Liposuction FAQ: costs, results and satisfaction rates

Liposuction is the enemy of stubborn fat cells: the fat that’s resistant to weight loss through fitness and diet. Liposuction has a reputation for great results under specific circumstances. If you’re wondering whether it would suit you and your body circumstances, this FAQ is a good place to start.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is an elective cosmetic surgical procedure that removes fat cells with a suction technique through small incisions. Liposuction techniques have advanced a lot in the past 30 years, leading to safer surgeries and shorter recovery periods. Liposuction is often known as liposculpture because it is gives you a chance to sculpt your body into your desired shape.

What areas does liposuction work on?

Liposuction targets relatively small pockets of stubborn fat on the body. The most popular areas are the stomach, love handles, arms and inner and outer thighs, while knees, calves and ankles are becoming more popular. Male patients tend to target the stomach, chest and neck.

What kind of patient is suited to liposuction?

Liposuction is not suitable for those heavily overweight or obese. It works best for people who have lost weight through diet and exercise, but retain stubborn pockets of fat in places such as the inner thighs or waist.

How quickly can you see results?

One of the key benefits of liposuction is that results can be seen very soon, depending on the level of inflammation. There will be less bulk almost immediately, but once the swelling has subsided, the area where fat was removed will be visible.

How long will the results last?

Patients who maintain their weight can expect permanent results. However, for those who gain weight after the procedure fat can be distributed slightly differently to before. Instead of always putting on weight in that area first it will be more evenly distributed.

Do you do Lasers or Machines for Liposuction?

No, we don’t use any  new products or machines claiming to give results similar to liposuction. We find that overall Body sculpting is more desirable than minimal fat loss. Whilst machines have a place in the market our Liposuction is tried, tested and proven to give long-lasting and significant body sculpting.

How do you determine prices for liposuction?

At the Avoca Clinic, we price this procedure based on theatre time rather than the areas treated as we design this procedure especially for you. This pricing structure is different to other clinics, and we believe that this is the fairest way for our patients.

How long does the surgery take?

Liposuction is a very specialised procedure, so it is tailored to each patient very carefully.

Typically, a surgery takes between 1-2 hours and may be performed as a day or overnight case. In the vast majority of our cases, the patient is put under a general anaesthetic for the procedure.

How happy are patients with the results?

Liposuction is considered to have a high satisfaction rate, and a recent study of liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) patients has figures to back this up.

The study was published in the April 2012 issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). The study evaluated the quality of life and other outcomes in 360 patients undergoing liposuction and/or abdominoplasty to remove excess abdominal fat.

Patients undergoing liposuction rated their cosmetic outcomes an 8 out of 10 score on average. Overall, 86% of patients reported an improved sense of self-esteem after surgery. About 70% reported improved quality of life.

If you’d like further information on our services, or want more details on whether you’d be suitable, our Patient Advisors would be happy to help.

You can call 01 201 4563 or use the enquiry form on the right.

Please note that no surgery is risk free. All the risks associated will be discussed at length with your consultant and you will leave the clinic ready to make an informed decision.