What is it and how is it done?
Liposuction removes localised deposits of fat beneath the skin using thin cannulas inserted through incisions a few millimetres long. The aim is not weight loss but reshaping the body and improving the proportions between different areas. It therefore suits people at a stable weight close to their target who have stubborn fat in specific areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms, back or under the chin. Liposuction removes only the fat beneath the skin; it does not treat fat around the internal organs, cellulite or loose skin.
The operation is based on the tumescent technique: before any fat is removed, the area is infiltrated with fluid containing a diluted local anaesthetic and a medication that constricts blood vessels. This fluid reduces bleeding and post-operative pain and allows the fat to be removed in a more controlled way. Assisted techniques can be used in some cases. In ultrasound-assisted liposuction, sound-wave energy softens the fatty tissue before it is removed, which can help in dense tissue such as the back, the male chest or areas that have had liposuction before. In power-assisted liposuction, a cannula that vibrates back and forth makes it easier to work evenly in dense tissue. The method is chosen to suit the area and tissue; the result depends mainly on planning and skin condition.
Skin quality has a direct effect on the result. Skin with good elasticity adapts to the new shape once the fat has been removed. Skin that has become loose and stretch-marked after pregnancy or significant weight loss may not tighten enough, and sagging can become more noticeable once the fat is gone. In these cases, operations that remove excess skin, such as a tummy tuck, arm lift or thigh lift, may be more suitable. Liposuction is also often used in the same session as a tummy tuck to shape the waist and flanks.
The amount of fat that can be removed and the number of areas treated in one session are limited for safety reasons. Removing very large volumes and operating for a long time can upset the body's fluid balance and increase blood loss and the risk of clots. The limit is set according to your weight, general health and any other procedures in the same session; if necessary, the treatment is split into two sessions. After more extensive procedures, an overnight hospital stay for observation is advised.
At the practice in Nişantaşı, Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı assesses your fat distribution, skin elasticity, muscle tone and medical history. 3D body imaging and simulation help when discussing the planned change; a simulation is an estimate, not a definite outcome. After surgery, a compression garment is worn for several weeks to reduce swelling and help the skin adapt to the new shape.
What are the aims?
- To reduce localised fat deposits so that the body's contours look more balanced.
- To create a more defined transition between the waist and the hips.
- To improve proportions in areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.
- To give a cleaner line under the chin and along the neck.
- To complete the contouring when combined with operations such as a tummy tuck.
Who is it suitable for?
- Adults who are close to their target weight and whose weight has been stable for a few months.
- People with fat deposits in specific areas that persist despite diet and regular exercise.
- Those with good skin elasticity and no marked skin laxity.
- Those in good general health, with any chronic conditions under control.
- Non-smokers, or smokers who can stop before and after surgery.
- Those who understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss method and whose expectations are realistic.
When is it postponed or not recommended?
- People considering surgery as a way to lose weight, or who are significantly overweight; losing weight first is advised.
- Those whose skin is loose enough to sag once the fat is removed; lift operations are considered instead.
- Those with uncontrolled heart or lung disease, diabetes or a blood clotting disorder.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- People with intense, disproportionate concerns about their appearance, where body dysmorphic disorder is suspected.
Alternatives
- Diet and exercise
- The first step for general excess weight, although they may not change some localised fat deposits.
- Non-surgical fat reduction
- Cooling or energy-based devices can give a limited reduction in small areas over several sessions; results vary from person to person.
- Tummy tuck, arm lift or thigh lift
- If the skin is loose, these operations may be the more suitable option because they also remove excess skin.
The process step by step
- 1
First contact
You can send photos of the areas that concern you and a short health summary by WhatsApp or e-mail, or call the practice. This information gives you a general idea of the options and helps plan the examination; the medical assessment and the decision take place at the examination in Nişantaşı.
- 2
Examination and planning
Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı assesses fat distribution and skin quality; goals are discussed, with 3D imaging and simulation where useful, and blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment are requested.
- 3
Day of surgery
The areas are marked while you stand. After the tumescent fluid has been infiltrated, fat is removed with thin cannulas, and a compression garment is put on at the end of the operation.
- 4
First days
You go home the same day or the next day. Short walks are taken and the garment is worn at all times; some fluid leaking from the incisions for the first 1–2 days is normal.
- 5
Check-ups
The first check takes place within a few days, and later ones usually at 1 and 3 months, and at 6 months if needed.
Recovery timeline
Days 1–3
Swelling, bruising and an ache similar to muscle soreness are common. Fluid leaking from the incisions is expected; the garment is worn at all times and you take frequent short walks.
Week 1
Most people return to desk work within 3–7 days. The first check takes place.
Weeks 2–3
Most of the bruising fades. Light exercise can begin with the surgeon's approval.
Weeks 4–6
The compression garment can usually be stopped around this time; more strenuous exercise is resumed gradually.
Month 3
Most of the swelling has gone down and the new contour becomes more defined.
Months 6–12
Remaining firmness and swelling settle, and the final result emerges.
Risks and possible complications
Every surgical procedure carries risks. Your personal risk is assessed in detail at the consultation.
- Contour irregularities, rippling, dents or differences between the two sides; correction may be needed.
- Prolonged swelling and firmness, and numbness of the skin, which is usually temporary.
- Seroma (fluid collection) or haematoma (blood collection).
- Infection, and scarring or discolouration at the incision sites.
- Existing skin laxity becoming more noticeable after the fat is removed.
- Rarely, skin burns with ultrasound-assisted liposuction.
- Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and fat embolism; these are rare but serious, so preventive measures are taken.
- Fluid imbalance and blood loss with extensive procedures.
- Very rarely, injury to internal organs if the cannula passes through the abdominal wall.
What determines the cost?
The cost of liposuction varies from person to person because every operation follows a different plan. The main factors are the number and size of the areas treated, the amount of fat removed, whether ultrasound- or power-assisted methods are used, the type of anaesthesia, the length of surgery and whether an overnight hospital stay is needed. Additional procedures in the same session, such as a tummy tuck, also affect the cost.
A definite figure given over the phone or from photos alone would not be reliable. Once the plan is clear after the examination, you receive a written, itemised quote that shows what is included.
If you are coming to Istanbul
Patients coming from abroad are advised to plan on staying in Istanbul for about 3–5 days after surgery, during which the first check takes place; after extensive liposuction of several areas, this may extend by a few days. The practice is authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism (certificate no. ST-2365); help with accommodation near the clinic and airport transfer can be arranged through authorised partners. Back home, you stay in touch with the practice by sending photos and messages; if something needs to be examined, a check-up in Istanbul or a visit to a local doctor is arranged. In-person checks are usually advised at 1 and 3 months.
Frequently asked questions
How much weight will I lose with liposuction, and who can have it?
Liposuction is not a weight-loss method, so no major change on the scales should be expected; the real change shows in your measurements and body contours. Liposuction suits people over 18 who are close to their target weight, with a stable weight and good skin elasticity. There is no fixed upper age limit; general health and skin quality decide. For those who are significantly overweight, losing weight first and then assessing liposuction for the remaining localised fat is advised.
Which areas can be treated with liposuction, and how many in one session?
Liposuction is most often performed on the abdomen, waist, back, hips, inner and outer thighs, inner knees, arms and under the chin. In men, the chest and flanks are also commonly treated. The number of areas and the amount of fat that can be removed in one session are limited for safety; the limit depends on your weight, general health and the length of the operation. If needed, the treatment is split into two sessions.
Does fat come back after liposuction, and when will I see the result?
Fat cells removed by liposuction do not regenerate, so the new contour lasts a long time as long as your weight is maintained. If you gain weight, the remaining fat cells enlarge, and fat may build up more noticeably in other areas. Most of the swelling settles within 3 months; the tissues soften and the final result usually emerges over 6–12 months. Ageing and skin changes also affect the appearance over time.
Is liposuction painful?
Pain after liposuction usually feels like muscle soreness after an intense workout and is most noticeable in the first few days. The local anaesthetic in the tumescent fluid reduces pain in the first hours, and after that, pain relief taken by mouth is usually enough. The compression garment and gentle walking help with comfort. Tenderness and numbness ease over a few weeks.
When can I go back to work after liposuction, and how long do I wear the compression garment?
After liposuction, most people with desk jobs can return to work within 3–7 days; for physically demanding work, waiting 2–3 weeks is advised. The compression garment is usually worn for 4–6 weeks, all day in the first weeks and then for shorter periods as the surgeon advises. Light exercise is usually resumed at 2–3 weeks, and strenuous exercise gradually at 4–6 weeks.
Does liposuction leave scars?
Liposuction is done through incisions a few millimetres long, placed wherever possible in inconspicuous spots such as the groin, inside the navel, the buttock crease or the armpit. Small scars remain at the incision sites and usually fade and become less noticeable within 6–12 months. How the scars look depends on skin type; in people with darker skin, discolouration may take longer to settle.
Do I need liposuction or a tummy tuck, and can they be done together?
If the only problem in the abdomen is excess fat and the skin is elastic, liposuction may be enough. Loose skin, stretch marks or separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy or weight loss are not corrected by liposuction; in that case a tummy tuck is needed. The two operations are often performed together in the same session, and shaping the waist and flanks with liposuction completes the result of the tummy tuck.
Do I need to stop smoking and medications before liposuction?
Stopping smoking a few weeks before liposuction is advised, because smoking delays wound healing and increases the risk of infection. Blood thinners, some painkillers, fish oil and some herbal supplements can increase bleeding; the doctor decides whether they need to be paused. The contraceptive pill and hormone treatments can affect clotting risk, so they should be mentioned at the consultation. Prescription medication should not be stopped on your own.
What does the cost of liposuction depend on?
The cost of liposuction depends on the number and size of the areas treated, the amount of fat removed, whether ultrasound- or power-assisted methods are used, the type of anaesthesia, the length of surgery and whether a hospital stay is needed. Procedures added in the same session, such as a tummy tuck, also affect the cost. The exact figure is given after the examination in a written, itemised quote that shows what is included.
I am coming from abroad. How many days should I stay in Istanbul after liposuction?
Patients who come to Istanbul from abroad for liposuction are advised to plan on staying about 3–5 days after surgery, and the first check takes place during this time. After extensive liposuction of several areas, or when an additional procedure such as a tummy tuck is included, the stay may be longer. Later check-ups are usually planned at 1 and 3 months. Back home, you stay in touch with the practice by sending photos and messages; if something needs to be examined, a check-up in Istanbul or a visit to a local doctor is arranged.
Last updated: · Responsible for content: Prof. Dr. İlker Yazıcı