This is the most common method and involves removing fat through a thin tube (cannula) inserted through tiny incisions. It’s ideal for larger areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
Body Contouring
Liposuction
Liposuction Sheffield
Liposuction surgery is a highly effective way to improve your body’s shape by removing stubborn pockets of unwanted fat. While diet and exercise are essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall wellbeing, sometimes our bodies don’t respond quite the way we’d like. That’s because body shape is influenced by a combination of genetics and lifestyle—so even if you’re doing everything “right,” you might still have areas that just won’t budge.
If you’re frustrated by certain “bulges” or uneven contours—whether it’s your stomach, thighs, hips, arms, or under the chin—liposuction surgery could be the right treatment for you. It’s not a weight-loss tool, but it can make a big difference to the way your clothes fit and how confident you feel in your own skin.
What is Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body using a thin tube called a cannula. The fat is gently suctioned out through small incisions, helping to smooth, sculpt, and redefine the body’s contour.
It’s most commonly used on areas like the:
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Abdomen
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Hips and flanks
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Thighs
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Arms
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Neck and chin
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Back
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Knees
The procedure can be performed on its own or in combination with other surgeries, like a tummy tuck or breast reduction, depending on your goals.
Who Should Have Liposuction Surgery?
Liposuction may be suitable for you if:
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You’re at or near a stable, healthy weight
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You have localised areas of fat that haven’t responded to diet or exercise
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You have good skin elasticity (to help the skin tighten after fat is removed)
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You’re looking to improve body shape—not just lose weight
It’s important to have realistic expectations—liposuction won’t prevent future weight gain, but it can provide a more balanced, streamlined look and give you a boost in confidence.
During your consultation, we’ll have an open and honest conversation about your goals and whether liposuction is the best option for you.
What to Expect When You Have Liposuction
The procedure is usually done under general anaesthetic, although smaller areas may be treated with local anaesthetic and sedation. Surgery time varies depending on the number of areas being treated, but most liposuction procedures take 1–3 hours.
Tiny incisions are made in discreet locations, and the fat is removed using a specialised suction technique. Afterwards, we apply compression garments to help reduce swelling and support healing.
You’ll be able to go home the same day in most cases, and I’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to make sure you recover comfortably and safely.
Risks of Liposuction Surgery
Like all surgical procedures, liposuction does come with potential risks. These can include:
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Swelling, bruising, or discomfort
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Temporary numbness or changes in skin sensation
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Irregular or uneven contour
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Fluid build-up (seroma)
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Infection or delayed healing
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Scarring (typically very minimal)
We’ll go over all the risks and benefits during your consultation, and I’ll make sure you feel well informed and completely supported in your decision.
Liposuction Recovery
Recovery from liposuction is usually straightforward. Most people are up and about within a few days, and many return to work within a week, depending on the extent of the procedure and the type of work they do.
You’ll need to wear compression garments for a few weeks to help reduce swelling and encourage the skin to settle properly. Some bruising and discomfort is normal in the early days, but it improves quickly with rest and gentle movement.
Results begin to appear within a few weeks, and your final shape continues to improve over the next few months as the swelling fully resolves. Most patients are thrilled with their slimmer, more defined contour—and feel far more confident in their clothes and overall appearance.
Liposuction Options
Depending on your body goals and the area being treated, there are a few different approaches Dr. Awad may recommend:
- Traditional Liposuction
- Vaser Liposuction
- Targeted Areas
- Combination Procedures
- Fat Grafting
- High-Definition Contouring
Traditional Liposuction
Vaser Liposuction
A gentler technique using ultrasound energy to break down fat before removal. Great for more delicate areas or when more precision is needed.
Targeted Areas
Liposuction can be used on multiple parts of the body, including stomach, back, arms, neck, thighs, hips, and knees. It’s highly versatile.
Combination Procedures
Liposuction is often combined with tummy tucks, breast surgery, or fat transfer (such as Brazilian Butt Lift or facial rejuvenation) for enhanced body contouring.
Fat Grafting
The fat removed during liposuction can be purified and re-injected into other areas where you’d like more volume—like the face, breasts, or buttocks.
High-Definition Contouring
For athletic or defined looks, Dr. Awad can use liposuction to enhance natural muscle lines, especially around the abdomen and chest.
At a Glance
Surgery Time
1-3 hours
Time off work
1-2 weeks
Hospital Stay
Day case
Reasonable Mobility
1-2 days
Driving
After 1 week
Shower
After 2 days
Sleeping on back
1-2 weeks
Full Recovery
4-6 weeks
What To Expect
Not sure what the journey looks like? Here’s a quick overview of what to expect from your initial consultation to the final result.
Here’s a breakdown of the procedure
1. The consultation
You’ll meet with Dr. Awad to discuss your goals, review the areas you want treated, and talk through the best approach for your body and expectations.
2. Leading up to the procedure
You’ll get pre-op instructions, which may include stopping certain medications and preparing compression garments for your recovery.
3. On the day
Liposuction is performed under general or local anaesthetic, depending on the area and extent of treatment. Most procedures are day cases.
4. Treatment recovery
Expect some swelling, bruising, and mild discomfort initially. A compression garment will help reduce swelling and shape the treated area. Most people are back to light activities within a few days, with final results appearing over several weeks.
Liposuction Questions
If you’re considering liposuction, it’s completely normal to have questions. Here are some of the most frequently asked ones:
Here’s a breakdown of the procedure
- Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?
- Will the fat come back?
- How soon will I see results?
- Are the results permanent?
- Will there be scars?
- Can I have more than one area treated at once?
Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?
No, it’s designed to remove stubborn pockets of fat, not replace diet or exercise. It works best if you’re already near your ideal weight.
Will the fat come back?
Fat cells removed during liposuction are gone for good, but remaining fat cells can grow if you gain weight. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps keep your results.
How soon will I see results?
You’ll notice a difference within a couple of weeks, but swelling can take a few months to fully settle. Final results usually appear by 3-6 months.
Are the results permanent?
Yes, as long as your weight remains stable. Drastic weight gain or pregnancy can affect the outcome.
Will there be scars?
Incisions are tiny and placed discreetly. They usually fade well over time and are barely noticeable.
Can I have more than one area treated at once?
Absolutely. Multiple areas can be treated in a single session, depending on your overall health and treatment goals.
Related Treatments
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