Liposuction, also sometimes known as liposculpture, is the removal of unwanted body fat by suction, using a surgical vacuum. It is a form of cosmetic surgery that aims to slim and smooth the contours of your body.
As liposuction is usually a cosmetic procedure (used to improve your appearance) it is not normally available on the NHS.
However, liposuction may be used by the NHS as reconstructive surgery to treat certain conditions. These conditions include:
- lymphoedema - a condition which causes excess fluid and chronic swelling throughout the body,
- lipodystrophy syndrome - where fat is gained in one area of the body and lost from another (a side effect of medicines that are sometimes used to treat HIV), and
- lipoma - a non-cancerous lump of fatty cells under the skin.
Having liposuction
Liposuction as a cosmetic procedure is available privately through plastic and cosmetic surgery clinics. The price of liposuction varies depending on which parts of your body are treated, and how much liposuction you have. However, the procedure usually costs at least £2,000.
It is important to be aware that while liposuction may be able to change the shape of your body, it cannot make you lose weight, or reduce the appearance of cellulite. As with all surgical procedures, there are also several risks and complications involved, including infection, blood clots, and scarring.
If you decide to have liposuction, you should ensure that your surgeon has been trained in both general and plastic surgery.
Surgeons who are trained in general surgery should have FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) after their name. Surgeons who are also considered to be suitably trained in plastic surgery are listed on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons, which is kept by the General Medical Council (GMC).
All plastic surgeons who are members of The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) are also listed on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons . You can find out whether or not a surgeon is on the Specialist register by calling the GMC on 0845 357 3456.
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