With cosmetic surgeries being widely accepted by the masses in London, quite a few clinics have begun to offer liposuction procedures, which neither guarantee quality nor reliability, at discounted rates.

This article uses insights from a team of GMC-registered plastic surgeons who are full members of BAPRAS, BAAPS and UKAAPS, to offer a price guide for liposuction in London to help get you familiar with the standards so that you can choose the right expertise for yourself.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or "lipo," is a relatively simple cosmetic procedure that allows people to reshape or slim down specific areas of their bodies. The goal of liposuction is to remove unwanted fat from specific areas to give them a more contoured appearance.

The procedure involves placing a thin mesh band around the area of fat you wish to remove and gently cutting it away. It is usually performed by a team of a board-certified plastic surgeon and a licensed anesthesiologist.

Liposuction is an effective and safe way to reduce fat in the body. It is, in fact, one of the top five most common cosmetic procedures performed in the UK as it not only helps remove localised areas of fat but also promotes rejuvenation and fat transfer needs.

Types of liposuction procedures

Suction-assisted liposuction or SAL

Also known as the traditional liposuction, this procedure involves making small incisions (usually 1-2 cm) in the patient's skin, inserting a cannula (a small needle) to vacuum the fat cells out of the body and then removing any remaining lipo through suction.

This is the least expensive liposuction procedure and has certain drawbacks, such as scarring and slow recovery. Patients who undergo suction-assisted liposuction require 3 to 6 months to recover from the surgery fully. They may also require multiple procedures to achieve their desired results.

Tumescent liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure designed to improve the cosmetic appearance of cellulite and fat deposits throughout the body. It is performed by injecting lidocaine and epinephrine into your body, which causes your skin and surrounding tissue to swell up and makes it easier to identify which areas of fat need to be removed.

The swelling allows the fat to be extracted with greater precision and less bruising to the surrounding tissue, making recovery more comfortable.

Laser-assisted liposuction or LAL

In laser liposuction, a precise beam targeting the area breaks down fat cells into liquid residues, which is drained from the body through tubes. This type of liposuction is perfect for the face and the areas surrounding it, which require more precision - although the procedure isn't nearly as effective as the traditional procedure.

Ultrasonic liposuction or UAL

Ultrasonic liposuction works by emitting high-frequency sound waves to create vibrations that travel through the body, stimulating the targeted fat cells to break down and liquify. Since ultrasonic liposuction is more precise, it also helps prevent any nerve damage in the surrounding areas and can be used for fat transfer procedures.

Power-assisted liposuction or PAL

The one liposuction technique that we can get behind is power-assisted liposuction or PAL. It eliminates burns caused due to procedures that use heat-based fat removal techniques, requires relatively less time to be performed, and prioritises patient comfort and safety above everything else.

PAL also has a shorter recovery time than the traditional method, leads to significantly less swelling and bruising, and is more precise than its counterparts.

How much does liposuction in London cost?

The average cost for liposuction varies between £2,000 to £6,000 per procedure. But depending on your treatment type and the area that you are looking to treat, you might have to shell out £8,000 to £10,000 for your procedure, too. Let's walk through the pricing models.

• Traditional liposuction - £3,500 to £7,000
• Power-assisted liposuction - £750 to £1,500
• Ultrasonic liposuction - £2,200 to £4,500
• Laser liposuction - £2,000 to £6,000
• Tumescent liposuction - £2,500 to £5,500

What's included in the fees?

Typically, the price includes the cost of the treatment facility, the doctor's fee, the anaesthesiologist's fee, and 24/7 clinical support for pre and post-operation care.

At the Centre for Surgery, patients enjoy pre-operative consultations with board-certified surgeons to determine which procedure is right for them, along with a detailed medical assessment to greenlight the procedure.

Their fees include treatment at a specialist facility that the Care Quality Commission has rated 'good', the second-highest rating there is. 24/7 clinical support for 48 hours post-operation and a dedicated patient coordinator who ensures you are comfortable during the surgery and makes the communication between you and the doctor more efficient.

As an added benefit, within highly experienced liposuction in London centres, like Centre For Surgery, TIVA anaesthesia is used for the surgery. This allows patients to get same-day discharge so that they can recover more comfortably at their respective homes.

Why do procedure charges vary from clinic to clinic?

The pricing comes down to the quality of treatment offered to you and the level of expertise your doctors are providing you with. The more experienced and professional they are, the more reliable treatment and the fewer problems you will experience after the procedure.

Does insurance cover liposuction?

Your insurance will not cover liposuction in terms of cosmetic procedures as it is not a medical procedure. But if you are getting liposuction for a medical reason, such as tumour removal or removal of fatty tissue, then your insurance is likely to cover it.

That being said, it is essential to check with your insurance company to confirm what they will pay for before confirming your appointment with your surgeon.

Still have questions about liposuction? Why not book a consultation with a certified cosmetic surgeon to get expert advice for your treatment plan.