Please note: Kliniek het Bolwerk does not carry out this treatment

Liposuction is not performed at Kliniek het Bolwerk. This surgical procedure falls outside the clinic's range of treatments and is not part of the care offered here.

For liposuction and related fat removal techniques, you can go to other specialised clinics that do perform this treatment and can give you appropriate advice.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures and is used to reduce fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Commonly treated areas are the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, back and the area under the chin. Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment and is most effective in people who are close to their ideal weight but find it hard to lose fat in specific areas.

How does liposuction work?

During a liposuction procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the skin near the area to be treated. A cannula connected to a vacuum pump is then inserted. The cannula is moved back and forth to loosen the fatty tissue and suck it out. Depending on the technique used, the procedure can be performed under local, regional or general anaesthesia. There are various liposuction techniques, including:

Tumescent liposuction: The most common method, in which a large amount of diluted saline solution containing an anaesthetic and a medicine to limit bleeding (adrenaline) is injected into the area to be treated. This makes it easier to remove the fat and reduces blood loss and post-operative pain.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): Sound waves are used to liquefy the fat cells, which makes it easier to remove fat from dense, fibrous tissue.
Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL): A laser is used to melt the fat, after which the fat can be suctioned out more easily.
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL): This technique uses a rapidly vibrating cannula that moves back and forth, which makes the procedure less tiring for the surgeon and can produce more precise results.

What are the benefits of liposuction?

Liposuction offers several benefits, mainly aimed at improving the body contours:

Targeted fat removal: Liposuction makes it possible to remove fat from specific problem areas, leading to a more refined and sculpted silhouette.
Long-lasting results: Fat cells that have been removed do not come back. With a stable weight, the result of liposuction can be long-lasting.
Improved self-confidence: Many patients experience a better self-image and more self-confidence after liposuction, because they feel more comfortable in their body.

Risks and considerations

Although liposuction is generally safe, as with any surgical procedure there are risks and possible complications:

Irregular contours: Irregularities in the body contour may occur, such as dents or asymmetry, especially if the skin is not elastic enough.
Bleeding and infections: As with any operation, complications such as bleeding or infections may occur after the procedure.
Changes in sensation: Some patients may experience temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensitivity in the treated area.
Excessive swelling and fluid build-up: In some cases there may be persistent swelling or a build-up of fluid (seroma) in the treated areas.
Thromboembolic complications: Although rare, there is a risk of blood clots, which can be dangerous. To keep this risk as low as possible, there is a limit to the volume that can be suctioned out during one treatment. Especially abroad, large-volume liposuctions are performed, which have unfortunately led to fatal complications.

Recovery after liposuction

Recovery after liposuction varies depending on the extent of the procedure and the technique used. Patients may experience bruising, swelling and discomfort for a few days to weeks. A compression garment is usually worn to reduce swelling and help the body form its new contours. Most people can resume their daily activities after a few days, but heavy physical exertion should be avoided for several weeks. The full result of the liposuction may only be visible after a few months, once the swelling has completely gone.

The difference between liposuction and other fat removal techniques

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat directly, unlike non-surgical fat removal methods such as cryolipolysis (fat freezing) or laser treatments, which reduce fatty tissue by breaking down the fat slowly. Liposuction often offers faster and more pronounced results, but also requires a longer recovery time and carries surgical risks.

Liposuction is an effective method for removing stubborn fat and improving body contours. With the right expectations and careful planning, this procedure can help patients achieve the body shape they want and boost their self-confidence.