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Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures worldwide, and one of the most commonly misapplied. It removes localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise.
It may be appropriate where specific areas of disproportionate fat cause ongoing dissatisfaction, or as an adjunct to other body contouring procedures. The focus is on determining whether liposuction is the right tool for the problem, and whether the problem is fat, skin laxity, or both.
My Approach
In my practice, liposuction is not performed as a weight loss tool or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. It is a precision instrument for contouring specific areas where fat distribution is disproportionate and unresponsive to conservative measures.
The most common standalone indication I treat is submental fat, the area beneath the chin (underchin, double chin), where isolated fat excess creates a poorly defined jaw-neck junction that does not resolve with weight loss alone. Beyond this, liposuction in my practice is most often used as an adjunct: refining the flanks during abdominoplasty, decompressing the arms during brachioplasty, remove fatty components in gynaecomastia, or harvesting fat for grafting procedures such as breast fat transfer or nanofat skin rejuvenation.
This restrained approach is deliberate. Aggressive or poorly planned liposuction creates contour irregularities, skin laxity, and unpredictable results, particularly in patients where the underlying problem is skin laxity rather than fat excess. Careful assessment at consultation determines which patients will benefit from liposuction alone, and which require a combined approach.
Planning & Technique
The choice of technique depends on the area being treated, the volume of fat, and whether liposuction is being performed as a standalone or adjunct procedure.
My approach follows evidence-based principles throughout:
Tumescent technique - the treatment area is infiltrated with a carefully prepared solution prior to fat removal. This reduces bleeding, improves safety, and significantly lowers the risk of complications. The composition and preparation of the tumescent solution matters; I follow an evidence-based protocol rather than a templated approach.
Device selection - the choice between traditional (manual, syringe), power-assisted (PAL), and energy-assisted devices (VASER) is guided by the area and its anatomy rather than a preference for any single platform. Each has appropriate indications and limitations, and its attendant risks and benefits.
Fat Processing - where harvested fat will be used for grafting (breast, face, or nanofat), meticulous technique during harvest is essential to preserve cell viability and optimise graft take.
Contour over volume - the goal is a smooth, natural transition between treated and untreated areas, not maximum fat removal. Leaving an appropriate layer of fat beneath the skin protects the overlying tissue and produces a more natural result.
Recovery & Expectations
Recovery depends on the extent and location of liposuction performed. For isolated submental liposuction, most patients return to normal activity within a few days. For larger areas or combined procedures, recovery follows the timeline of the primary procedure.
A compression garment is worn postoperatively to support contour and reduce swelling. Mild bruising and firmness are common initially and settle over several weeks. Final contour becomes apparent as swelling resolves, typically over 2 to 3 months. Garment use is generally required throughout the day in the first 4 weeks or so, followed by night time-only, for the next 2 weeks.
What Liposuction Can & Cannot Do - Transparent Expectations
Can:
- Remove localised, disproportionate fat deposits
- Refine contour and improve body proportion in appropriate candidates
- Complement other body contouring procedures for a more balanced result
- Harvest fat for use in grafting procedures
Cannot:
- Substitute for weight loss or a healthy lifestyle
- Correct skin laxity fully - patients with loose skin may require excisional procedures instead
- Guarantee perfectly smooth contour, as minor irregularities can occur during healing
- Prevent weight gain in treated areas if lifestyle changes are not maintained
Post-operative care extends beyond routine reviews - it is an integral part of Dr Ng’s surgical philosophy. Through Doctor Stitch, an aftercare service founded to ensure seamless continuity and comfort, every patient is followed up personally by Dr Ng for attentive, discreet, and consistent care throughout the recovery journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?
No. Liposuction removes localised fat deposits and improves contour. It is not a treatment for obesity or generalised weight excess. Ideal candidates are close to their target weight with specific areas of disproportionate fat that do not respond to diet and exercise.
2. What is tumescent liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction involves infiltrating the treatment area with a fluid solution before fat removal. This reduces bleeding, improves safety, and makes the procedure more comfortable. The preparation and composition of the solution affects outcomes as not all tumescent protocols are equivalent.
3. Will the fat come back after liposuction?
Fat cells removed by liposuction do not regenerate. However, remaining fat cells in other areas can enlarge with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight after the procedure helps preserve results.
4. Can liposuction treat loose skin?
Only to a certain extent, depending on the quality of the skin, as liposuction addresses fat primarily, and not skin laxity. Patients with significant loose skin (especially after body contouring surgery or medical weight loss such as GLP-1) may require excisional procedures such as abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, or thigh lift, to achieve the desired contour. In my experience and opinion, a combined approach is most appropriate.
5. Is liposuction covered by Medisave or insurance?
Cosmetic liposuction is not Medisave or insurance claimable. Where liposuction is performed as part of a reconstructive or medically indicated procedure (e.g. lipedema), claimability will be discussed at consultation.
Related Reading
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Abdominoplasty - liposuction is routinely combined with tummy tuck surgery for a more balanced, tapered contour
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Brachioplasty - liposuction-assisted arm lift for smoother contours and reduced lymphatic risk
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Gynaecomastia - liposuction is commonly required to address the fatty components while surgery is required for removal of the glandular tissue
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Breast Fat Grafting - harvested fat used for natural breast volume restoration
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Nanofat Grafting - processed fat used for skin quality rejuvenation
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Read my blog post on liposuction and related issues following sugery abroad
