Liposuction at Yanhee: techniques, cost and recovery

What liposuction is

Liposuction sculpts the body by targeting trouble spots to create a slimmer, more proportional shape, removing fat that resists diet and exercise. Fat is removed from under the skin with a vacuum-suction cannula, a thin pen-like instrument, or with an ultrasonic probe that first breaks the fat into small pieces before it is suctioned out. It is a procedure for body shaping, not a treatment for weight loss, and more than one area, such as the abdomen, back and thighs, can be treated on the same day. Liposuction is also used to reduce breast size in men with gynecomastia and to remove fatty tumours (lipomas), though its most common use is cosmetic body contouring.

Are you a candidate?

Liposuction suits people who, despite diet and exercise, cannot shift fat in specific areas such as the abdomen, because those deposits are localised and resistant to weight loss. If you have exhausted other options for a stubborn area, liposuction may be a suitable solution. It works best on people close to a stable, healthy weight who want to refine their shape rather than lose weight overall.

The techniques

Tumescent liposuction

A large volume of tumescent solution, containing lidocaine for anaesthesia and epinephrine to reduce bleeding, is injected into the target area. A cannula 2 to 5 mm across is then inserted through a tiny incision to suction the fat, and the incision is closed with stitches.

Vaser (ultrasound-assisted) liposuction

Vaser uses an ultrasonic probe to emulsify the fat, breaking it into small pieces, before it is suctioned out. It is often chosen for more defined areas such as the arms, abdomen, hips, back and thighs.

Both techniques are done under general anaesthesia, at about one hour per site.

What it costs at Yanhee

Liposuction is priced by area and technique. Most people treat more than one site in the same operation, so the quote is built from the areas you and your surgeon agree on.

An area with a very large amount of fat may be charged as two sites. Prices cover the surgeon, the anaesthesia and the stated stay; flights and accommodation are not included. Prices are subject to change and are confirmed after consultation — see plastic surgery prices for the current list. Where loose skin is the main concern rather than fat, a tummy tuck or skin-tightening with Renuvion J-Plasma may be recommended alongside or instead.

Recovery and aftercare

You can do light to moderate activity the day after surgery, with strenuous activity resuming gradually about a month later. Wear the compression garment snugly and continuously for 6 days to 2 weeks over the treated area, and avoid ice packs or heating pads on the treated skin. Keep the incisions clean and dry, shower from about day 2, and avoid soaking in a bath, jacuzzi, pool or the sea for at least 7 days. Swelling and bruising typically settle within about two weeks, though soreness varies with how many areas were treated, and full wound maturation takes 6 to 12 months. You may notice a small scar where the cannula was inserted. Return for scheduled follow-up and stitch removal, and plan to stay near Bangkok for 7 to 10 days.

Risks to understand

Most patients are satisfied with liposuction, but as with any surgery it carries risks worth understanding before you decide, since it is elective rather than medically necessary. Recognised risks include bleeding, an adverse reaction to anaesthesia, infection, delayed healing, fat necrosis, nerve damage or altered sensation (paraesthesia), skin contour irregularities, sagging skin, keloid scarring at the insertion sites, and the possible need for revision surgery. Less common but serious complications include seroma (fluid collection), fat embolism, fluid imbalance, lidocaine toxicity and, rarely, damage to internal organs; with ultrasound-assisted liposuction, probe heat can cause burns. Your surgeon will go through the risks that apply to your case and how they are minimised, and Yanhee's monitoring in a full hospital setting is part of managing them.

Before surgery

For at least two weeks before surgery, stop smoking and alcohol and stop hormonal pills, herbal supplements and medications that increase bleeding unless your doctor approves. Patients with a medical condition need surgical clearance from their healthcare provider. Muscle-toning exercise and a good diet beforehand can contribute to a better result.

Frequently asked questions

Available doctors

These plastic surgeons at Yanhee perform liposuction. Your surgeon is confirmed at consultation.