Liposuction

Despite regular exercise and a good diet, many people find they have stubborn pockets of fat that they can’t get rid of. Liposuction is a technique that uses suction to remove these areas of fat through small incisions. This makes liposuction an ideal choice for patients wishing to effectively reshape, contour and sculpt the body.

About the surgery

Liposuction can be performed alone, and if it is only a small area can sometimes be done with the patient awake. It is often combined with other procedures such as tummy tuck, arm lift, male chest reduction whilst under general anaesthetic.

Indication

Areas of excess fat tissue

Anesthetic

General / deep sedation / local

Downtime

1 – 2 weeks

Results

Improvements in shape and contour of the body

Anatomy

Use of suction through small incisions to remove excess fat

Duration

1+ hours

Exercise

3 – 4 weeks

Price

POA

WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY

The team will welcome you to the clinic and get you settled and relaxed. If you are having a general anaesthetic will meet the consultant anaesthetist who will discuss this with you. We will go through the procedure and discuss the process and sign the consent form. Photographs will be taken before heading to theatre.

Mr West will mark the areas to be targeted with the liposuction. Once in theatre and comfortable, Mr West will perform the liposuction through small 5mm incisions. These incisions are closed with small skin stiches and dressings will be placed over the scars and a post surgical compression garment is put on.

Following surgery you will be transferred to the recovery area and will be looked after by our dedicated recovery team. We will ensure all aftercare is explained and follow up appointments are arranged before letting you leave.

Frequently asked questions

What areas can be treated with liposuction?

Liposuction is best for targeting specific pockets of fat. The most common places for liposuction are stomach, hips, flanks, thighs, arms, neck/chin and chest in men.

Does liposuction leave scars?

Small 5mm scars are needed to allow the liposuction cannula to be inserted and the fat removed. These are small and generally settle down well over time.

What is the difference between standard liposuction and VASER liposuction?

Liposuction works by breaking up the fat before sucking it out. In standard liposuction the fat is physically broken up with the liposuction cannula. VASER uses ultrasound waves to break up the fat. It is therefore thought to be less traumatic to the tissue.

What are the follow up or aftercare procedures?

Wounds are checked 7 – 10 days after surgery and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. If you have had extensive liposuction, we might also recommend deep tissue massage. Further review appointment is usually made 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Will I have drains?

In most cases Mr West does not use drains.

When can I start playing sports again?

Light activity is ok after 2 weeks. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 3 – 4 weeks.

When can I shower?

You can shower the day after surgery. Dressings are shower proof and should be dabbed dry.

Related Treatments

Abdominoplasty / tummy tuck

An abdominoplasty or tummy tuck is an operation that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen. In addition, it often involves tightening of the tummy muscles to create a flatter, tighter tummy.

Lipo abdominoplasty

A lipo abdominoplasty is a procedure than combines abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with liposuction.

Fleur de Lys Abdominoplasty

A Fleur de Lys abdominoplasty is an extension of the standard abdominoplasty, and in addition to the horizontal scar that runs from hip to hip, there is an additional vertical scar up the centre of the tummy.

Male chest reduction

Treatment for gynaecomastia varies depending on the amount of excess breast tissue, and whether there is excess skin too.

Mummy makeover

A mummy makeover is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures performed.

VASER liposuction

VASER liposuction uses ultrasound to break down fat for easier, less traumatic removal with minimal downtime. Offered at Coppergate Clinic in York, it precisely targets stubborn fat and is ideal for body sculpting, often combined with other procedures.

Related Conditions

Excess fat

Scars

Loose sagging skin

Muscle separation / tummy bulge

Client Results

Testimonials

“After years of being self conscious about my eyes, i decided to have my upper blepharoplasty with Chris and the results are better than I had ever anticipated. The service I received before during and after the operation is unmatched. Dr west is a patient, calming and a highly skilled surgeon. If you’re thinking of going for it. Do it, you won’t regret it! Thank you again.”

“I recently had upper eyelid surgery ( blepharoplasty ) with Mr Christopher West. Very experienced surgeon so I felt straight away I’m in a good hands. I had barely any bruising or swelling and the scars are so neat. Overall the results exceeded my expectations which I’m extremely grateful for! 10/10 highly recommended! Thank you.”

“I found Dr Christopher West from 3 people's recommendation and came all the way from London. The upper blepharoplasty procedure was completely painless. I had a small amount of post op bruising, but could carry on with life almost immediately after. The recovery time was around one week. Once my sutures were removed the result was immediately evident. I am extremely pleased with the results of my upper blepharoplasty, and cannot hesitate to praise the skills of Dr Christopher West. Fantastic results. I highly recommend Mr Christopher West”

“I had been researching my options for surgery for a couple of years, I'd had lots of consultations with London based surgeons, I opted for Mr West as not only had I seen his work first hand on a few friends, I liked his approach to surgery, he is very honest and if he feels you don't need something or wouldn't benefit from it he will tell you straight, he's very good at managing your expectations. After a couple of consultations I booked in with him, for an upper blepharoplasty. Mr West saw me before surgery to go over everything, he has a very calming and kind nature which definitely helps before you are about to go under the knife, I am very happy with my results, Chris is very skilled surgeon, his stitches and incisions are immaculate, and I highly recommend him to anyone who is considering surgery.”