Liposuction (Lipo) in Singapore: Shape Your Body Safely
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What Is Liposuction (Lipo)?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove unwanted fat from areas of the body that don’t respond to diet and exercise. It’s very popular in Singapore with about 3,000 procedures done every year. It’s a good option for those who want to shape their body. Thinking of getting lipo? Talk to a qualified surgeon to see if it’s for you.
How Does Liposuction Work?
Liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in specific areas of your body like your tummy, thighs or arms. During the procedure, a small tool called a cannula (thin tube inserted into the body to deliver or remove fluids, often used in medical procedures) is used to remove fat. The amount taken out depends on how much fat there is and the shape of the area.
Liposuction Benefits
• Reshapes Body Contours: Targets and removes stubborn fat to sculpt a better body shape.
• Better Clothing Fit: Smoother silhouette for better clothes fit and look.
• Comprehensive Cosmetic Improvement: Refines the overall body.
• Boost Confidence: More comfort and self esteem by improving body image.
• Permanent Results: Removed fat cells will not come back with proper weight management.
• Health Benefits: Helps alleviate conditions caused by excess fat such as lymphedema (swelling due to buildup of lymph fluid in tissues), lipodystrophy (abnormal distribution and storage of fat in the body) and gynecomastia.
• Post-Weight Loss Enhancement: Manages aesthetic concerns after major weight loss such as excess skin and uneven fat distribution.
• Better Skin: Minimises cellulite (skin condition causing lumpy, dimpled flesh on thighs, hips, buttocks) and improves skin elasticity to match the new body contours.
Types of Liposuction
Liposuction techniques vary to suit different needs and body areas. Here’s a summary:
Water-Assisted Liposuction (Body Jet)
Uses a saline jet (stream of saltwater solution used medically to clean or dislodge tissue) to dislodge fat cells easily.
Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL)
Traditional method using vacuum after injecting a pain-reducing and bleeding-minimising solution.
Tumescent Liposuction
Common method that injects a saline (salt water) solution to ease fat removal and minimal discomfort.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL, e.g., SmartLipo™, SlimLipo™)
Melts fat with laser energy for less bruising and faster recovery.
Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL)
Uses radio waves to heat and liquefy fat before it’s removed. This method can also tighten skin for smoother results.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL, e.g., VASER, Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance)
Uses ultrasound waves to break down dense fat, followed by traditional liposuction.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
Features a vibrating cannula to break up stubborn fat more gently.
High Definition Liposuction
Focuses on sculpting and enhancing muscle definition using precise techniques like VASER.
Mega Liposuction
Extensive fat removal process that extracts over 5 litres of fat. It’s good for those who are very overweight and want major body fat reduction. This procedure carries higher risks due to the large volume removed and requires close medical supervision.
Microcannula Liposuction
Uses tiny cannulas to remove fat with minimal bruising and faster recovery.
Dry Liposuction
Removes fat without fluid injection.
To discover which option suits you best, set up an appointment with a qualified plastic surgeon at The Covette Clinic today!
Liposuction Procedure
Before the Procedure
• Consultation: Talk to your surgeon about your goals and health; be close to your ideal weight for best results.
• Medical Evaluation: Review of medical history and current health status to ensure you are a candidate.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: May need to stop smoking, stop certain medications and lose weight if necessary.
• Pre-Surgery Preparations:
• Don’t eat and drink for a certain period before surgery.
• Stop taking aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs 2 weeks before.
• Arrange for post-surgery support and transportation as you will need help.
During the Procedure
• Incision and Fat Removal: A small incision is made; through this, a device such as cannula, laser fibre or ultrasound probe is inserted to loosen, liquefy or directly suction out fat, depending on the technique used. This helps to remove fat from the targeted areas.
• Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia will be used.
• Duration: 1-4 hours depending on the complexity and volume of fat removal.
Liposuction Recovery Timeline
Weeks 1-2:
• Rest is key; wear compression garments to reduce swelling and aid healing.
• Minor activities as tolerated.
Weeks 3-6:
• Swelling decreases; gradual return to more strenuous activities.
• Follow up visits to check on recovery and remove stitches if present.
3 Months and Beyond:
• Full results visible.
• Maintain weight to retain the effects of the surgery.
Extended Recovery Information:
• Compression garments may still be needed for comfort and optimal contouring up to 6 weeks post surgery.
• Swelling and shape adjustment continues; final results around 6 months after the procedure.
Which Body Parts Does Liposuction Target?
Liposuction can be done on many areas of the body:
✔ Abdomen: Lower and upper belly.
✔ Hips: Slimmer hips and shapes thighs (inner and outer).
✔ Thighs: Inner and outer thighs.
✔ Buttocks: Streamline your profile.
✔ Arms: Upper arms for a more toned look.
✔ Back: Fat rolls and back contour.
✔ Cheeks, Chin & Neck: Jawline and double chin.
✔ Face: Sculpted facial contour.
✔ Chest: Men with gynecomastia (enlarged chest tissue) and women who want breast reduction.
✔ Calves & Ankles: Thicker ankles and more proportionate lower leg.
✔ Inner Knee: Fat around the knee for a more contoured leg.
Procedures Complementary to Liposuction
Apart from liposuction, consider these procedures to further sculpt your body:
Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Often done with liposuction, a tummy tuck removes excess skin and tightens abdominal muscles for a flatter, more defined stomach.
Fat Grafting
Uses fat from liposuction to enhance other areas like breasts or buttocks for natural looking and balanced shape.
Body Lift
After weight loss, a body lift removes excess skin and fat from various areas of the body, using liposuction for finer shaping.
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
This procedure adds shape and volume to the buttocks by purifying and reusing fat from liposuction.
Renuvion
A procedure that tightens skin using advanced energy technology, enhances liposuction results by improving skin elasticity.
Liposuction Risks
• Temporary Skin Sensations: Changes in skin colour or numbness may occur. Resolves over time.
• Allergies: Rare reactions to anaesthetics or procedural materials.
• Bleeding and Shape Adjustments: Minor bleeding is normal, severe bleeding and contour irregularities like lumps or uneven surfaces is less common.
• Fluid Management: Proper balance of bodily fluids is important, imbalances can affect vital organs.
• Internal Injury: Rare but serious risks include organ puncture from the instruments going too deep.
• Critical Complications: Fat embolism (fat particles in the bloodstream, often after a fracture, blocking small blood vessels) and thromboembolism (blood clot in a blood vessel that has travelled from another part of the body) is rare but can be life threatening, causing blocked blood vessels and pulmonary issues
Liposuction Complications
• Bruising, Fluid Accumulation and Numbness: Bruising and numbness improves over weeks to months. Sometimes fluid pockets may form and need to be drained.
• Infection and Swelling: Infections may require antibiotics. Swelling subsides within weeks but can take longer.
• Blood Clots and Pain Management: Blood clots is a serious risk and requires medical attention. Pain after surgery varies and is controlled with medication.
• Skin or Tissue Injury: Rarely the procedure may cause damage to deeper structures or the skin itself which may result to scarring.
• Lidocaine Toxicity: In cases where large volume of fluid with lidocaine (local anaesthetic used to numb tissue in specific areas) is used, there is a risk of toxicity but this is very rare with current standards. At Covette Clinic, we use general anaesthetic only, so this won’t be an issue.
• Kidney or Heart Problems: Changes in the body’s fluid levels during surgery may cause problems but these are preventable with proper technique and monitoring.
By choosing a highly skilled and experienced surgeon and discussing all the risks and how they are managed, you can make an informed decision about liposuction. At The Covette Clinic, your safety and satisfaction is our top priority.
Liposuction vs Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)
Here’s an overview of the differences between liposuction and tummy tucks.
Feature | Liposuction | Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty) |
Primary Purpose | Removes fat to shape the body. | Removes excess skin and fat and tightens abdominal muscles for a flat stomach. |
Procedure | Small incisions for fat removal. | Larger, horizontal incision across the lower abdomen for more extensive re-shaping. |
Scarring | Minimal scarring. | More visible but usually hidden. |
Recovery Time | 1-2 weeks. | Several weeks. |
Ideal Candidates | Those with excess fat deposits near their ideal weight. | Those with significant skin sagging post-weight loss or pregnancy. |
Results | Refines body shape by removing fat. | Also addresses excess skin and muscle laxity. |
Skin and Weight Impact | Does not improve skin tone and minimal weight loss | Provides more weight loss and significant skin tightening. |
How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Singapore?
The cost of liposuction in Singapore varies:
• Single Area: SGD 1,500 to SGD 3,000.
• Full Procedure: SGD 15,000 to SGD 25,000.
• Surgeon’s Fee: A big part of the cost, depends on the surgeon.
• Multiple Areas: Liposuction on multiple areas will cost more.
• Fat Removal: Amount of fat removed affects the price.
• Additional Costs: Medications and hospital stay will add to the cost. Prices varies among clinics based on facilities and surgeon’s experience.
Are There Subsidies For Liposuction Surgery in Singapore?
• Healthcare Policy: Liposuction is generally considered cosmetic and not covered by Medisave or CHAS.
• Financial Assistance: Some private insurance may cover part of the cost; check with your insurer.
Why Choose The Covette Clinic For Liposuction?
Dr. Gavin Kang
Practising since 2005, Dr. Kang specialises in cosmetic, reconstructive and craniofacial (head and face) surgery. He provides customised liposuction to your body shaping goals, for both aesthetic and functional results.
Dr. Shauna Tan
Dr. Tan has a global perspective, combining local and international experience to offer global standards treatments. Her artistic background for visually pleasing results, patient centric approach for personalised care and latest techniques.
Contact Covette Cilnic for an appointment today.
Liposuction Before and After
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Liposuction Safe in Singapore?
Rest assured, liposuction is safe when done by a qualified surgeon. Our clinic prioritises safety by following strict medical standards and latest techniques. We ensure all procedures are done by experienced surgeons and provide comprehensive pre-op consultation and dedicated aftercare.
2. How Painful is Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction is moderately painful, managed with painkillers. Pain varies with the procedure and individual tolerance.
3. Can Liposuction Treat Obesity?
No, liposuction is not a treatment for obesity. It removes small fat deposits to shape the body, not reduce overall body weight.
4. How Much Weight Can I Lose With Liposuction?
You can lose 2-3kg of fat with liposuction (results may vary).
5. Will I Have Loose Skin After Liposuction?
Yes, you may have loose skin after liposuction, depending on your skin elasticity and amount of fat removed. Good news: it can be removed with exercise, collagen-boosting creams, skin tightening treatments and surgical skin removal.
6. Which Liposuction Technique is the Best?
The best liposuction technique varies with individual needs; tumescent, ultrasound-assisted and laser-assisted liposuction are options.
7. How Long Does it Take to See Results From Liposuction?
Results are visible after swelling subsides, with final results in 4-6 months depending on the procedure and healing.
8. Will There Be Scarring From Liposuction?
Yes, but scarring is minimal. Scars will be less than one centimetre and will fade over time.
9. How Common is Liposuction in Singapore?
Liposuction is very common and one of the top 6 aesthetic procedures as it is effective in removing stubborn fat.
10. Is it Better to Lose Weight Before or After Liposuction?
Before. Losing weight before the procedure gives better results and reduces surgical risks.
11. Why is My Stomach Still Fat After Liposuction?
Remaining fat may be due to swelling, weight gain or areas not treated in the procedure.
12. Is it Okay to Have Liposuction Surgery Twice?
Yes, you can have liposuction more than once for further refinement or additional areas, but always consult your surgeon.
13. What Foods Should I Eat After Liposuction?
After liposuction, eat fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and nuts. These will help in healing and keep you healthy. Avoid salty and processed foods to reduce swelling.
Medical References
Collins, Patrick S., and Kurtis E. Moyer. “Evidence-Based Practice in Liposuction.” Annals of Plastic Surgery, vol. 80, no. 6S, June 2018, pp. S403–05, doi:10.1097/sap.0000000000001325.
Halk, Anne B., et al. “Safety Studies in the Field of Liposuction: A Systematic Review.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 45, no. 2, Feb. 2019, pp. 171–82, doi:10.1097/dss.0000000000001707.
Pereira-Netto, Danilo, et al. “Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL) Versus Traditional Liposuction: Systematic Review.” Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, vol. 42, no. 2, Jan. 2018, pp. 376–83, doi:10.1007/s00266-018-1085-2.