Liposuction FAQs
Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
Liposuction removes stubborn fat through 2–5 mm cuts. It is not a weight-loss treatment. Most procedures take 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, most people return to work in about 2 days, and the final result shows in 1–4 months. Below are answers to the questions patients ask most at Contura Clinic, Bangalore. For the full procedure guide, see Liposuction in Bangalore.
About liposuction
What is liposuction?
Surgery that removes fat from specific areas to improve body shape. It works best with good skin elasticity, and it is not a weight-loss method.
How is liposuction done?
Cuts of 2–5 mm are made, fluid is injected to loosen the fat, and the fat is removed with thin tubes (cannulas) of 1–5 mm.
What types of liposuction are there?
Common types are tumescent, super-wet, ultrasonic (VASER), power-assisted and laser liposuction. Contura uses VASER, power-assisted, RF-assisted and suction-assisted techniques.
Which method should I choose?
It depends on the area, the amount of fat, recovery time and cost. Your surgeon recommends the best one for you.
Am I suitable?
Am I a good candidate?
You are, if you are in good health, have realistic goals and have stubborn fat that diet and exercise haven't shifted.
What BMI is right for liposuction?
It works best near a healthy BMI (18.5–24.9). Above 30, you may need more than one session. Above 40, or above 35 with diabetes or a similar condition, weight-loss surgery may suit you better.
Who is not a good candidate?
People with unrealistic expectations or who aren't committed to a healthy lifestyle.
Is there an age limit?
Liposuction is usually done from age 18, in adults in good health. As skin loses elasticity with age, other procedures may suit older patients better.
Is it better before or after pregnancy?
Usually before, because liposuction works best with good skin tone. Your surgeon will advise.
The procedure
How long does liposuction take?
Most procedures take 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the areas and technique.
How many areas can be treated at once?
Usually 3–4 areas in one session. More can be treated later.
How much fat can be removed?
The amount is planned for a natural, balanced result, from as little as half a litre. Large volumes (more than about 5 litres) need an overnight stay.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Usually yes, but not when the liposuction is extensive, because surgery time and recovery get too long.
Is liposuction painful?
Under local anaesthesia you feel a mild pinch at first, then no pain. Under general anaesthesia you feel nothing.
Can I go home the same day?
Yes, in most cases. Someone must take you home, and you shouldn't drive for 24 hours. Extensive liposuction may need an overnight stay.
Is it normal to feel anxious?
Yes. Pre-surgery nerves are common, and your doctor can prescribe medicine to help if needed.
Safety
Is liposuction safe?
It is relatively safe when done by an experienced plastic surgeon. Risks include infection, blood clots, fluid collection (seroma), scarring and, rarely, nerve or organ injury.
How can I lower the risks?
Share your full medical history and medicines, follow all instructions, and stop smoking 2 weeks before and after surgery.
How likely are dents or unevenness?
Rare with an experienced surgeon. If poor skin tone raises the risk, your surgeon should tell you and may suggest another option.
Recovery
What is normal after liposuction?
Swelling (which can take up to 6 months to settle fully), bruising (usually gone in 3–4 weeks) and soreness controlled with painkillers.
When can I go back to work?
Most people return to desk work in about 2 days.
When can I exercise?
Walk on the day of surgery, do light activity the next day and light exercise after 3–7 days. Most people are back to their full routine in 1–2 weeks.
How long do I wear a compression garment?
Usually at least 6 weeks, full time.
Does massage help?
The evidence is mixed. If advised, start once pain allows and massage gently 3 times a day for at least 3 weeks.
What medicines will I take?
Usually antibiotics, painkillers, antacids, anti-swelling and anti-nausea medicine, plus an antiseptic ointment for the cuts.
When can I fly?
Usually 2 days after surgery, if you walk around every hour during the flight.
Results
When will I see results?
You'll see a difference within a month, as most swelling settles by about 3 weeks. Final results take 1–4 months.
Will I have loose skin?
Not if your skin tone is good. It usually shrinks to fit the new shape.
What if I gain weight later?
Your new shape stays in proportion. Weight gain makes it less visible, and losing the weight brings it back.
What do the scars look like?
The cuts are 1–5 mm, often too small to need stitches, and placed in hidden spots.
Will I need a touch-up?
Sometimes. It depends on the areas treated.
Liposuction or tummy tuck?
Liposuction removes fat. A tummy tuck also removes loose skin. If you have loose skin after pregnancy, a tummy tuck is usually needed. See Liposuction vs tummy tuck.
Cost
How much does liposuction cost?
It depends on the number of areas, the amount of fat, the technique and theatre and anaesthesia fees. You get a quote after your assessment. At Contura Clinic, liposuction starts from ₹1,20,000 plus 18% GST.
Does insurance cover liposuction?
No. It is treated as cosmetic.
Related pages: Liposuction · Do I need liposuction? · What happens on liposuction day · Lipo 360
About the doctor
Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery, CMC Vellore), DNB (Plastic Surgery). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 68989. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Contura Clinic, Kalyan Nagar. Best Paper Award at the IMCAS conference, Taipei, 2016, for his gynecomastia technique. Author of The Male Breast and over 40 papers in indexed journals. Member of IAAPS, IMA and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.