Liposuction is a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery procedure that involves removing stubborn fat from different parts of the body through suction. Over time, some body fat deposits might resist exercise, however, this gives us an opportunity to explore other healthy avenues for managing them. Therefore, the best way to remove these fat cells is to undergo liposuction.
It’s worth mentioning that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. Its purpose is to help with body contouring by removing fat. However, if a patient gains weight post-surgery, liposuction won’t prevent new fat cells from forming or existing fat cells from expanding.
Table of Contents
- 1 Liposuction Before and After
- 2 What is the cost of liposuction in Dubai?
- 3 What Makes a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
- 4 What are the target areas for liposuction?
- 5 How Does a Patient Prepare for Liposuction Surgery?
- 6 How is the Liposuction Procedure Performed?
- 7 Liposuction Recovery: What to Expect
- 8 Liposuction Aftercare
- 9 What are the common complications associated with liposuction?
- 10 Is the fat removal from liposuction permanent?
- 11 How long is liposuction recovery?
- 12 Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?
- 13 How much fat can be removed surgically?
- 14 Consult Our Surgeons
Liposuction Before and After
What is the cost of liposuction in Dubai?
The average starting cost of liposuction in Dubai is 18,000 AED. The exact price may vary from person to person, depending on the treatment area and technique used.
What Makes a Good Candidate for Liposuction?
You are a good candidate for liposuction if:
- Your body weight is at most 30% above what could be your ideal weight.
- You are overall healthy with no chronic or life-threatening condition.
- You have a firm and elastic skin surface and good muscle tone.
- You do not smoke.
- You have realistic expectations of the procedure.
What are the target areas for liposuction?
Liposuction treatment can be performed on any part of the body that contains excessive fat. Some of the common body areas where liposuction is carried out are:
- Cheeks, chin, and neck
- Hips and buttocks
- Knees and thighs
- Abdomen and back
- Upper arms
- Chest and breasts
It is important to note that liposuction or lipoplasty can also be used in conjunction with other treatments like abdominoplasty, breast reduction, or a facelift to gain optimal results.
How Does a Patient Prepare for Liposuction Surgery?
To prepare for liposuction surgery, you may need to:
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- Avoid shaving the treatment area in the days leading up to surgery, as it can increase the risk of infection.
- Stop taking ibuprofen or aspirin at least one week before surgery, as both medications reduce the blood’s ability to form clots.
- Avoid alcohol consumption as it thins your blood, which may prolong the recovery duration.
- Stop smoking at least 2-4 weeks before surgery to prevent post-surgical complications and promote recovery.
- Stop taking herbal supplements at least two weeks before surgery.
How is the Liposuction Procedure Performed?
The most common technique of liposuction is tumescent liposuction. Before starting the liposuction procedure, the surgeon will mark the treatment area and may take pictures for a before/after image comparison. Following that, the procedure unfolds as follows:
Anesthesia
The procedure starts with the administration of anesthesia, which is injected into the treatment area or given intravenously. The type of anesthesia used for liposuction may be local anesthesia, general anesthesia, or sedation.
Full procedure
Once the anesthesia takes effect, the doctor makes small incisions in the treatment area. This allows for the insertion of a hollow tube or cannula into the body area where fat deposits are present. The tube is moved back and forth to dislodge fat cells. These fat cells are then suctioned out to obtain optimal results. Your doctor may leave the incisions open and place drainage tubes to allow for the removal of excess fluid from the treated region or apply bandages on the treated area.
Liposuction Technique
Liposuction can be performed using several techniques. Your doctor will choose a technique depending on your requirements or preferences. Here are some of the common liposuction techniques that deliver productive results:
Laser-assisted liposuction
Laser-assisted liposuction, or Smart Lipo, uses laser energy to dissolve fat cells and somewhat tighten the skin. It’s commonly done under local anesthesia.
Vaser liposuction
Vaser liposuction, also known as ultrasound-assisted liposuction, utilizes ultrasound energy to break down fat cells. The loosened fat is then suctioned out.
Body-jet liposuction
Body-jet liposuction dislodges fat cells using a high-pressure water stream while preserving surrounding tissues. The removed fat cells are then suctioned out. Local or general anesthesia is used to minimise discomfort.
Liposuction Recovery: What to Expect
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that leads to some downtime. Generally, it takes five to seven days before you can resume your work and four to six weeks before you can start light exercising. The long-term recovery may take three months.
The entire recovery period after liposuction is generally divided into four stages.
Right after surgery:
The surgical staff will put compression garments on your treated areas to apply pressure.
A few hours later:
After a few hours, you’ll positively experience the gradual lessening of anesthesia, leading to a return of your normal senses. This is when moderate discomfort may start to arise. You might also have some soreness, whose level depends on the area of liposuction. You may need to stay in the hospital overnight so that your doctor can monitor for changes in hydration or fluid balance.
Three to five days post-surgery:
Your doctor will schedule a visit during which they will check the incisions and your overall health. The compression garments are typically removed after a week, depending on the individual case.
After the first week:
You will be advised to massage the treated area to dissipate the accumulated fluid. There will be swelling, which generally subsides in a few months.
Liposuction Aftercare
The following liposuction aftercare steps are designed to reduce pain and help you stay relaxed while you recover:
- Avoid strenuous activities for a couple of weeks.
- You may need to wear compression garments for a week in order to maintain the necessary pressure on the treated area.
- Ensure that you take prescribed medications on time.
- To prevent blood clotting, you will need to do light walking daily.
- Take proper care of the stitches until your doctor removes them. You may also need to change your bandages to prevent infection.
- Healthy eating is particularly beneficial during recovery. Increase your water intake and include plenty of proteins in your diet.
What are the common complications associated with liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that does carry some risks. However, these risks are generally preventable, provided you get this treatment from a skilled surgeon and follow their instructions afterward.
Risks associated with liposuction include:
- Fat accumulation
- Infection
- Numbness
- Fat embolism
- Contour irregularities
Is the fat removal from liposuction permanent?
The fat removal achieved with liposuction is considered long-lasting; however, weight gain can cause the remaining fat cells to enlarge, altering the results.
How long is liposuction recovery?
The initial recovery period – after which you can return to work – varies from person to person but generally takes 5-7 days. You can resume your physical activities 4-6 weeks after liposuction. Full recovery usually takes about three months.
Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?
Liposuction excels as a body contouring method, focusing on subcutaneous fat to enhance your figure, rather than a weight-loss procedure targeting visceral fat. If you want to lose weight, you can do it through diet and exercise or opt for gastric bypass surgery, also known as bariatric surgery.
How much fat can be removed surgically?
The safe limit for fat removal with liposuction varies, but it is generally up to 5 liters (approximately 11 pounds) in one session.
Consult Our Surgeons
Do you want to get rid of those stubborn fat deposits and get a more contoured body appearance? Book a consultation at Euromed Clinic Dubai by calling +971 4 394 5422 or filling out the form below.

Check Out Our Specialists Profiles
Dr. Ken Arashiro
Physician Specialist Plastic SurgeryDr. Ken Arashiro is a seasoned plastic surgeon with more than 30 years of experience in this field. He is certified by several prestigious organizations and licensed by the Dubai Health Authority.
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