Book a Consultation
Body Contouring Surgery

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes localised pockets of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise, refining body contour and proportion. It is not a treatment for weight loss or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, but for well-selected patients with good skin quality, it can produce a durable improvement in shape.

Book a Consultation View Procedure
1 to 3 Hours
Procedure Time
Day Case
Hospital Stay
1 to 2 Weeks
Time Off Work
After 1 to 2 Weeks
Driving
4 to 6 Weeks
Compression Garment
6 Weeks
Exercise
Overview

A refined, proportionate contour

Mr Nakul Patel takes an individualised approach, assessing each patient's fat distribution, skin quality and goals to plan a technique and treatment area that achieves a natural, proportionate contour.

Mr Nakul Patel during a patient consultation
The Procedure

What Is Liposuction?

It is not a treatment for weight loss or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

Liposuction (also known as lipoplasty or body contouring surgery) removes excess fat from beneath the skin using a fine cannula connected to a suction device. It is used to reduce and reshape specific areas of the body such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms or chin, where fat has proved resistant to diet and exercise.

The best results are seen in patients with good skin elasticity, as the skin needs to be able to redrape smoothly over the new, smaller contour. In patients with significant excess skin, liposuction alone may not achieve the desired result, and a skin-excision procedure (such as an abdominoplasty) may be more appropriate — this will be discussed with you at consultation.

★★★★★
“A shape I finally recognise as mine.”
Patient · Leicester
Benefits

Benefits of Liposuction

In appropriately selected patients, liposuction can offer a combination of aesthetic and quality-of-life benefits.

Reduction of Localised Fat

Removes fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise.

Improved Body Proportion and Contour

Refines specific areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms or chin.

Refinement of Specific Areas

Treats areas of fat resistant to diet and exercise with precision.

Can Be Combined With Other Procedures

Combined with other procedures for a more comprehensive result.

Mr Patel will discuss these potential benefits in the context of your specific goals, fat distribution and skin quality, helping you decide whether surgery is the right option for you.

Suitability

Are You Suitable for Liposuction?

Liposuction is not suitable for everyone, and careful patient selection is important to maximise safety and satisfaction. Mr Patel will explore both surgical and non-surgical options with you so that any decision to proceed is informed, realistic, and aligned with your priorities.

  • Are close to a stable, healthy weight but have localised areas of fat resistant to diet and exercise
  • Have good skin elasticity, allowing the skin to redrape smoothly after fat removal
  • Have a stable, healthy weight, ideally with a BMI of 30 or below, as higher BMI is associated with increased surgical risk
  • Do not smoke, or are willing to stop smoking and avoid nicotine before and after surgery to support healing
  • Understand that liposuction refines contour and proportion but is not a weight-loss treatment and cannot address loose or excess skin
  • Your weight or BMI significantly increases your risk of complications; weight optimisation may be recommended first
  • You are currently smoking or using nicotine products and are not yet ready to stop
  • Medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or clotting disorders are not yet optimally controlled
  • There are plans for long-haul travel very close to the time of surgery, which may increase the risk of blood clots

Weight loss and targeted exercise through diet and structured training.

Non-surgical body contouring devices (such as fat-freezing or radiofrequency treatments), which produce more modest results than surgical liposuction and are not offered directly by Mr Patel at this time.

Accepting your current body shape where surgery is not desired; non-operative management is always a valid choice.

Techniques

Types of Liposuction

There is no single technique that suits every patient. Mr Patel selects and tailors the method to the area being treated, the volume and character of the fat, and your skin quality, while prioritising safety.

Technique Best For Key Features Additional Considerations
Tumescent Most areas; basis of most modern liposuction Reduces bleeding and discomfort; can be done under local or general anaesthesia Standard, well-established technique
Power-Assisted (PAL) Fibrous or larger-volume areas Mechanical fat loosening; controlled, even removal No thermal energy involved
Ultrasound-Assisted (VASER) Fibrous areas; some skin retraction desired Ultrasonic energy liquefies fat Small added risk of thermal injury
Laser-Assisted (SmartLipo) Smaller, well-defined areas Laser energy liquefies fat; marketed skin-tightening effect Small added risk of thermal injury; skin-tightening claims are modest

← Swipe to compare →

★★★★★
“Finally, clothes fit the way they're supposed to.”
Patient · Nottingham
Your Journey

From Consultation to Final Result

Sixteen steps, four phases: click any step to read Mr Patel's full guidance.

Phase 1 of 4

Consultation

1
Key Milestone

First Consultation

The initial consultation is an opportunity for Mr Patel to understand your goals and assess whether liposuction is appropriate for you. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, medications, weight and smoking status, as well as a clinical examination of the areas of concern, with measurements and photographs taken as part of the planning process and medical record.

Mr Patel often uses skin markings during consultation to illustrate the areas planned for treatment. You are welcome to discuss your goals, show photographs that reflect your preferences, and ask questions about recovery and expected results.

Patient Consultation

Cooling-Off Period

Time built in after your first visit to reflect carefully before making a considered decision.

Following your first consultation, a cooling-off period is built into Mr Patel's practice to allow you time to reflect, discuss matters with family or friends, and consider the benefits, risks and alternatives before deciding to proceed. This ensures that the decision for surgery is considered and confident, rather than rushed.

Second Consultation

Confirming your decision, the proposed technique, treatment areas, and recovery plan.

A second consultation allows you to revisit the planned surgery in detail, confirm your decision, and ensure that all questions have been answered. The proposed technique, treatment areas, and expected results will be reviewed, along with anaesthetic considerations and your recovery plan. There is no pressure to proceed, and additional appointments can be arranged if you need more time or discussion before making a final decision.

Phase 2 of 4

Preparing for Surgery

Medicines & Supplements

Blood-thinning medicines and some supplements may need to be paused 1 to 2 weeks before surgery.

Provide a complete list of all prescribed medications, over-the-counter treatments, herbal products, and supplements. Blood-thinning medicines and certain painkillers (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) may need to be paused or adjusted before surgery under medical guidance to reduce bleeding risk. Some supplements, including fish oils, high-dose vitamin E and certain herbal remedies, can affect clotting and may be stopped 1 to 2 weeks before surgery.

Smoking & Nicotine

Nicotine significantly increases the risk of wound problems, infection, and poor skin retraction.

Smoking and nicotine (including vaping and nicotine replacement products) significantly increase the risk of wound problems, infection, and poor skin retraction. Mr Patel strongly advises stopping well before surgery and continuing to avoid nicotine throughout your recovery, and support for cessation can be arranged if needed.

Weight & BMI

A stable, healthy weight supports safer surgery and more predictable, long-term contour results.

Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment. A stable, healthy weight helps to reduce anaesthetic risk, wound complications, and blood clots, and also leads to more predictable, long-term contour results. If your BMI is significantly above 30, Mr Patel may recommend weight optimisation before surgery.

General Preparation

A balanced diet, good hydration, gentle activity, and practical support arranged at home.

Maintain a balanced diet, good hydration and gentle regular activity such as walking in the weeks before surgery. Avoid heavy alcohol intake and crash dieting, as these can impair healing. Arrange practical support at home for the first 1 to 2 weeks, and organise your compression garment in advance. If you develop a new illness, such as a cough, cold or fever, close to your surgery date, contact the team, as it may be safer to postpone.

Phase 3 of 4

Hospital Journey

Admission

Meeting the nursing team, final surgical markings with Mr Patel, and meeting your anaesthetist.

On arrival at the hospital, you will be welcomed by the nursing team and shown to your room. Mr Patel will visit you to review the plan, reconfirm consent, perform final surgical markings on the treatment areas, and answer any last questions. If general anaesthesia is planned, you will also meet your anaesthetist, who will review your medical history and explain the anaesthetic and pain-relief plan.

Going to Theatre

Performed under general or local (tumescent) anaesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery.

When it is time for your operation, you will be escorted to the operating theatre. The procedure may be performed under general or local (tumescent) anaesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery planned.

10
Key Milestone

The Operation

Once you are settled and anaesthetised, the operation proceeds in a carefully planned sequence tailored to your anatomy and the agreed technique. Typically, this includes:

  1. Making small, well-hidden incisions at the planned entry points.
  2. Infiltrating tumescent fluid to reduce bleeding and discomfort.
  3. Removing fat using the chosen technique (standard, power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted or laser-assisted).
  4. Assessing contour evenly across the treated area.
  5. Closing the small incisions and applying dressings and a compression garment before you leave theatre.

Recovery & Discharge

Closely monitored while you wake, then home the same day once comfortable and mobile.

After surgery, you will wake in the recovery area, where your comfort is closely monitored before you return to the ward. The treated areas will feel firm, swollen and bruised. You will be given appropriate pain relief and encouraged to start gentle mobilisation with support from the nursing staff. Most patients go home the same day, once comfortable, mobile and with support organised at home. Before discharge, you will receive written aftercare instructions, advice about your compression garment, medication, and clear contact details for any urgent concerns.

Phase 4 of 4

Recovery After Liposuction

Recovery is gradual and varies depending on the areas treated, the technique used, and your general health. Mr Patel will guide you through each stage with a personalised aftercare plan and scheduled follow-up appointments.

12
Key Milestone

Week 1: Early Recovery

  • Expect swelling, bruising, tightness and discomfort in the treated areas.
  • Wear your compression garment day and night as advised.
  • Gentle walking is encouraged from the first day or two to reduce the risk of blood clots.
  • You will usually have a wound check with the team around 7 to 10 days after surgery.

Weeks 2 to 3: Settling

Pain and bruising begin to settle, and many patients feel able to return to light or desk-based work.

  • Pain and bruising begin to settle, although some firmness and lumpiness is common as swelling resolves.
  • Many patients feel able to return to light or desk-based work after 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how they feel.
  • Continue wearing the compression garment as advised.

3 to 6 Weeks: Returning to Normal Activities

Most patients resume normal day-to-day activities, with light and then strenuous exercise reintroduced gradually.

  • Most patients can resume normal day-to-day activities, with light exercise from around 3 to 4 weeks.
  • Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically resumed from around 6 weeks, as advised.

3 to 6 Months: Settling Phase

Swelling continues to improve and the final contour becomes more apparent as the tissues settle.

  • Swelling continues to improve gradually, and the final contour becomes more apparent as the tissues settle.
  • Some firmness, lumpiness or altered sensation is common and usually resolves during this period.
16
Key Milestone

6 to 12 Months: Final Outcome

  • The final body contour is usually apparent between 6 and 12 months, once all residual swelling has resolved.
  • Weight changes after surgery can still influence the final result, as remaining fat cells can enlarge.
Scar Care

Mr Patel's Approach to Scar Optimisation

Liposuction incisions are small, typically a few millimetres, and are placed in inconspicuous locations where possible.

Careful Placement & Closure

Mr Patel places emphasis on careful incision placement and closure technique to minimise visible scarring.

As Healing Progresses

Gentle moisturising and consistent sun protection help to ensure scars fade well.

Long-Term Result

Most incision scars become faint and difficult to notice over time.

Informed Consent

Risks & Complications

Liposuction is a commonly performed procedure that is generally safe when undertaken in appropriately selected patients. However, as with all surgery, there are potential risks and complications. Mr Patel will discuss these with you in detail to help you make a fully informed and considered decision.

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Temporary numbness
  • Infection or bleeding (may require drainage)
  • Seroma (fluid collection)
  • Adhesions
  • Hyper- or hypo-pigmentation
  • Thermal (burn) injury with energy-assisted devices (ultrasound- or laser-assisted techniques)
  • Contour irregularities
  • Skin laxity
  • Need for revision surgery
  • Dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome or results not meeting expectations
  • Fat embolism
  • Internal organ or vascular injury from the cannula
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
  • Anaesthetic complications

Mr Patel takes a careful, personalised approach to risk reduction, including thorough pre-operative assessment, meticulous surgical technique, appropriate measures to reduce blood-clot risk, and close postoperative follow-up.

Explore Further

You May Also Be Interested In

Tummy Tuck

Skin-excision surgery for patients with excess abdominal skin that liposuction alone cannot address.

Learn More →

Arm Lift

Removes loose upper-arm skin, often combined with liposuction to refine the contour.

Learn More →

Thigh Lift

Tightens loose thigh skin, often combined with liposuction for a more complete result.

Learn More →

Surgery After Weight Loss

A staged plan combining liposuction with skin-excision procedures after major weight loss.

Learn More →
Questions

Frequently Asked

Liposuction (also known as lipoplasty or body contouring surgery) removes excess fat from beneath the skin using a fine cannula connected to a suction device. It is used to reduce and reshape specific areas of the body such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms or chin, where fat has proved resistant to diet and exercise.

No. Liposuction removes localised pockets of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise, refining body contour and proportion — it is not a treatment for weight loss or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. The best results are seen in patients who are already close to a stable, healthy weight.

Mr Patel selects and tailors the method to the area being treated, the volume and character of the fat, and your skin quality. Options include tumescent liposuction (the basis of most modern liposuction), power-assisted liposuction (PAL), ultrasound-assisted liposuction (VASER), and laser-assisted liposuction (such as SmartLipo).

Liposuction is performed under general or local (tumescent) anaesthesia, depending on the extent of surgery — this will be discussed with you at consultation.

Most patients feel able to return to light or desk-based work after 1 to 2 weeks, with normal day-to-day activities resuming from around 3 to 6 weeks. The final body contour is usually apparent between 6 and 12 months, once all residual swelling has resolved.

Common effects include bruising, swelling, pain and temporary numbness. Less common risks include infection, seroma, contour irregularities, and skin laxity. Rare but serious risks include fat embolism, injury to internal organs or blood vessels, blood clots, and anaesthetic complications. Mr Patel will discuss these with you in detail at consultation.

Take the First Step
Ready to Begin
Your Journey...

Book a private consultation with Mr Nakul Patel to discuss your goals and explore your options in a warm, confidential setting.

Book a Consultation
Call 07846 717919
Email pa@nakulpatel.com