Liposuction is one of our most commonly performed and requested surgical procedures at Centre for Surgery in London. However, when consulting with patients, we often find there are many misconceptions about liposuction, who can have it and what it can achieve.

So what are some common myths about liposuction?

1. Liposuction is good for weight loss

Most people seem to think liposuction is a procedure which is suitable for those who wish to lose a substantial amount of weight. However, this is not the case. Liposuction is actually more suitable for people who have a smaller amount of excess fat which they have been unable to lose with a healthy diet and exercise regime. If you have too much body fat and undergo liposuction, you may find you end up with excess skin, and will then require a tummy tuck procedure. Therefore, liposuction is only offered to people who have smaller sections of fat which they are wanting to be removed. Currently, surgeons at Centre for Surgery only offers this procedure to patients who have a body mass index (BMI) under 30.

2. Liposuction is just for women

Liposuction is becoming increasingly popular with men. However, the areas for treatment may vary for men and women. Women tend to focus on liposuction on the hips and thighs, while men may seek liposuction on the stomach and the neck. Men who have gynaecomastia may also wish to undergo liposuction to reduce excess fat in the breasts. If you are a man and are thinking about undergoing liposuction, do not hesitate to book a consultation just because you think other men aren’t having the procedure.

3. The fat will return

Liposuction removes the fat cells in particular area of the body, so the fat cannot return to the area where you had the procedure. However, if you are eating excessively following your liposuction procedure, you may find you gain weight in other areas of the body where liposuction was not undertaken. This can result in a lumpy appearance, as there will be fat in some areas but not others. To avoid this, it is recommended that you follow a healthy eating and exercise regime following your liposuction.

4. Liposuction is a suitable treatment for cellulite

Many people suffer from cellulite and often want a quick fix to get rid of it. Unfortunately, liposuction isn’t the option. This is because cellulite is a different type of fat than what is removed during liposuction. Cellulite is fat which sits right below the surface of the skin. Subcutaneous fat then pushes the connective bands beneath the skin, which gives the bumpy, uneven appearance you can see. Liposuction, on the other hand, only targets soft, fatty tissue. In some cases, liposuction can make cellulite less visible, but it is not considered a suitable treatment option. CelluTite is an ideal treatment for removal of cellulite.

5. Older people cannot have liposuction

Despite the common misconception, there is no maximum age limit for liposuction. However, you will still need to be assessed to see if you are a suitable candidate. If your skin is lacking in firmness and elasticity, you may not be suitable for liposuction or will experience poorer results than younger patients. You will need to attend a consultation to be able to tell whether or not you are suitable for liposuction or a tummy tuck if you have significant skin laxity.

6. Liposuction is a dangerous procedure

Liposuction is a surgical procedure with a very favourable risk profile. However, it is in no way considered to be a dangerous procedure. At Centre for Surgery, we carry out tumescent liposuction under general anaesthetic or local anaesthetic. With local anaesthetic, you will be awake throughout the procedure – there is no need for a general anaesthetic. Furthermore, the tumescent liposuction method reduces the risks of bleeding during the procedure and lowers the risk of side effects afterwards such as bruising and swelling. Our liposuction procedures are undertaken by qualified, experienced GMC registered surgeons.

7. Liposuction is good for removing large quantities of fat

As previously noted, liposuction is not a suitable procedure for those who are morbidly obese. In fact, the more fat that is removed, the riskier the procedure comes. At Centre for Surgery, our surgeons will not remove more than 5 litres of fat in one session as per the national best practice guidelines on liposuction. If you require a larger amount of weight removed, you may be better advised to lose weight first to a safe level. During your consultation, your surgeon will be able to assess your body and see how much fat is appropriate to be taken out, and whether or not you are suitable for liposuction.

Are you interested in undergoing liposuction? Contact Centre for Surgery today for more information and to book a consultation with one of our surgeons.

Justine Farrell

18:11 29 Nov 22

I had Umbilicoplasty done by DR M Sarwar. I have never had cosmetic surgery before so I was very worried and reluctant but finally took the plunge. I didn’t choose my surgeon it was just done at random but I’m glad I had him anyways because I am SO SO SO happy with my results. He is extremely honest and transparent to make sure your expectations are not too high or unrealistic. This scared me off initially but the fact he did this made me feel like my results were 10x better than what I was expecting them to look like. The aftercare was very good. I cannot fault anything. Thank you so much to everyone I met at the surgery 😊

Julie Dyson

11:05 23 Jun 22

Everyone at the Centre for Surgery has exceeded my expectations by miles! From the moment I made contact and enquired about the procedures offered, all the way through to my post-operative aftercare, I have been blown away by the levels of customer service and empathy shown to me on my journey.At 62 years of age, some might question whether I was a bit old for a “mummy makeover” wanting both a bi-lateral breast reduction and an abdominoplasty. However, I was treated so kindly and with such respect that these thoughts were soon left behind. Lidia the Patient Coordinator allocated to me was great – she sent me loads of information to read and arranged a consultation with Mr Ertan Erel, the surgeon.When I met Mr Erel, he immediately made me feel at ease. We discussed performing the procedures in a staged format, to allow my body to recover in between surgeries. He also encouraged me to lose a few kilos before my surgery saying it would be of benefit health-wise and give better results. He walked me through both of the procedures, what to expect and likely outcomes. We agreed that I would have the breast reduction first, followed by the tummy-tuck 4 to 6 months after that. I was offered a follow-up consultation, but didn’t need one, I was so happy with the first.Lidia then helped me choose a date for the first op based on my personal commitment to lose the weight. The encouragement helped tremendously and in January 2022, I had my first surgery. On the day, the whole team were amazing, from the receptionist who greeted me, the entire theatre team – Mr Erel, the anaesthetist and all the theatre nurses couldn’t have looked after me any better. What was truly wonderful for me – I was able to go home the same day once Mr Erel and the nurses were happy for me to leave, no stay in hospital where you can’t sleep etc. – absolute bliss.The support team telephoned me the next day to ensure all was well and organised an appointment to see a perioperative nurse to check my wounds and re-dress. How lucky am I – Sophie Ship is just the best! Knowing that support team was always available together with regular check-ups in Sophie's very capable hands I was very soon on the mend.AT 6 weeks post-op, I had a review with both Mr Erel and Sophie. We were all delighted with the results and my recovery, it was agreed that the second operation could take place in May/June.Lidia, then sent me loads more information about the procedure, answering all my questions swiftly and booked the date. To ensure I was fit for surgery, Mr Erel saw me again two weeks before my surgery. All was agreed and the abdominoplasty performed on 25th May. Once again, everything went like clockwork and every member of the team were outstanding.I’m now 4 weeks post-op 2 and already delighted with the results. Mr Erel is a genius! I feel so privileged to have had both my surgeries performed by him. The swelling is already going down and I can’t wait to see how I look in a couple of months.I have given Centre for Surgery and Mr Erel permission to show my photographs to anyone considering the procedure(s) and am more than happy to provide more details/chat to anyone about any concerns they have. Please just ask Centre for Surgery/Mr Erel to arrange.

Rita W. Eversole

10:18 28 May 22

Highly recommend this clinic for anyone wanting a friendly, welcoming, professional and non judgmental approach to all your surgical and non surgical needs. I wouldn’t consider going anywhere else.

Jemes Rodreges

05:59 28 May 22

Staff are very helpful and friendly, nothing has ever been to much trouble. Definitely put me at ease before I had my surgery and gave great aftercare after my surgery

Colly Hazel

20:08 02 May 22

I made an enquiry with the Centre for Surgery after reading everyone's reviews on Google - and I am elated that I chose CfS.The website was easy to navigate and provided me with sufficient information and understanding of the consultation I wanted to have. Booking the appointment and paying the small consultation deposit was incredibly simple. The availability of appointments on offer was really good too.I received quick confirmation of my booking, and also an email reminder of my appointment one day prior which was really nice.The clinic, both interior and exterior, was well kept and clean.The consultant was Dr Alok Misra. I was really nervous but his bubbly and kind character quickly put me at ease. First he clarified the purpose of my visit (which shows that Dr Misra and the team are observant) and discussed my concerns. Dr Misra was honest and open. He carefully listened to everything I had to say, repeated what we discussed to ensure there was no misunderstanding (I really appreciated this), and then gave advice and guidance which neither me nor self Google-searches, would have ever considered.At the end of the consultation, his team brought me to a private office to discuss what was said and to ask how I'd like to proceed. I think this is an example of exemplar customer service.

Liposuction common myths