Personal Finance and Healthcare Expert
Liposuction can dramatically change how you look and feel, but you must understand the pros and cons before you book a date for surgery. Our guide explains how liposuction surgery works, who it's for, and how much you can expect to pay.
Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgery that removes body fat by sucking out fat cells using a suction device. Cosmetic surgeons generally use liposuction to target areas where fat cells typically collect and which may be difficult to lose using diet and exercise alone.
Targeted areas usually include the stomach, hips, thighs, and bottom. It isn't intended for use as weight loss surgery and is most effective for patients who are a healthy weight and have good skin elasticity. However, surgeons sometimes combine liposuction with a tummy tuck to tighten the skin and stomach muscles.
As mentioned, liposuction surgery works best for patients who are a healthy weight and have good skin elasticity. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that achieves long-term results by removing fat cells, meaning you'll need to maintain a stable weight after surgery to get the desired results. Significant weight loss, pregnancy, and ageing can lead to loose skin and affect a patient's suitability for liposuction.
Patients also need good general health to reduce the risks associated with any surgical procedures. Smokers and people with underlying health issues may not be suitable candidates. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recommend removing a maximum of 5l of fat during liposuction surgery, so your surgeon will assess you based on the amount of excess fat you need to remove.
When considering any cosmetic surgery, you must think about the desired results, what your liposuction procedure can realistically achieve and how the surgery will impact your daily life. Seeking advice from experienced surgeons will help you make an informed decision.
The fat removed during liposuction can improve your appearance but may not bring noticeable results if you aim to lose weight. It works on targeted areas to reduce your stomach and thighs but won't slim you down all over. You must also consider whether you have the patience to stick with the aftercare required to bring the best results.
If the idea of surgery is off-putting, there are various new non-invasive liposuction procedures to explore. Cavitation uses low-frequency ultrasound to target and remove fat over several sessions. Cryotherapy breaks down fat by freezing it. Other techniques include radio and electromagnetic waves, as well as infrared light.
A new liposuction technique known as VASER liposuction uses ultrasound to remove fat. It's similar to liposuction surgery in that it is carried out in a hospital and requires small incisions. However, it's typically less invasive than traditional liposuction.
Liposuction surgery isn't usually available via the NHS unless needed to treat another health issue. For example, lipoedema causes the abnormal build-up of fat in the legs and bottom. Lymphoedema affects the lymphatic system, making it difficult for fluid to drain and causing swelling. Patients with these conditions can benefit from liposuction.
Patients with severe burns or requiring reconstructive surgery after cancer treatment can have cosmetic surgery via the NHS. This can also include people whose appearance is seriously affecting their mental health.
Specialist liposuction surgeons work in clinics and hospitals across the UK, so you'll likely find a treatment provider near you. Finding a surgeon with the proper training and expertise is vital. It's also a good idea to consider what facilities you want your hospital to have. Private patients benefit from a private room, usually with an ensuite bathroom, but other facilities vary depending on your chosen provider. You might find restaurant-quality meals, complimentary toiletries and Wi-Fi. Think about what matters to you so you can find a hospital that fits your requirements.
There are various ways to find a consultant. There are two main membership organisations for cosmetic surgeons in the UK. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has a search function on its website, as does the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS). Both organisations also provide information on their membership requirements and standards.
You can have liposuction at a hospital specialising in cosmetic surgery or a private hospital offering various treatments and services. Some surgeons work in several locations. While some patients can return home on the same day as their liposuction surgery, many need an overnight stay, so check whether your chosen hospital has suitable facilities.
Private hospitals vary, from small independent clinics to larger healthcare providers like Bupa or Spire, with a network of hospitals nationwide. Most providers have a website with information about their services, consultants, and whether they offer a free consultation to discuss your treatment options. If you have a couple of hospitals in mind, you can check their safety and inspection records via the CQC website.
Many NHS hospitals have private units on the same site. While many consultants have a private practice alongside their NHS work, some only see private patients at these NHS units rather than other private hospitals.
Some profits from private patients at these units are often reinvested into NHS care, meaning you can help support your local hospital. While they won't have the same level of luxury as some private hospitals, you'll still stay in a private room with your own bathroom.
Our research has found prices ranging from around £3,000 to more than £8,000, with the average liposuction cost in the UK being £4,997. However, we'd recommend taking this figure with a pinch of salt. As we've discussed, there are several types of liposuction, from traditional liposuction to cutting-edge techniques such as VASER liposuction. Liposuction prices vary widely depending on the method used and what individual clinics charge.
Your liposuction cost can also depend on your needs. Individual quotes can also vary depending on how much fat needs removing and whether you want a tummy tuck as part of the procedure, so it's a good idea to get several quotes.
You can learn more about the factors affecting private treatment costs in the UK here.
Your hospital's location is one of the most significant factors influencing liposuction costs. Hospitals in major cities often cost more because they must pay higher rents and wages. When seeking quotes, it's wise to contact several hospitals. If you want to have your liposuction procedure at a hospital close to home, you may find that clinics charge more in major cities and less elsewhere.
As we've mentioned, obtaining precise pricing information is challenging. We'd normally expect to find the highest prices in London. However, we found average liposuction costs of £3,820, below the national average. By contrast, a clinic in Glasgow quoted £8,095, higher than their neighbours in Edinburgh and Livingston, which were closer to the national average.
Our research reviewed the cost of a liposuction procedure at 22 private hospitals across the UK. Many hospitals are part of large private healthcare groups operating a private hospital network. Each healthcare company must consider its overheads, profit margins, and staffing costs. Highly experienced surgeons will also charge more to reflect their specialist skills. Many private healthcare providers invest in cutting-edge treatments which can offer better results or a quicker recovery, but they typically mean higher liposuction costs.
While some private healthcare companies provide liposuction cost details, many don't. We found average costs of £5,933 at Nuffield Health hospitals, £4,768 at Ramsay Health and £4,324 at Spire Healthcare. However, if you have a local hospital with excellent facilities in mind, we'd recommend contacting them to discuss your treatment and get an accurate quote.
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As mentioned, how much liposuction costs will vary depending on several factors. When you receive a quote from your chosen hospital or clinic, you'll have a realistic picture of the overall liposuction cost. However, you've probably already wondered how you'll pay for your liposuction procedure.
You have two main options to pay for your liposuction.
A liposuction procedure typically involves an overnight stay in the hospital, although some people can return home on the same day if they have someone to stay with them. Liposuction is generally done under a general anaesthetic. Your doctor will explain the procedure, how to prepare and what to expect while you recover. Here's our guide to liposuction so you know what to expect.
The preparations for your liposuction procedure can begin a few weeks before your surgery date. All surgical procedures carry some risk, so the preparations aim to minimise the risk of serious complications.
If you smoke, your doctor will advise you to give up and avoid nicotine products, as these can affect blood flow to the skin and slow the healing process. Quitting will also improve your lung function, which reduces the risks associated with general anaesthetic.
As your liposuction procedure approaches, you may need to stop taking some medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, which can thin the blood. In the days before your surgery, you'll also need to clean your skin thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection. Finally, you'll need to fast the night before. Usually, you must stop eating before midnight, but your surgeon will let you know.
When you arrive at the hospital before your liposuction begins, your surgeon will assess your overall health to ensure you're well enough for surgery. They'll also check your skin and how much excess fat needs to be removed before marking the fat removal site as a guide.
Most liposuction procedures use general anaesthetic, and your surgeon will often inject additional anaesthetic combined with other medication at the incision site to reduce bleeding and swelling.
Next, your surgeon will break up fat using high-frequency vibrations, a laser pulse or a high-pressure water jet. Then, they'll make a small incision to insert a suction device, usually a tube. If you're having fat removed from several areas, you may need multiple incisions. The suction tube will loosen and remove the fat. Your surgeon will drain any excess fluid and blood before stitching and bandaging the incision. The whole liposuction procedure usually takes between one and three hours.
This technique applies to traditional liposuction; the process will vary if you have another procedure, such as VASER liposuction.
After your liposuction, you'll likely need to stay overnight in the hospital so medical staff can monitor your progress. If you're well enough to go home, a friend or family member must drive as you won't be able to drive yourself for the first few weeks after surgery. They'll also need to stay with you to keep an eye on you for the first 24 hours after your anaesthetic. Your surgeons will also let you know whether you need to return to have your stitches removed.
After liposuction, you can gradually return to your usual activities, including work. Everyone's different; some people take longer to heal than others, so you must listen to your body and follow your surgeon's advice. Your medical team will tell you how to care for your wound and aid healing to achieve the desired results. Recovery usually takes up to four weeks, and most people can go back to work after two to three days if they have a sedentary job. Rest is vital to recovery, but you should combine it with light movement.
As part of the body contouring process, you'll need to wear compression garments, which also help reduce swelling. If you feel any discomfort, you can take over-the-counter painkillers to manage your pain. Most people feel up to light exercise, such as walking, within a week or two after surgery. After four weeks, you should be able to return to the gym. You should see noticeable results early on, but your body can change for up to six months after liposuction.
You mustn't drive for 24 hours after liposuction but can usually start driving again if you feel comfortable wearing a seatbelt. Check your insurance documents, as some will not cover you for a specific period after an operation.
If you've had liposuction overseas or plan to fly for a holiday, ask your surgeon for advice and check your airline's terms and conditions.
You'll get the best results from your liposuction if you maintain a stable weight and follow a healthy diet. Eating fatty foods and gaining weight can impede the body contouring process, as can extreme weight loss.
After liposuction, it's common to feel sore and have bruising and swelling. These symptoms will gradually resolve, and you can take painkillers if needed. Contact your consultant if you have any redness that spreads or feels hot to the touch, as this can be a sign of infection.
Fluid often drains from your incisions during the recovery process, and the hospital may give you some pads to go inside your compression garments to absorb this. You'll also have some small scars in the treatment areas.
Liposuction has risks like any other surgery. The main risks are bleeding, infection, blood clots and a reaction to the anaesthetic. Your preparation for surgery helps minimise these risks, and the hospital will take precautions during your treatment. You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, redness in your skin that spreads or feels hot, or a high temperature. These can be signs of sepsis, a serious and life-threatening infection.
There's a small risk of damage to the nerves or organs near the treatment areas, numbness or a change in skin colour. Experienced surgeons will always explain these risks to you during your consultation so you can make an informed choice.
Some people find the liposuction results are different from what they hoped because they had less fat removed than expected, they have loose skin, or the results look lumpy and uneven even after recovery is complete. In that case, they may opt for further surgery.
MyTribe guides provide general advice to help you understand your private healthcare options. If you're considering cosmetic surgery, including liposuction, speak to your doctor to understand the pros and cons and make an informed choice. While health insurance doesn't usually cover cosmetic surgery, it can provide access to high-quality private healthcare. Contact us for a comparison quote if you'd like to learn more.
Disclaimer: This information is general and what is best for you will depend on your personal circumstances. Please speak with a financial adviser or do your own research before making a decision.
Kirsty is a personal finance and healthcare expert who enjoys demystifying legal and insurance topics for a wider audience. She’s a former solicitor with a personal injury and insurance background.
