What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat from specific areas of the body to improve shape and contour. It is not a weight-loss method, but rather a body contouring technique for people who have stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
What Liposuction Does
Liposuction targets fat deposits in areas such as:
Abdomen and waist
Thighs and hips
Upper arms
Back
Neck and under the chin
It helps create a more defined, proportionate body shape.
How the Procedure Works
Anaesthesia: Liposuction is performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia, depending on the area and extent.
Small incisions: Tiny cuts (8-10mm) are made in the skin near the treatment area.
Tumescent solution: A saline solution mixed with anaesthetic and medication is injected to reduce bleeding and make fat removal easier.
Fat removal: A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions to loosen and suction out the fat using a vacuum device. Depending on the equipment of the hospital your surgery is being performed, Dr Teh may use water assisted)(ie BodyJet™), power assisted (ie MicroAire™), ultrasonic ( ie Vaser™) or conventional suction assisted liposuction
What is the recovery?
Most people go home the same day.
Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common for a few weeks.
Compression garments are usually worn for 2-4 weeks to reduce swelling and help the skin adjust.
Light activities can resume in a few days; full recovery can take a few weeks.
⚠️ What are the Risks and Side Effects?
Swelling, bruising, or numbness
Irregular contours or asymmetry
Loose or sagging skin
Infection or bleeding
Fluid build-up under the skin (seroma or rarely lymphoedema)
Skin discolouration or scarring
Rare: blood clots or fat embolism, damage to underlying structures like nerves or internal organs
Results
Results are long-lasting if a stable weight is maintained.
It may take a few months to see the final contour as swelling resolves.
Liposuction does not treat cellulite or improve skin tone.
Important to Know
Ideal candidates are close to their healthy weight with good skin elasticity.
Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, diet, or exercise.
Choosing a qualified, experienced surgeon is key to safety and satisfaction.
In summary, liposuction can effectively sculpt the body, but it comes with risks and requires realistic expectations and proper aftercare.