Lunchtime lipo - everything you need to know

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure used to remove fat from unwanted areas, most commonly the stomach, thighs, buttocks and hips. It is sometimes incorrectly considered as a weight loss procedure, but in fact it is designed as a method of body sculpting and toning.

Traditional liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK, but more recently, a number of other methods for removing or reducing fat have become available.

These new methods have quickly become popular, largely because they are less invasive and speedier than traditional lipo - hence the phrase, ‘lunchtime lipo’.

If you’re considering a form of liposuction, we’ve compiled this short guide to some of the different methods, to help you decide what is the best option for you.

If you've had any liposuction surgery that has gone , then our team of solicitors can help you, learn more about making a liposuction claim here

Traditional liposuction

This type of liposuction is most suited to people who are looking to target larger areas of unwanted fat. The surgery is performed under general anaesthetic and takes between one and three hours, dependent on how much fat needs to be removed.

Traditional liposuction is not a weight-loss method, but it is commonly used to remove fat that a person hasn’t been able to get rid of by exercise and following a balanced diet.

‘Lunchtime lipo’

There are a number of different, quicker methods of liposuction that can (in theory) be completed in a person’s lunch hour. These include:

1. Vaser

Vaser stands for ‘vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance’ and it works by eliminating stubborn fat from areas such as the arms, buttocks, chin, hips and knees.

Under local anaesthetic, ultrasound technology is used to speed up the process of cell vibration and a cannula is inserted to drain the broken down fat. Results will start to show around three weeks after the procedure and will improve over the following six months.

2. Laser

There are a number of different laser liposuction methods - some of which use suction technology to extract the broken down fat, while with others the body flushes it out through excretion. Laser lipo only eliminates fat cells and is more suited to people who want to target very small areas. Patients can expect a shorter recovery time than traditional lipo and significantly less discomfort.

3. CoolSculpting

Although it is not technically a form of liposuction, CoolSculpting has become one of the most popular form of body sculpting in recent years. Cryolipolysis - also known as fat-freezing - works by cooling unwanted fat cells in order to kill them. The dead cells are then excreted through the body naturally and the patient will start to see results after around 12 weeks.

Expectations and risks

Many people are attracted to these methods of liposuction due to the reduced recovery time, minimal bruising and lower costs but, if you choose to go ahead, it is important that your expectations are managed and that you fully understand the risks involved.

These procedures can still be dangerous and complications can be severe. Potential risks of lunchtime lipo include:

• Infection
• Skin necrosis
• Dimpling and lumpiness
• Numbness
• Scarring
• Discolouration
• Sagging skin

If you have experienced problems following a liposuction that has gone wrong as a result of negligence, get in touch with us to see if you have a case for compensation. Call 0800 634 0285 or request a callback by completing the contact form here.