When it comes to body contouring, decades have proven that liposuction indefinitely holds top position in the plastic surgery procedure stakes. From the 1970s till now, liposuction has maintained its effectiveness in stubborn fat removal and body sculpting. With a global fanbase and modern-day plastic surgery techniques pathing its way, liposuction continues its advance as a robust body contouring treatment. In fact, of the nearly 1.6 million cosmetic surgical procedures performed in 2023, liposuction accounted for 347,782, up 7% from 2022, reports the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. So, if you’re planning liposuction in 2025 or beyond, what can you expect?
First and foremost, liposuction is driven by individual goals and a trusted surgical hand. Aiming for small, targeted areas to liposuction, like the upper arms or thighs, gifts a speedier recovery, as opposed to liposuction body wide. Depending on the treatment area, surgery can take as little as one-to-two hours, and can be performed under general, not local, anaesthetic in some cases.
Typically, you can expect to lose five-to-six kilograms maximum in areas like the love handles, upper arms and stomach. For additional contouring and firming in the midsection, you may require a combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty, also known as a tummy tuck. Abdominoplasty aims to correct sagging, smooth lumps and bumps, remove excess skin, and support the underlying tissues of the midsection.
Liposuction remains a tried-and-true top cosmetic procedure for good reason: restoring body balance, firming and tightening, and removing stubborn pockets of fat. However, it’s not just the skills of the surgeon and the surgery process that optimises results – it’s body preparation pre-surgery that ensures greater surgical outcomes and a smooth recovery. Getting to your ideal body weight and within a healthy BMI range, several months before surgery, is essential before undergoing liposuction – in fact almost any surgery or cosmetic procedure – to minimise the risks associated with both the anaesthesia and the procedure itself. Liposuction removes exercise-resistant fat in the stomach and abdomen region, but it won’t tone your six-pack of abs. A healthy and toned body also gifts you the upper hand in healing and recovery post-surgery.
Following liposuction surgery, you can expect bruising to last a good few weeks, beyond six weeks the majority should have subsided. Compression garments are worn for at least the first one-to-three weeks; drains placed at surgical sites may be required for the first few weeks (this is something your surgeon will monitor and decide). Factoring in a week off work straight after surgery and avoiding strenuous activities for the first six weeks is a must – light activities can be resumed after four weeks.
Any cosmetic surgery or reconstructive plastic surgery procedure is a big deal, journeying with a trusted surgical hand ensures safest and individual results. Reach out to our team to learn more about liposuction for you.
