Liposuction for the thighs

What is the aim of the operation?

To remove unwanted deposits of fat from specific areas of the thighs which do not respond

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to diet or exercise.

How much does it cost?

Between £1,000 and £4,500 depending on the areas treated

How painful is it?

You will probably feel stiff and sore for a few days and there will probably be some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. In some cases, scars may form under the skin causing chronic pain and discomfort for several weeks before they disappear.

Who is it most suitable for?

Liposuction is most suitable for patients of a relatively normal weight who have pockets of excess fat on their thighs. The firmer and more elastic the skin, the better the results. It will not get rid of cellulite. Most of us (unless obese) have a set number of fat cells that expand and contract depending on our diets and activity levels. Liposuction gets rid of some fat cells for good, leaving less to expand and contract and so reducing fat levels permanently.

What does the procedure involve?

All liposuction (which is referred to as suction assisted liposucsion) is performed using a narrow hollow metal rod (known as a cannula) attached to a vacuum pump which is inserted under the skin through an incision and passed back and forth through the fatty area, sucking the fat out in small amounts. In some situations, for instance if the fat is globular and heavy as is the case with 'saddle bags', a special cannula which emits ultrasound may be used to break down the fatty deposits before suction so that a smooth result can be achieved. Both standard and ultrasound liposuciton can be augmented with a process called tumescent liposuction, which involves fluid containing anaesthetic and adrenaline being circulated through the area to be treated to stop pain and decrease bleeding. In this case, the cannula is used to suck up the saline and the surrounding fat together, leaving a smooth contour.

Are there any risks?

Some people may experience stretchmarks or loose skin if the skin contraction is not smooth over the removed fat, either because too much fat has been removed or if the skin has lost its elasticity due to over-stretching or age. Medical complications are infrequent but cosmetic complications include patchy skin and uneven pigmentation. In general, the more fat that's removed, the greater the risk.

Will there be any permanent scarring?

Because of the small incisions, scars are small and usually well hidden.

How long do the effects last?

There will be an immediate noticeable difference, and after three months the final contour should be apparent. The removed fat cells will not grow back unless you become obese, so the new shape should be maintained permanently if you adopt a healthy lifestyle.

What is the recovery time?

Some swelling may persist for as long as six months although most of the bruising and swelling usually disappears within six weeks.

What will recovery be like?

There will probably be some post operateive body fluid drainage from the incisions and in some cases a drainage tube may be attached in the site of the incision to allow this to drain and reduce swelling. An elastic bandage or compression garment will be worn for up to four weeks to help control swelling and help the skin contract. After three weeks, most swelling should have subsided and you can resume activities.