What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic, surgical procedure that breaks up and removes (or “sucks”) fat out of certain areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, calves, back, chin or neck. In the process, it contours these areas. Liposuction is also commonly known as lipoplasty, lipo, and body contouring.

It involves the use of a hollow, thin instrument known as a cannula which is inserted under the skin and connected to a vacuum to suction the fat out of your body.

There are different liposuction techniques:

Tumescent liposuction: Saline solution together with a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a vessel-constrictor (epinephrine) are injected into the area that is to be suctioned. The solution reduces blood loss and pain. This is the most popular and common form of liposuction.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): Also known as ultrasonic liposuction, the cannula emits ultrasonic energy and is inserted under your skin. The ultrasound vibrations burst the walls of the fat cells and emulsifies or liquifies the fat, making it easier to suction out. Thereafter, suction-assisted liposuction is done to remove the liquefied fat. There is a new generation of UAL known as VASER-assisted liposuction which uses a device that improves skin contouring and reduces the chance of skin injuries.

Laser Assisted Lipolysis (LAL): Also known as laser-guided liposuction, a laser fibre is inserted under the skin, delivering laser energy and heat into the fat and liquifying it. Thereafter, suction-assisted liposuction is done to remove the liquefied fat.

Why do you need liposuction?

Liposuction is used to remove fat from areas of the body that have not responded to, or are resistant to exercise and diet.

Ideal candidates for liposuction should be within 30% of their ideal weight, have firm, elastic skin and not be a smoker.
It is not recommended for you to undergo liposuction if you have heart disease, a weak immune system or problems with blood flow.

Liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgery in the world.

What can you expect when undergoing liposuction?

Preparing for Liposuction

You will need to undergo certain lab tests to ensure you are fit for surgery. If you take regular aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs, you should stop taking them at least 2 weeks before surgery. If you are female and on birth control, you may be asked to stop taking the contraceptive pill. If you have anemia, you may be asked to take iron supplements.

Before your procedure, the surgeon may mark circles and lines on the areas of your body to be treated.

During Liposuction

Depending on your type of liposuction procedure, you may require only local anesthesia limited to a specific area of your body, or general anesthesia which induces a temporary state of unconsciousness. You may be given a sedative, typically through an IV injection, to help you remain calm and relaxed.
The surgical team will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen level throughout the procedure. On average, the procedure takes 1-2 hours per area treated, and may last up to several hours, depending on the extent of fat removal.

After Liposuction

​You can expect to feel stiffness, soreness, a burning sensation, swelling, bleeding or temporary numbness for a day or two after the procedure. You may be prescribed an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection at the incision sites.
Your stitches will be removed in 7 to 10 days, unless they dissolve on their own. For up to six weeks after your surgery, you will need to wear a tight compression garment that helps with reducing pain and swelling and having your body settle into its new shape.

Most of your bruising and swelling should subside within three weeks. You should be able to return to work within a few days, and resume strenuous exercise within 6 weeks.

Why choose Novena Surgery for liposuction?

Doctors who choose to perform liposuction at Novena Surgery will perform the procedure in one of four modular operating theaters with cable-less pendant systems, allowing doctors to operate free of stray wiring obstruction.

Post-procedure, patients can choose to recover in one of Novena Surgery’s comfortable private suites, or in our 12-bed recovery unit under the care of well-trained nursing staff.

Waiting times are also shortened as patients need only turn up half-an-hour before their surgery, and be checked into the ward within 10 minutes of arrival.

Patients’ companions have the option of patronising Velocity, Square and Square 2 shopping malls that are seamlessly integrated with Novena Medical Centre, the building housing Novena Surgery.

I want to undergo liposuction in Novena Surgery but I do not have a specialist doctor in mind yet.

This list consists of specialists who commonly perform liposuction at Novena Surgery – contact us at +65-6254 9331 or admin@novenasurgery.com.sg and we will help you book a consultation appointment with a specialist doctor from the list.

Name of Specialist ClinicName of Specialist DoctorSpecialist Clinic AddressSpecialist Clinic Opening Hours
David Loh SurgeryDr David Loh10 Sinaran Drive, #08-35 Novena Medical Center, Singapore 307506Mondays to Fridays: 10.00 — 19.00
Saturdays: 10.00 — 15.00
Picasso Plastic SurgeryDr Matthew Yeo#11-53, Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563Mon -Fri: 9am -5pm
Sat: 9am – 12pm
W Aesthetics Plastic SurgeryDr Wong Chin Ho06-28/29 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Center, 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563Mon -Fri: 9am -5pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm
Evan Woo Breast & Plastic SurgeryDr Evan Woo
101 Irrawaddy Road #14-05/06, Royal Square Medical Centre, Singapore 329565
Mon -Fri: 9am -6pm
Sat: 9am – 1pm
Covette Plastic & Cosmetic SurgeryDr Gavin KangRB Capital Building
Level 6, 22 Malacca Street, Singapore 048980

Thong Teck Building
#03-08, 15 Scotts Road, Singapore 228218
Mon -Fri: 10am -7.30pm
Sat: 10am – 5.30pm
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed
The Clifford ClinicDr Timothy Shim24 Raffles Place, #01-03, Clifford Centre, Singapore 048621
(Exit A from Raffles MRT)
Mon to Fri: 10am to 8pm
Sat: 10 am to 5pm
Sun: Closed
Argent Plastic SurgeryDr Lee HanjingMount Alvernia Hospital, 820 Thomson Road, Medical Centre A, #01-03, Singapore 5746238.30am to 5pm (Mon – Fri)
8.30am to 12.30pm (Sat)