The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
Liposuction
SURGICAL BODY FAT REMOVAL
A cosmetic procedure to remove excess body fat that can't be lost through diet and exercise
What can liposuction do?
Sometimes, it takes more than exercise and a healthy diet to lose body fat - especially on the hips, thighs and stomach.
Liposuction removes unwanted body fat to help give you the shape you want. It isn't a treatment for cellulite or obesity. Rather, it works best on people who aren't overweight.
Need to know
Liposuction is usually carried out under general anaesthetic, however if you're only having a small procedure, you might be offered local anaesthetic to numb the area.
Your surgeon will mark out the part of your body that needs treating before breaking down your fat with a low-frequency laser, high-pressure water jet or ultrasonic waves. They then put suction tubes into your body via small tubes (canulas) and vaccuum out the excess fat. Your surgeon will stitch the cuts and apply a bandage.
Your surgeon will mark out the part of your body that needs treating before breaking down your fat with a low-frequency laser, high-pressure water jet or ultrasonic waves. They then put suction tubes into your body via small tubes (canulas) and vaccuum out the excess fat. Your surgeon will stitch the cuts and apply a bandage.
Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your operation. If you're having general anaesthetic, they'll tell you how long you should avoid eating and drinking for beforehand.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you might have.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you might have.
Depending on your treatment, you might need to stay in hospital overnight. Otherwise, as soon as the anaesthetic has worn off you're free to go. You won't be able to drive so please arrange for someone to take you home.
It's normal to have bruising, swelling, numbness and soreness for quite a while. Use pain relief if it's necessary. If your surgeon put a corset or compression bandage around you, you should wear it for a few weeks after your procedure.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine - but you should take at least a week off work and avoid anything strenuous for about four weeks.
It's normal to have bruising, swelling, numbness and soreness for quite a while. Use pain relief if it's necessary. If your surgeon put a corset or compression bandage around you, you should wear it for a few weeks after your procedure.
Your consultant will let you know when you can get back to your usual routine - but you should take at least a week off work and avoid anything strenuous for about four weeks.
Self-funding
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our leading facilities.
Our Liposuction locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.