The Liposuction Procedure
Liposuction can target most areas of the body and even improve the contours of the neck and chin, but the most common areas treated are the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, flanks and buttocks.
Liposuction techniques and technology has evolved to become a highly effective procedure to restore a more contoured and aesthetically pleasing body shape by removing stubborn pockets of fat. Mr Juling Ong can treat the abdomen, upper arms, buttocks, hips and thighs, chest and back, and even the chin and neck.
He also often combines liposuction with other surgical procedures such as a tummy tuck or breast reduction to achieve the optimal results.
Surgery Time
1 hour and upwards, depending on the number of areas treated
Anaesthetic
Either local or general
Hospital Stay
Day case
Time Off Work
1 week
Full Recovery
4 weeks
During your consultation with Mr Juling Ong, he will discuss what you’re hoping to achieve and assess your suitability for liposuction. As well as your medical history, he will examine you physically and then advise you on what is possible depending on your existing shape, amount of fatty tissue and skin elasticity.
He will also discuss any potential risks and complications and you can make the decision whether to proceed with liposuction or lipo combined with other surgical procedures.
The procedure is usually quite straightforward and can be performed either under local anaesthetic with sedation or a general anaesthetic depending on the area(s) to be treated and amount of fat to be removed.
Mr Juling Ong will make tiny incisions and then insert a very fine cannula into the treatment area. The fat is broken down and loosened and then is suctioned out. Patients usually return home the same day and Mr Ong will advise you on how best to manage the recovery period, including wearing a compression garment to minimise bruising and swelling and prevent any excessive fluid build-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I a good candidate for liposuction?
Ideal candidates are close to their ideal body weight, in good general health, and have firm, elastic skin that retracts smoothly once fat is removed. Liposuction is designed to refine and contour isolated areas of stubborn fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise, rather than to treat generalised excess weight. Mr Juling Ong will assess your skin quality, fat distribution and overall suitability at your consultation.
Which areas of the body can be treated with liposuction?
Liposuction can be used to contour most areas of the body. The abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs, and upper arms are among the most commonly treated areas, but Mr Juling Ong also performs liposuction on the buttocks, chest, and back, and can even refine the contours of the neck and chin.
Is liposuction a weight-loss procedure?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about the procedure. Liposuction should not be seen as a means of losing weight; instead, it achieves the best results for patients who are already close to their ideal body weight but wish to refine their shape or target isolated, stubborn areas of fat that resist diet and exercise.
Can liposuction get rid of cellulite?
No, liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite. Cellulite is caused by fibrous connective bands beneath the skin pulling down on the surrounding fatty tissue, producing a dimpled appearance. Liposuction removes soft fatty tissue but does not release these bands, so the appearance of cellulite is generally unaffected, and in some cases can even appear more pronounced.
Are there any possible risks to fat removal surgery?
Liposuction risks are relatively limited, but they do exist. They can include numbness, infection and fluid accumulation. Contour irregularities or unevenness are also a potential problem. If you have poor skin elasticity, Mr Juling Ong will usually advise against removing fat with liposuction alone, as the skin may not tighten adequately once the fat is removed, leaving you with sagging skin.
What scarring can I expect from liposuction?
During your lipo procedure, Mr Juling Ong will make tiny incisions in the treatment area through which he will insert fine cannulas to break up and remove the fat. Scarring is therefore minimal and it is often possible to position these incisions in a natural fold of the body where they will not be visible when healed.
How much fat can safely be removed in one session?
The volume removed during a single liposuction session can range from a few hundred millilitres to several litres, depending on the areas treated and your individual health profile. UK professional guidance from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) recommends caution and careful patient assessment for larger-volume procedures, as removing excessive amounts increases the risk of complications such as fluid imbalance.
Mr Juling Ong prioritises safe, proportionate fat removal over maximising volume, and will discuss what is appropriate for you at your consultation.
Can liposuction be combined with other procedures?
Yes, liposuction is frequently combined with other surgeries to achieve optimal, well-proportioned results. Mr Juling Ong often pairs it with a tummy tuck to contour the waist while tightening the abdominal skin and muscles, and it can also be combined with breast reduction or other body-contouring procedures within a single recovery period.
What is the recovery like, and when will I see my final results?
Liposuction is usually a day-case procedure, and most patients take around a week off work, wearing a compression garment for at least six weeks to help control swelling and support the skin as it settles.
Results are not immediately apparent, as post-surgical swelling can persist for several weeks to months; your final contour typically becomes clear at around six months once all swelling has resolved.
Will I be left with loose or sagging skin after liposuction?
This depends largely on your skin’s elasticity before surgery. Skin with good collagen and elastin content is more likely to contract smoothly to your new contour once the fat is removed. However, if you already have a significant degree of skin laxity, for example following major weight loss, liposuction alone may not be suitable, and Mr Juling Ong may recommend combining it with a skin-tightening procedure such as a tummy tuck instead.
Are liposuction results permanent?
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, but Mr Juling Ong does not remove all fatty tissue from the area. If you gain weight in the future, the remaining fat cells can enlarge, affecting your results.
During your liposuction consultation, Mr Juling Ong will explain all potential risks and discuss your treatment options in full. Please call us on 020 7927 6528 or email us at info@julingong.com to arrange an appointment.
