Plastic Surgery

Liposuction

Targeted fat removal from planned areas after the surgeon checks skin quality and a safe volume — not a weight-loss operation.

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Procedure time
Usually 1–4 hours
Anaesthesia
General or local with sedation
Time in Istanbul
Typically 5–7 nights
Back to desk work
Often after 1–2 weeks
Overview

About Liposuction

Liposuction removes fat from specific areas, such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms or under the chin, through small incisions using a thin tube called a cannula.

It changes shape rather than weight. Results are best when skin is elastic enough to tighten over the new contour. If the skin is loose, a lifting operation may be needed instead or as well.

Suitability

Who it may be suitable for

  • Areas of fat that persist despite a healthy diet and exercise
  • Good skin elasticity in the treated areas
  • Being close to a stable, maintainable weight
  • Good general health, a stable weight and no smoking, or willingness to stop

These are general points only. Whether an operation is suitable for you is decided by the treating surgeon after an in-person examination, your medical history and any tests they request.

The process

How it works

  1. Remote review

    You share photos and your medical history. The surgeon gives a first opinion on whether the operation is suitable and what it could realistically achieve.

  2. Consultation in Istanbul

    The surgeon examines you in person, confirms the plan, explains the risks and arranges pre-operative tests before you give consent.

  3. Surgery

    Through small incisions, a fluid is injected and fat is removed with a cannula. A compression garment is applied afterwards.

  4. Check before you fly

    The surgeon reviews healing before you travel home, and you receive written aftercare instructions and remote follow-up.

Aftercare

What to expect and aftercare

  1. First days

    You usually stay in hospital for at least one night. Pain is controlled with medication, you start walking early to protect against clots, and drains may be in place.

  2. Weeks 1–2

    Drains and stitches are removed as healing allows. You wear a compression garment and avoid lifting and strenuous activity.

  3. Weeks 4–6

    Most people return gradually to exercise with the surgeon’s approval. Swelling is still present and can vary from day to day.

  4. Months 3–12

    Swelling settles and scars slowly fade and flatten. The final shape is usually judged after several months.

Timelines vary between people. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your treating clinic.

Good to know

Risks and considerations

  • Contour irregularities, dents or asymmetry can occur, particularly if large volumes are removed.
  • There is a safe limit to how much fat can be removed in one session. Exceeding it increases risks.
  • Fat can return to treated and untreated areas if weight increases.
  • All surgery carries risks, including bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, blood clots and reactions to anaesthesia.
  • Scars are permanent. Surgeons place them where they are easiest to hide, but how they mature varies from person to person.
  • Smoking and nicotine products significantly increase the risk of wound-healing problems. Most surgeons ask you to stop for several weeks before and after surgery.
FAQ

Common questions

How much weight will I lose?

Very little in weight terms. Liposuction is designed to change shape in specific areas, not to reduce body weight.

How long do I wear the compression garment?

Usually around four to six weeks, though your surgeon will give specific advice.

How long should I stay in Istanbul after surgery?

It depends on the operation. Many are planned around one to two weeks so the surgeon can check you and remove stitches or drains before you fly. Flying soon after surgery raises the risk of blood clots, so your surgeon confirms when it is safe to travel.

How is the cost decided?

The price depends on the operation the surgeon recommends after examining you, the hospital stay and any combined procedures. You receive a written, itemised quote before anything is booked, with no obligation to proceed.

Related treatments
Next step

Talk to a coordinator about Liposuction

Share your details and a coordinator will reply with clear next steps. There is no obligation to proceed.

This page is general information, not medical advice; a treating clinician confirms your plan after assessment. ELAVIA Global coordinates care; clinical evaluation and treatment are delivered by independent, licensed partner facilities and their specialists.