# Liposuction

> Citation bundle for Liposuction on The Treatment Registry.
> URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/liposuction
> Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/liposuction

- Category: cosmetic-surgery

## Description

Liposuction, or simply lipo, is a type of fat-removal procedure used in plastic surgery. Evidence does not support an effect on weight beyond a couple of months and does not appear to affect obesity-related problems.

## Overview

Liposuction, or simply lipo, is a type of fat-removal procedure used in plastic surgery. Evidence does not support an effect on weight beyond a couple of months and does not appear to affect obesity-related problems.

*Reference text adapted from Wikipedia under CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify with a qualified clinician before treatment.*

## Common risks

- bruising and swelling, which may last up to 6 months
- numbness, which should go away in 6 to 8 weeks
- scars
- inflammation of the treated area, or the veins underneath
- fluid coming from the cuts
- swollen ankles (if the legs or ankles are treated)

## FAQs

### How much does liposuction cost?

In the UK, liposuction ranges in price from about £3,000 to £8,500, depending on where you go and the body areas being treated.

### Where do I go to get liposuction?

If you're looking in England, check the [Care Quality Commission (CQC)](http://www.cqc.org.uk/) website for treatment centres that can perform liposuction.

### What does liposuction involve?

Liposuction is usually carried out under [general anaesthesia](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/general-anaesthesia/), although an [epidural anaesthetic](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/epidural/) may be used for liposuction on lower parts of the body.

### What could go wrong after liposuction?

Liposuction can occasionally result in:

### What to do if you have problems?

Cosmetic surgery can sometimes go wrong and the results may not be what you expected.

## Alternative treatments

- **Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)** — Non-invasive fat reduction for small areas; partial result, no skin tightening.
- **Abdominoplasty** — When skin laxity coexists with fat excess, lipo alone gives a worse result than combined treatment.

## Sources

- [ISAPS — Practice Resources and Position Statements for Aesthetic Surgery](https://www.isaps.org/medical-professionals/practice-resources/) — International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (accessed 2026-06-29)