Liposuction in Singapore 101: What, Why, Where and How Much?

Liposuction is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in Singapore. It is a cosmetic procedure that removes those stubborn and bulging fats that can’t seem to go away even after doing diets and exercises. So, if you want to instantly lose the excess fats in your body, then liposuction is the perfect option for you. The good news is that there are many aesthetic clinics that offer liposuction in Singapore.

We understand aesthetic treatment is not something you can commit to instantly and we bet you are looking for information about the procedures, prices, pain levels, side effects and more. Don’t worry, we got you covered on that! Beauty Insider has done all the research and we have gathered everything you need to know about liposuction in Singapore, along with some of the most reputable clinics that offer the treatment in Singapore. 

Disclaimer: The Beauty Insider platform does not promote or support any specific treatment. The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only, and we strongly advise all readers to thoroughly research and consult with a doctor accredited by the Ministry of Health before undergoing any aesthetic or medical procedures.

What Is Liposuction Treatment?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure where fat cells are permanently removed from your body. However, liposuction is not an overall weight-loss method, nor a treatment for obesity. The procedure does not remove cellulite, dimples, or stretch marks. Instead, it helps to change and enhance the contour and shape of the body.

People who get liposuction don’t do it to lose large amounts of weight, but rather to help sculpt the shape of their bodies. Some of the most common places where liposuction is performed are around the belly, thighs, buttocks, arms, back, the upper neck just under the chin, and jawline or jowls.

How Does Liposuction Work? 

In general, the procedure will begin with the doctor injecting a local anaesthetic, so you will be unconscious during the procedure. Then, the doctor will inject the area of operation with a saline solution, a numbing medicine, and medicine that decreases bleeding. This is to help the skin and fat separate from important structures like muscles and blood vessels, so they aren’t damaged during the suctioning process.

Then, a long metal instrument called a cannula will be placed under your skin to vacuum out your fat. During this process, the doctor may also use a smaller microcannula to remove fat in nearby areas to achieve a more natural, smoother contour. Once the fat is removed through liposuction, it can be discarded, or it can be injected back into your own body to enhance features like breasts, buttocks, or face.

What Are The Types of Liposuction in Singapore?

There are a few different liposuction techniques in Singapore. But what they all have in common is the use of a thin tube, called a cannula, connected to a vacuum to suction the fat from your body. Below are the three most popular types of liposuction in Singapore.

1. Tumescent liposuction 

This is the most common technique, where the doctor injects a sterile solution into the area where the fat is to be removed. It consists of saline, which is saltwater, along with lidocaine and epinephrine. The solution makes it easier to suction the fat with less blood loss and pain.

2. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)

The technique uses sound wave energy under your skin to rupture the cell walls of the fat. This liquefies the fat so it can be suctioned out.

3. SmartLipo

Last but not least is SmartLipo, laser-assisted liposuction. It benefits from a laser to produce a burst of energy to liquefy the fat.

Is Liposuction Surgery Painful?

In general, you shouldn’t feel any pain during the procedure because you are sedated. However, after the liposuction treatment, you will feel soreness similar to a muscle ache. This will typically last for 2-3 days, and you should be able to go back to work after. Ongoing pain near the area where the cannula was inserted is not something common, and if the pain grows, immediately tell your doctor.

What Happens Post-Surgery?

In the areas that were treated, bandages, dressings, and stitching will be applied. Small tubes will also be put in to help drain excess blood and fluid from the incisions. Then, compression garments are put on to reduce swelling and bruising in the areas. It must be worn for several weeks or for as long as instructed by the doctor. Recovery time will take weeks before resuming any activities like exercising.

Expect some swelling, bruising, and uneven contours on your body before it shrinks and settles down. Results can be seen as early as 6 months after the surgery.

Who Is Suitable To Go For Liposuction?

As we said, liposuction will not get rid of cellulite, so if you hoped you’d come out of surgery without any, you’re out of luck. But if you still insist on going for liposuction, then you need to be in good health before you get it. In general, you have to be within 30% of your ideal weight, have firm and elastic skin, and have stopped smoking for at least four weeks. Most doctors don’t recommend the procedure if you have any health problems with blood flow or have heart disease, diabetes, or a weak immune system.

How To Choose The Right Liposuction Surgeon in Singapore?

It is very important that you go to a reputable clinic to get your liposuction surgery done. First, look for a facility that meets with Singapore’s national safety requirements. You can verify if a facility is accredited on the Singapore Society of Plastic Surgeons’ website. Also, make sure the surgeon is board-certified in performing these types of procedures and also has extensive experience with liposuction procedures.

Where to Get Liposuction in Singapore

1. Nassim Plastic Surgery

Dr. Janna Joethy, a senior consultant plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience, leads Nassim Plastic Surgery with a commitment to balance aesthetics  with elegance and providing unique services tailored to each individual. Having performed liposuction in both Brazil and Singapore, Dr Janna has extensive experience with the different aspects of body contouring Liposuction, which involves the removal of fat from specific regions, is one of their most commonly performed treatments and  they offer both conventional (power assisted) or VASER liposuction. Liposuction can mould your body to the desired shape with minor scars and usually requires garments to be worn after surgery. The cost of liposuction at Nassim Plastic Surgery varies depending on the patient’s size and the number of body areas treated and can range from $2000.

Fat that is removed is normally discarded, but in some situations, it can be transferred to other regions for augmentation, such as the breasts, buttocks or your face. Customers can rely on the clinic’s expertise to achieve the look they desire in a safe environment.

2. Amaris B. Clinic

Established in 2004, Amaris B. Clinic offers body sculpting treatment where stubborn fat pockets are surgically removed to sculpt and shape different body areas through the various services they offer. The MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique was created by Dr. Ivan Puah, Medical Director of Amaris B. Clinic, who has more than 15 years of experience conducting gynecomastia surgery, corrective liposuction revision surgery, and liposuction. With this method, the three major goals of effective and ideal contouring results for patients are accomplished: comprehensive fat removal, body shaping, and skin tightening.

3. Shens Clinic

Shens Clinic offers a wide range of plastic surgery and body cosmetic procedures, including liposuction. All of their doctors are fully trained and have years of experience in the field. Shens Clinic also offers online consultations through WhatsApp and Zoom, so you’ll be able to get more information about your desired procedure from the comfort of your home.

For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

4. Allure Plastic Surgery

Led by Dr Samuel Ho, Allure Plastic Surgery strives to help people feel more confident with their looks. The clinic offers customised treatments for all their patients through any procedure they are undertaking. Dr Samuel also has multiple publications in medical journals, a testament to his knowledge in the aesthetic medicine field.

For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

5. The Clifford Clinic

The Clifford Clinic offers a comprehensive list of aesthetic treatments all under one roof, such as buccal fat removal, breast implants, tummy tuck, fat grafting and VASER liposuction. They are committed to provide natural looking results with minimal downtime.

6. Aesthetic and Reconstructive Centre

The Aesthetic and Reconstructive Centre offers a wide range of body contouring treatments including liposuction. With treatments suited for both men and women, this clinic has served both local and international patients alike.

7. Plastic Surgeon Singapore

Helmed by Dr. Terence Goh, Plastic Surgeon Singapore offers various types of procedures such as eye bag removal, rhinoplasty, breast implants and liposuction. Furthermore, they will tailor the treatment plans based on the client’s conditions.

For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

8. Hong Plastic Surgery

Hong Plastic Surgery aims to deliver quality and professional services to help the client achieve the preferred results. They offer a comprehensive list of treatments and procedures for all your aesthetic needs, including aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Leading doctor Dr. Hong Soo Wan has had over 35 years of experience.

For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

9. Sweng Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery

Sweng Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery is led by Dr. Ng Siew Weng who has over 30 years of cosmetic surgery experience, you can find all types of aesthetic treatments, including liposuction! During the consultation, they will provide advice on the suitable treatment plans for you. Swing Plastic Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery is part of Farrer Park Medical Centre which houses a hotel and spa, so you’ll be able to conveniently rest after your surgery without any worries.

10. Leslie Kuek Plastic Surgery

Next on the list is the Leslie Kuek Plastic Surgery which was founded by Dr. Leslie Kuek. They offer various types of treatments like facelifts, tummy tuck, Ultherapy, breast enhancements, and liposuction. What’s more, they also provide BBC (Body to Breast Contouring) Program which uses the fat removed from liposuction to other body parts.

11. Woffles Wu Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Centre

Woffles Wu Aesthetic Surgery and Laser Centre is an aesthetic clinic in Singapore with branches in Shanghai and Hangzhou. The clinic offers several treatments including browlifting, buccal fat removal, breast augmentation as well as liposuction and liposculpture.

For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

12. Dr Marco Faria Correa Plastic Surgery

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Marco Faria Correa has experience in microsurgery, reconstructive, non-surgical aesthetic treatments, and plastic surgery. Plus, you can find an array of other treatments, including liposuction. Dr. Marco Faria Correa also practises in Brazil, so be sure to book a consulting appointment ahead of time.

For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

13. Colin Tham Plastic Surgery

Helmed by Dr Colin Tham, he is the current Director of the Aesthetic Division of Asia Health Partners. The clinic offers an extensive list of surgical procedures such as fat transfer, double eyelid surgery, facelift, and liposuction. Furthermore, they will personalise the treatments based on the conditions and needs. The clinic offers four different liposuction treatments for you to choose from according to your specific needs.

For more information or to book an appointment, click here.

14. David Loh Surgery 

Founded in 2002, David Loh Surgery is dedicated to making people feel confident about themselves. They offer a wide range of treatments which include Ultherapy, Fractional CO2 Laser, Coolsculpting, lip fillers and  botox. Particularly for liposuction procedures, there are several variants available such as VASER liposuction, Smartlipo, Vaser HD and Fat Transfer.

15. Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 

Polaris Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery provides a plethora of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures.The list of available treatments include facelift, mummy makeover, threadlift, and face fillers. The clinic incorporates VASER (ultrasound- assisted) liposuction technique. It utilises ultrasound energy to target the fat then it is followed by a manual or power-assisted (PowerXTM) liposuction to remove the remnants. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Is The Recovery Process?

That seriously depends on the individual. Some might have to stay in the hospital depending on the type of surgery they had. And there will definitely be bruising, swelling, and soreness for at least a few weeks. Your surgeon may require you to wear a compression garment for 1 to 2 months after surgery to control swelling. In some cases, you’ll probably also have to take some antibiotics to prevent infection. But every person is different, so it truly depends on how your body reacts to it. 

What Are The Possible Risks of Liposuction?

Liposuction is a generally safe procedure that many people undergo with close to zero fatality rate. The risk of complications is usually associated with how large the procedure is. However, complications are also mitigated if done by experienced and well-trained surgeons, aestheticians, and technicians. But, similar to any kind of surgery, the liposuction procedure can come with possible risks such as:

• Anaesthesia risks
• Loose skin folds
• Accumulation of fluid and/or blood
• Numbness
• Uneven or irregular skin contours
• Infections
• Thromboembolism or fat & blood clots getting trapped in a blood vessel that can gather in the lungs or brains
• Damage inflicted to internal organs
• Poor scarring and recovery
• Imbalanced fluids that may affect the heart, lungs, or kidneys

The risks of complications for liposuction vary, but has an approximation of 5%. You may discuss with your doctor the possible risks and complications that come with this procedure, and how to prevent them.

Are Liposuction Results Permanent?

No, though the fat cells are removed permanently, you can gain the weight back, with new fat cells which usually go to different areas of your body. To maintain your body after surgery, follow a suitable diet that includes lots of lean protein, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Furthermore, be sure to exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle can ensure long-lasting results.

How Do You Prepare For the Liposuction Surgery?

On the days leading to the liposuction procedure, here are a few things you must do to prepare yourself for the surgery:

• Do not eat or drink anything on the morning of your surgery to prep the body for the anaesthesia
• Do not shave or wax the areas where the procedure will be done to prevent infections
• Do not apply anything on your skin (skincare, makeup, sunscreen, etc) prior to your surgery
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing to avoid pain and friction on affected areas post-surgery
• Have someone drive and pick you up from the hospital as you are not allowed to operate heavy machinery after the procedure
• Do not smoke for at least four weeks before your procedure to avoid excessive bleeding

How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Singapore?

The cost of liposuction in Singapore varies depending on the clinic. On average it costs about $15,000 – $25,000 for a minimum of five body parts for body contouring. Surgery in one particular area of the body can cost about $1,500 – $2,800. However, the price changes according to what you need. For an accurate cost breakdown, it is best to contact the clinic and ask them directly. 

Is it Safe to Undergo This Surgery at a Clinic Instead of a Hospital?

It’s very common for surgeons to perform plastic surgery at their own clinics, but only if less than 100ml of fat is removed. Any more than that requires the surgery to be performed at a hospital or ambulatory surgery centre. In addition to that, if more than 2 litres of fat is removed, a hospital stay will be typically be necessary.

Is Tummy Tuck the Same as Liposuction?

Simply put, no, it isn’t. Although performed for similar reasons, tummy tucks are more intensive than liposuction and requires more downtime post-surgery. Both procedures involve the removal of unwanted fat, but liposuction reconstructs muscles inside the abdomen and removes excess skin. Consult with your doctor to find out which is the right procedure for you.

Lastly, Is Liposuction in Singapore Covered By Health Insurance?

No, as health plans do not cover cosmetic procedures. However, if your liposuction is carried out for medical purposes, then you may talk to your insurance company and your surgeon about the costs and payment options, as well as coverage options in case of surgical complications.

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