Liposuction Techniques
- Traditional (suction-assisted): Fat is loosened and suctioned through small cannulas. Reliable and widely used.
- VASER (ultrasound-assisted): Ultrasound energy emulsifies fat before removal, allowing finer contouring and some skin tightening.
- Power-assisted (PAL): A vibrating cannula eases fat removal, useful for larger or fibrous areas.
- Laser-assisted: Laser energy liquefies fat; marketed for skin tightening in select areas.
Liposuction is a body-contouring procedure, not a weight-loss treatment. It is best for localised fat in people near their target weight.
Commonly Treated Areas
Abdomen and flanks ('love handles'), thighs, arms, back, chin/neck (submental), and male chest (gynaecomastia-related fat). Multiple areas can sometimes be treated in one session within safe fat-removal limits.
Recovery Timeline
- Week 1: Bruising, swelling and soreness; compression garment worn; most take 3–7 days off.
- Weeks 2–6: Swelling subsides; compression continues; gradual return to exercise.
- Months 1–3: Final contour emerges as swelling fully resolves.
Choosing a Surgeon Safely
Liposuction in Singapore is regulated; larger-volume liposuction must be performed by accredited surgeons in licensed facilities with appropriate anaesthesia. Verify the surgeon's accreditation, ask about the maximum safe volume for your case, and be cautious of unusually cheap 'lunchtime lipo' offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
See who practises in this field: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
Browse plastic surgeons →Cost depends on the number and size of areas. A single small area may be S$3,000–S$6,000; multiple areas or VASER high-definition contouring can total S$8,000–S$20,000+. Confirm what's included (surgeon, anaesthesia, facility, garment).
No. Liposuction contours localised fat deposits in people near their target weight. It is not a treatment for obesity — for significant weight loss, bariatric surgery or medical weight management is more appropriate.
The fat cells removed don't return, but remaining fat cells can still enlarge if you gain weight. Maintaining a stable weight preserves results.
When performed by an accredited surgeon within safe volume limits, liposuction is generally safe. Risks include contour irregularity, fluid shifts with large volumes, and the usual surgical risks. Facility licensing and surgeon accreditation matter for safety.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.