What liposuction options are available?


Liposuction topped the survey becoming the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in 2021 with more than 1.9 million procedures performed according to The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Liposuction treatments have always been popular in our clinics and we pride ourselves on offering a range of different treatment options to suit you, and the result that you desire.

Surgical Liposuction

Surgical liposuction, also known as traditional liposuction was previously the standard liposuction technique. It usually involved using general anaesthetic and large cannulas that suck the fat out of the body.

This technique is still performed today, however, it is usually combined with a surgical procedure such as a tummy tuck or arm lift. It is best performed on patients who have a large area of fat to remove or on patients who have sagging skin that needs tightening too.

liposuction bra bulge back fat before after results

liposuction tummy before after photo results

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Vaser Liposuction

Vaser liposuction is one of our most popular liposuction options. This technique uses ultrasonic waves to selectively break up fat deposits in areas being treated before they are removed with a controlled suction device. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, with sedation if requested and patients are able to return home the same day.

Vaser liposuction is a great option as it is not as invasive as traditional liposuction, involves minimal downtime, and has an overall faster recovery time.

vaser liposuction stomach abdomen before after photo results

vaser liposuction upper arm fat before after photo

vaser liposuction flanks before after photo results

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Vaser Hi-Def

Vaser Hi-Def is an advanced body sculpting technique that uses the Vaser liposuction technique to create an athletic, sculpted appearance. The specialised technique removes both the superficial and deep fat that surrounds the muscle group to emphasize the underlying tonal and musculature.

This is a popular technique to be used on the abdomen, chest, flanks and back to create an athletic six-pack or a strong, defined upper and lower back.

vaser hidef abdomen, chest, flanks before and after photos

vaser hi def liposuction abdomen before after photo

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Micro Lipo

Micro Lipo is a great option for patients looking for small areas of improvement. Micro lipo uses micro cannulas to extract the fat, in comparison to other liposuction treatments. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and there is minimal risk of bleeding, bruising or discomfort post-procedure. Patients are often able to return to work within 2 days and are back to exercising within a week.

Click here to view our Micro Lipo FAQ videos

micro lipo chin men before after photo

micro lipo thighs before after photo

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Above are the range of liposuction options that we offer in our clinics. There are also a variety of other liposuction techniques that we don’t offer

Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL)

This type of liposuction uses water to break up the fat inside the body. A jet of water is sprayed into fat cells which are then quickly removed by a suction tool.

It is often quite an expensive liposuction option due to the specialist equipment required. The technique is also not ideal for precision contouring, and it doesn’t work well on areas of harder fatty layers.

Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Power assisted liposuction is similar to vaser however a vibrating tip is used during the vacuuming stage. The vibrations caused by the top can cover a larger area but because they are not ultrasonic waves, the only fat cells being treated will be those that are localised to the tip of the cannula.

PAL lipo is good for treating hard fat that may have stronger connective tissue but it is not suitable for precise body contouring and any fat removed via this method is usually not suitable for fat transfer.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

Laser assisted liposuction, also known as smart lipo is a liposuction technique that uses laser technology to melt the fat. Different light frequencies van be used when the cannula is inside in the fat layers being treated. Different variations of laser lipo treatment exist, some use a suction cannula to remove the treated fat whilst other treatment may leave the body to flush the fat away naturally.

The powerful laser beam is a good treatment for targeting fibrous fat however there is a risk of internal burns and imprecise handling and inexperience can lead to damage to surrounding tissue.

Find out more about Vaser Lipo vs Laser Lipo here.

We spoke to one of our Liposuction experts, Mr Michael Mouzakis and asked him his thoughts on the variety of techniques that are available to patients seeking liposuction treatment today.

“At The Private Clinic, we do all kinds of liposuction but we only offer ones that we believe truly work. We are different because we offer evidence-based procedures. Liposuction is the same technique no matter what it is called. The difference is the way in which the fat is emulsified or broken down.

We offer Micro lipo with a small cannula, the biggest benefit here is that it minimises the downtime so patients can return to their activities sooner.

We offer traditional liposuction with normal larger cannulas, this is a big evidence based technique due to how long it has been around. It is great for combing with other surgical procedures such as tummy tucks.

We offer Vaser Lipo which uses ultrasonic power which emulsifies the fat to make it easier to remove. The benefits are that it is a predictable treatment in experienced hands and the results are incredible. You can also customise the technique to go from minimal fat reduction to high definition.”Mr Michael Mouzakis discussing the range of liposuction options available to patients.

Liposuction at The Private Clinic

  • We are the UK’s leading provider of VASER Liposuction for men and women
  • Highly experienced surgeons and doctors who have years of experience in vaser liposuction
  • One-year cover for all surgical, hospital and nursing care, in case of any medical issue giving you peace of mind.
  • 24-hour patient helpline to ensure you are always in the best of hands.
  • We perform over 1,300 liposuction and body contouring procedures a year and have performed more vaser liposuction procedures than any other clinic in the UK.
  • As many post-operative care appointments with your surgeon, doctor and nursing team as required.
  • Comprehensive patient information, every step of the way.
  • Outstanding hospital and clinic facilities.
  • With over 35 years’ experience of Cosmetic medical Excellence, you are in expert hands.
  • Our excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfactionhonest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound shape.
  • View our vaser liposuction before and after photos
  • View our micro lipo before and after photos
  • View our surgical lipo before and after photos
  • View our extensive vaser liposuction FAQs
  • View our extensive surgical lipo FAQs
  • View our micro lipo FAQs
  • Find out more information in our liposuction blogs

We are able to offer liposuction consultations at our clinics nationwide:

Vaser & MicroLipo Liposuction Surgeons and Doctors

Surgical Liposuction Surgeons and Doctors

To find out more about liposuction surgery or to book a consultation, please call 0333 920 2471 or you can also use our online contact form for liposuction surgery.