are permanent if your weight remains stable.
Liposuction vs. cryolipolysis?
Liposuction physically removes fat through suction and is ideal for larger areas. Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive method using cold to destroy small fat pockets and requires three months to see results.
What are the different techniques?
There is liposuction under local anesthesia for small areas, and classical liposuction under general anesthesia for more extensive reshaping. Smaller cannulas are preferred for more refined results.
How to slim thighs with liposuction?
Thigh liposuction often involves a 360° approach—treating inner, outer, front, and back thighs, sometimes including the knees for optimal contour.
Which liposuction technique suits me?
Local anesthesia is ideal for isolated, small fat deposits. General anesthesia is better for treating multiple or larger areas to achieve full body contouring.