What Is Liposuction Surgery? A beginner’s guide to the Procedure

Liposuction is a contouring(body shaping) surgery that removes stubborn fat pockets to reshape specific body areas. Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment. 

What liposuction can (and can’t) do

 

• Can: Reduce localized fat bulges and refine body shape; sometimes used to treat enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia). 
• Can’t: Treat cellulite or remove stretch marks; it won’t improve skin laxity on its own. It’s not a substitute for diet, exercise, or major weight loss. 

 

 

Who is a good candidate?

1) Close to your goal weight (and stable).
Liposuction works best for small, stubborn bulges, not big weight loss. Aim to be near your goal weight and roughly stable for a few months.

2) Firm, stretchy skin.
Skin that “snaps back” after a pinch usually gives smoother results. If there’s a lot of looseness or stretch marks, you may need a tightening procedure in addition to (or instead of) lipo.

3) Localised trouble spots
Good candidates can point to specific areas, e.g., lower belly, thighs, under the chin that don’t budge with diet and exercise.

4) Good overall health
Conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, serious heart/lung problems, or poor circulation raise risks. Your surgeon will review your medical history and medications.

5) Non-smoker (or willing to pause)
Smoking and nicotine reduce blood flow and slow healing. Most surgeons ask you to stop before and after surgery as advised.

 

How the procedure works (simple steps)

 

1. Marking & photos of target areas.
2. Anesthesia: local/regionally numbed area ± IV sedation, or general anesthesia. 
3. Tumescent fluid (saline + meds) is infused to reduce bleeding and ease fat removal
4. Tiny incisions: a thin tube (cannula) removes fat via suction
5. Compression garment placed; small drains may be used

 

Common techniques of Liposuction Surgery in Mumbai, India:

 

Here are some of the most common techniques used for liposuction surgery in Mumbai: 

• Suction-assisted (traditional)
• Ultrasound-assisted (UAL/VASER)
• Laser-assisted (LAL)
• Power-assisted (PAL)
   

Recovery at a glance (typical, varies by case)

 

• Days 1–3: Soreness, swelling, bruising; rest, short walks. Wear your compression garment.   
• Week 1: Many people return to light desk work if cleared. 
• Weeks 2–3: Feeling better; still avoid vigorous exercise. 
• Weeks 4–5: Bruising usually gone; swelling starts to settle. 
• Week 6+: Gradual return to fuller activity; continued improvement. 
• Final results: As swelling resolves over weeks to months. Staying at a stable weight helps results last. 

 

Possible risks

 

Bleeding, infection, contour irregularities, numbness, fluid pockets (seromas), rare but serious issues like fat embolism or organ injury. Thus, its crucial to get your liposuction surgery done through a certified plastic surgeon.

 

 

FAQs

 

Q. Are results permanent?

 Fat cells removed don’t come back, but weight gain can enlarge remaining fat cells elsewhere. Maintain your weight to preserve results. 

Q. Will there be scars? 

Tiny incisions usually fade well over time, but any cut can scar.

Q. Does liposuction tighten skin? 

Only a little. Good skin elasticity gives smoother results; liposuction doesn’t fix significant laxity or cellulite. 

 

Meet Dr Sudhanva: Expert Liposuction Surgeon in Mumbai, India

 

Dr. Sudhanva is one of Mumbai’s best liposuction surgeons with expertise in advanced techniques including VASER, laser, and power-assisted liposuction. He is an active member of IAAPS and AAPS, APSI life member with ISAPS Fellowship, and AMC member. Most liposuction surgery procedures are day-care under spinal or general anaesthesia, typically 1–3 hours, using tumescent infiltration through <1 cm incisions. When appropriate, he pairs lipo with strategic fat grafting and completes care with a compression garment and foam dressing for a smoother recovery. Dr. Sudhanva’s clinic is located in Khar West, Mumbai and can be reached for appointments at 022 3189 1882.