Micro Liposuction (MicroLipo)

Achieve refined contours with micro liposuction – the precise, minimally invasive approach for targeted fat removal and enhanced definition

MicroLipo is a highly effective liposuction & body contouring treatment that contours and sculpts the body through the removal of localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. MicroLipo differs from traditional liposuction in that the surgeon uses much smaller cannulas, often as small as 2mm in diameter, to remove fat volumes of up to 2L in a single session. MicroLipo is comfortably performed under local anaesthesia as an outpatient treatment by our specialist plastic surgeons. Avoiding general anaesthesia and a prolonged recovery makes the procedure more affordable than traditional surgical liposuction. Our surgeons very commonly combine MicroLipo with skin tightening treatments, including both BodyTite and Morpheus8, for those with mild to moderate skin laxity.

RELATED: Liposuction FAQs – Q&As about Liposuction Surgery

Liposuction has undergone a series of evolutionary changes since it was introduced in the eighties. With the traditional method of liposuction, the plastic surgeon makes an incision and passes a metal tube with openings near the tip into the area of excess fat. The tube is connected to a suction pump, and fat is removed as the surgeon passes it back and forth. This was known to be a particularly traumatic method with significant bruising and swelling and also increased recovery time.

A significant advance was made with the invention of tumescent local anaesthesia or TLA. TLA facilitated the liposuction procedure to be performed under local anaesthetic. This makes the liposuction more efficient and less traumatic. This introduction of fluid is known as the tumescent technique and is the foundation for all types of modern liposuction – Laser, Ultrasound and MicroLipo.

MicroLipo is the most recent cutting-edge innovation in the field of liposuction. Like all other forms of liposuction, the surgeon first injects the area with a tumescent local anaesthesia solution. This is a dilute solution of local anaesthetic and adrenaline. The surgeon then inserts a miniaturised microcannula into the treatment area. The application of the vibration energy serves to emulsify fat tissue. The surgeon then finally removes the emulsified fat with a specially designed vibrating cannula.

MicroLipo is a less invasive method of liposuction which can remove excess pockets of fat from various areas of the body. The method received the name MicroLipo as a result of the cannulas which are used throughout the liposuction. The extraction cannulas are specially designed and are no more than 3mm in diameter.

This gentler method of liposuction is particularly useful for removing excess fat from areas including:

• Knees
• Inner thighs
• Chin
• Bingo wings
• Abdomen
• Flanks
• Female breast reduction
• Male breast reduction

After having the fat removed from these areas, there is the option to transfer it to other areas of the body. These methods are known as fat transfer to the breasts, buttocks or calves. However, doing this may require a general anaesthetic to be administered for optimal comfort.

MicroLipo vs Traditional Liposuction

Micro liposuction and traditional liposuction are both cosmetic procedures designed to remove unwanted fat from the body. However, there are several key differences between the two procedures.

One of the main differences between micro liposuction and traditional liposuction is the size of the cannulas used. Micro liposuction uses very small cannulas that are less than 3 millimetres in diameter, while traditional liposuction uses larger cannulas that can range from 4 to 6 millimetres in diameter. This means that micro liposuction can be performed through smaller incisions, resulting in less scarring and a quicker recovery time.

Another difference is the technique used to remove the fat. In micro liposuction, the surgeon uses a gentle, back-and-forth motion to break up and suction out small pockets of fat. Traditional liposuction, on the other hand, uses a more aggressive technique that involves pushing and pulling the cannula through the fat to break it up and suction it out.

Because of these differences, micro liposuction is typically less invasive and less traumatic to the body than traditional liposuction. This can result in less postoperative pain, swelling, and bruising and a quicker recovery time. In addition, micro liposuction may be more suitable for treating small areas of the body, such as the chin, neck, arms, knees, and ankles.

However, it is important to note that traditional liposuction may be more effective for treating larger areas of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, and thighs. In addition, traditional liposuction may be a better option for individuals who have significant amounts of excess fat to remove.

MicroLipo works great for small, well-defined areas, including the chin or submental region, the jawline, the inner arms and the inner thighs.

The above 4 cases were performed with an advanced form of local anaesthesia known as the ‘tumescent technique’. Patients were ready for discharge 30 minutes after their procedure and were back to work the next day with minimal disruption to their activities of daily living.

RELATED: What are the common liposuction areas?

MicroLipo is a specialist minimally invasive technique with the main advantage of being performed as an awake procedure and with minimal downtime. For smaller, more localised areas and in appropriately selected patients, MicroLipo can be an excellent option with superior results to non-surgical methods of fat removal.

The term MicroLipo refers to the fact that the size of the fat extraction cannulas is much smaller compared with cannulas used during traditional Lipo surgery. Micro cannulas often measure no more than 3 mm in diameter, with 1.5 to 2 mm being the average. This contrasts with cannulas used during traditional liposuction, where the average cannula size measures between 5mm and 6mm.

The ideal candidates for micro liposuction are generally individuals who are in good overall health and have small pockets of unwanted fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Micro liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and is not suitable for individuals who are significantly overweight or obese.

The ideal candidates for micro liposuction typically have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of less than 30 and are within 10-20 pounds of their ideal body weight. They may also have specific areas of concern, such as the chin, neck, arms, knees, or ankles, that they wish to address.

It is important for candidates to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure and to understand that micro liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle or a proper diet and exercise regimen.

In addition, candidates for micro liposuction should be non-smokers or willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure. Smoking can significantly impair the body’s ability to heal and increase the risk of complications.

Finally, candidates should also have good skin elasticity, as the skin needs to shrink and conform to the new body contour after the fat has been removed. If the skin has lost too much elasticity, alternative procedures such as a skin tightening procedure may be necessary.

The MicroLipo procedure usually takes between one to two hours, depending on how much fat there is and the area of the body which is being treated. MicroLipo is performed as a day case procedure, so you will be able to leave and return home once the treatment has finished and you are fully recovered.

MicroLipo is ideally suited to be performed under a local anaesthetic. The main reason is related to the design of the microcannula. In MicroLipo, the microcannula tip is designed in such a way as to facilitate a gentle fat extraction and can therefore help to minimise postoperative bruising. In other methods, such as Vaser lipo, the whole cannula gets very hot and can make for a very uncomfortable procedure.

The precision design of the microcannulas used in MicroLipo coupled with gentle technique facilitates the extraction of fat and simultaneous skin tightening. Performing Vaser lipo under local anaesthetic is not well suited to treatment with a local anaesthetic. The generation of thermal energy coupled with the cannula catching on internal connective tissue fibres and nerve fibres can result in discomfort after a short while. MicroLipo is different, accurate pre-tunnelling of the fat before fat extraction leads to a very gentle procedure with a much quicker recovery period. MicroLipo can be combined with BodyTite and Morpheus8 for highly effective skin-tightening treatment without the need for more invasive surgery such as a tummy tuck.

Before undergoing the procedure, the surgeon will take photographs of you at various angles, followed by making preoperative markings on your skin in a standing position. MicroLipo involves injecting the target area with a diluted local anaesthetic solution. This makes the area swollen and firm. This also makes the area numb and avoids having to use a general anaesthetic. Once the area has a firm consistency with the local anaesthetic injection, the anaesthetic is left to work for about 30-40 minutes to allow the local anaesthetic to take full effect. The surgeon is then able to make tiny incisions to insert the cannulas for MicroLipo.

The surgeon will then make a very small incision in the area where the MicroLipo will be performed. The microcannula will then be inserted through the incision and into the top layer of the skin. The microcannula will then be moved around at different angles. You may feel a gentle pushing and pulling sensation, but any discomfort should be minimal, if any. The fat cells are precisely mobilised with the microcannula prior to vacuum extraction. Depending on the amount of fat, the fat will either be suctioned out, or it will be naturally metabolised by the body. During the procedure, you may be asked to change position several times to allow the surgeon to address the treatment areas from several different angles. This helps the surgeon to contour the treatment areas more effectively. At the end of the procedure, any excess local anaesthetic fluid will be manually drained from the incision sites, followed by the application of a sterile dressing. A well-fitting compression garment will then be applied.

The recovery period after micro liposuction can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure. However, in general, recovery after micro liposuction is typically quicker and less uncomfortable compared to traditional liposuction, thanks to the smaller size of the cannulas used and the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.

Immediately following the procedure, patients may experience some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort around the treated area. The surgeon may recommend wearing a compression garment for several weeks after the procedure to help reduce swelling and support the treated area as it heals.

In the first few days after the procedure, patients are advised to rest and avoid strenuous physical activity or exercise. Pain medication may be prescribed to help manage any discomfort. It is also important to follow the surgeon’s instructions for wound care, which may involve applying an antibiotic ointment to the incision site and keeping the area clean and dry.

Most patients can return to work and normal daily activities within a few days to a week after the procedure, although it is important to avoid any activities that could strain or cause trauma to the treated area. It is also important to avoid exposure to direct sunlight or tanning beds during the initial healing period, as this can cause hyperpigmentation or other complications.

While the recovery period after micro liposuction is generally shorter and less uncomfortable compared to traditional liposuction, patients should still take care to follow their surgeon’s instructions for optimal healing and to achieve the best possible results.

The cost of micro liposuction in London can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the extent of the procedure, the number of areas being treated, the surgeon’s experience and expertise, and the location and reputation of the clinic or facility.

In general, the cost of micro liposuction in London can range from £2,000 to £3,500 per area treated. However, it is important to note that these are only estimates and that the actual cost may vary depending on the individual circumstances.

It is also important to consider additional costs, such as preoperative consultations, anaesthesia, facility fees, and postoperative care. These costs can be discussed with the surgeon or clinic before undergoing the procedure.

It is recommended that individuals interested in micro liposuction in London consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon at Centre for Surgery to discuss their individual needs and goals and to obtain a personalised quote. Additionally, individuals may want to consider our many financing options, such as payment plans or medical financing, to help make the procedure more affordable.

Centre for Surgery is a leading cosmetic surgery clinic specialising in a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures, including micro liposuction. Here are some reasons why you may choose Centre for Surgery for your micro liposuction procedure:

• Experienced and qualified surgeons: Centre for Surgery is staffed by experienced and highly qualified plastic surgeons who specialise in micro liposuction and other body contouring procedures. Our surgeons are registered with the UK General Medical Council and have a wealth of experience in performing micro liposuction and other cosmetic procedures.
• State-of-the-art facilities: Centre for Surgery is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality care. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that our micro liposuction procedures are safe, effective, and minimally invasive.
• Personalised treatment plans: We understand that each patient is unique, and we work closely with our patients to develop personalised treatment plans that meet their individual needs and goals. We take the time to listen to our patients and ensure that they are fully informed and comfortable with their treatment plan before proceeding with the procedure.
• Comprehensive aftercare: At Centre for Surgery, we are committed to providing our patients with comprehensive aftercare to ensure that they have a smooth and comfortable recovery. Our team of experienced and caring staff is available to answer any questions or concerns that our patients may have and to provide them with the support they need to achieve the best possible results.

• Affordable pricing: We believe that everyone should have access to high-quality cosmetic surgery, which is why we offer affordable pricing for our micro liposuction procedures. We offer flexible financing options and transparent pricing to help our patients make informed decisions about their treatment.

RealSelf Top Doctors for MicroLipo

RealSelf’s top doctor status is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf doctor community.  This status is earned by achieving consistently high patient satisfaction (from RealSelf reviews), getting excellent feedback on expert answers to patient questions, and investing significant time in Q&A and other doctor activities. RealSelf’s top doctors are rated among the very best surgeons in the UK.

At Centre for Surgery, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality care and the best possible outcomes. If you are considering micro liposuction, we would be happy to discuss your options and help you achieve your goals.

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