Liposuction

Your journey with the Cadogan Clinic begins with up to two consultations conducted by one of our esteemed specialist surgeons at our renowned Chelsea premises. These consultations typically last between 30 and 60 minutes.

During these consultations, your surgeon will engage in a comprehensive discussion about your expectations for your Liposuction procedure. They will provide insights into the procedure itself, including its impact and the expected recovery process. Open and honest communication about your desired surgical outcomes is crucial for achieving the best results, so feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Your surgeon will look into your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to ensure your suitability for the procedure. If your surgeon determines that you are a suitable candidate for the surgery, you will then have a two-week "cooling off" period to reflect on your decision before proceeding. During this time you can speak with your dedicated surgical patient advisor about available surgical dates and ask any questions about the procedure.

If you decide to move forward with the surgery after the cooling-off period, you'll return to the clinic on the day of the procedure. Your surgeon will provide the step you need to prepare effectively, which will include:

• Quit smoking: It's essential to quit smoking, as smoking can hinder skin blood flow and impede the healing process. Your doctor will recommend that you stop smoking six weeks before surgery and throughout the recovery period.
• Adjustment medication: Avoid taking aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and herbal supplements in the week leading up to your surgery, as they can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Avoid alcohol: Refrain from consuming alcohol for 48 hours before surgery, as alcohol can negatively affect the healing process.
• Organise post-surgery assistance: Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after leaving the hospital.
• In the six hours before surgery, abstain from food and drinks, except for small sips of clear fluids, such as still water, black coffee, and black tea, which are allowed up to two hours before your admission to the clinic. 

You will be asked to arrive at the clinic an hour ahead of your scheduled surgery time. During this time, a nurse will take your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate and temperature, and other relevant measurements. You will also meet with your consultant anaesthetist and surgeon for your final preparations and mark-ups.

The Liposuction procedure itself is a straightforward process conducted under general or local anaesthetic depending on the areas being treated, typically taking one to three hours. Your surgeon will insert a cannula into the targeted area that fat is to be removed from. The cannula is gently moved back and forth to break down fat, and high-pressure suction is then employed to safely extract the loosened fat cells from your body. Thanks to the fine cannula, incision sites are exceptionally small, often measuring just several millimetres, resulting in minimal scarring.

After the procedure, you'll recover in our specialised ambulatory recovery rooms for a duration ranging from two to three hours, depending on the nature of your procedure. Your recovery is closely monitored by our expert nursing team. Once you are ready and our specialists happy with your initial recovery, you will be discharged. You must have a friend or family member collect you from the clinic who can either drive you themselves, or accompany you in a taxi. You will not be allowed to drive yourself following a general anaesthetic.

During your recovery, you will have access to our on-call nursing team 24-hours a day. They are available to address any post-operative questions or concerns you may have, to ensure your comfort throughout your recovery.

Recovery following Liposuction is generally quick, with any residual discomfort usually subsiding within a few days. We advise complete rest for 5-7 days, as well as closely following your surgeon’s instructions about wearing any required compression garments. These garments support the healing process, enhance comfort, and aid the even distribution of remaining fat cells in the treated area. We recommend taking at least one week off work, although this may be longer if you have a job involving manual labour. Additionally, we advise avoiding exposure to UV light for at least four weeks to protect your incisions and reduce visible scarring.

One week after your procedure, you will have an appointment with our specialist nurses to assess your Liposuction incisions and remove any sutures if they were required. Our nurses will talk you through your recovery and aftercare going forward, including taking care of your dressings and ensure the best possible healing.

At the six-week mark, we'll schedule a post-procedure check-up with your surgeon to ensure your recovery is progressing as anticipated, discuss your results and address any remaining questions or concerns. You have access to our specialist nurses for 2 years following your Liposuction procedure, and can contact your patient advisor at any time.