7 of the Most Common Areas for Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the UK’s five most common types of plastic surgery. Common areas for liposuction include the tummy and thighs. Despite the innovation and growing trends in plastic surgery, liposuction is still one of the top surgeries performed. The safe, effective, and popular procedure can help contour, define shape, and balance proportions. 

What is Liposuction and How Does it Work? 

Liposuction is a type of plastic surgery to remove excess and stubborn fat. Your doctor will make tiny incisions using small tubes and gently suction out fat tissue. When certain areas of your body don’t respond to exercise or a healthy diet, liposuction may help shift that extra bit of fat. 

The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia. The area is marked so the surgeon can define the required treatment aims. The procedure involves:

The surgeon injects the area with a solution containing anaesthesia and other medicines to help reduce post-op bruising, swelling and blood loss.

The plastic surgeon will then break up the fat cells using laser pulses, high-frequency vibrations or a high-pressure water jet.

A suction tube is inserted through a small incision or incisions in the skin. The tube is attached to a vacuum and sucks out the liquefied fat.

The doctor then drains excess fluid and blood, removes the suction tube and stitches up the incision before applying dressing.

Depending on how much fat is removed, you might stay at the hospital for overnight observation, but most people get to go home the same day. A liposuction procedure can take anywhere between 1 to 3 hours. It can take longer if the procedure is done in conjunction with other body sculpting procedures like breast augmentationbelt lipectomy or a tummy tuck.  

360 Male liposuction at the Harley Clinic

By no means is liposuction a weight loss procedure. It won’t make you immune to weight loss. The best candidates for liposuction are at a healthy weight and about 30 pounds away from their ideal weight. They have areas of fat that are just not responding to exercise and diet. Fortunately, there are several parts of the body you can use liposuction effectively to create a smoother and leaner body. 

The procedure doesn’t remove dimples, cellulite, or stretch marks. The main aim of liposuction is to remove stubborn fat and improve the contours of the body. The procedure permanently removes fat cells to alter the shape of the body. However, if after liposuction you continue to lead an unhealthy lifestyle, there’s a chance that the fat cell will return and grow bigger.

7 Most Popular Areas for Liposuction

There are different types of liposuction – ultrasound-assisted liposuction, laser-assisted liposuction, Vaser liposuction, and tumescent liposuction. The liposuction used will depend on your treatment goals and how much fat you need removing. 

During the consultation, your plastic surgeon will tell you the liposuction cost and which type will work for your situation. If you are having multiple areas treated, they may suggest using multiple types of liposuction. Some of the most popular areas for liposuction include: 

1. Buttocks

While some fat in the bum is desirable, excess fat can result in dimples and sagging. Liposuction in the buttocks can make you look more in proportion. If you’re looking for another solution for your bum, some patients prefer the Brazilian butt lift for a full and shapely rear. 

2. Love Handles 

Love handles refer to the waist and flanks. This is a very common area for liposuction as it can help to create the contours that can be difficult to achieve through diet alone. 

3. Abdomen 

You probably know how troublesome the abdominal area can be when trying to lose weight. This is why it’s one of the most popular areas for liposuction. Following weight loss, many men and women struggle to lose excess fat around the stomach. Liposuction on the upper and lower stomach or both is performed to help reduce the appearance of fat and create a slimmer, more toned abdomen.

4. Thighs and Lower Legs

Even with diet and exercise, many people find that fat tends to settle in the thigh region. You can perform liposuction on the inner and outer thighs and the lower legs. 

thigh liposuction at The Harley Clinic London

5. Chin and Neck 

Fat can accumulate underneath the chin as you age despite no weight changes. Because liposuction can target small areas, it’s a good solution for excess fat underneath the chin and around the neck. Patients with good skin elasticity can achieve a more defined profile through neck and chin liposuction. If you have loose, saggy skin, the doctor would suggest combining liposuction with a neck lift to remove the excess skin.

6. Upper Arms 

Another common problem area is fat deposits in the upper arms. When weight lifting and diet aren’t working, many people turn to liposuction for additional help. Liposuction is a good option for targeting unwanted fat in the upper arms. 

7. Male Breasts 

Gynaecomastia is caused by a hormonal imbalance leading to breast tissue developing in men. Although it’s not medically serious, it can be embarrassing and impact your self-esteem. Liposuction can target this area and remove fat. 

What Are the Potential Risks of Liposuction?

Liposuction is just like any other cosmetic procedure and comes with risks. You can help reduce the risks by ensuring that a qualified plastic surgeon does the procedure. During your consultation, request their liposuction before and after photos to ensure you aren’t the first person they are performing the procedure on. You must also follow your doctor’s instructions to reduce the risk of post-op complications. 

Still, there are several possible risks you should be aware of before going in for the procedure. They include: 

  • Bleeding 
  • Anaesthesia complications 
  • Shock, which occurs when you don’t get enough fluids during the procedure
  • Fluid accumulation under the skin 
  • Infections like staph or strep 
  • Fat embolism, where tiny pieces of fat break away and travel to vessels where they block blood flow 
  • Uneven fat removal, leading to bumpy, wavy skin with poor elasticity and unusual healing
  • Damage to the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and organs like the lungs and other abdominal organs

Liposuction London: Where to Get Liposuction

Areas for liposuction: Before and after Vaser liposuction and full tummy tuck

If you’re considering liposuction, one of the best things you can do is find a certified and experienced plastic surgeon who you trust. Your surgeon will take you through the whole journey and talk about all the options you have available. Liposuction is a flexible and versatile plastic surgery that is effective in several different areas of the body. 

Book a consultation today at our Harley Street Clinic to discuss your options and start your liposuction journey. 

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