1 – What does liposuction involve?

Liposuction is a procedure in which localised deposits of fat are removed from one or more areas of the body using cannulas.

2 – How long does the procedure take?

Depending on the areas to be treated, it can take anything from half an hour to two and a half hours.

3 – What is the length of the stay at the clinic?

The surgery is ambulatory or a one night stay may be necessary.

4 – What form of sedation for liposuction?

For localized liposuction local anaesthesia or simple sedation is used since it is not necessary to put the patient under. For more extensive liposuction the patient will be under general anaesthesia.

5 – Is the surgery painful?

In the days following liposuction surgery the patient will experience pain and discomfort. Appropriate pain medication will be prescribed to manage the pain. The operation takes place under general anaesthesia so you will not feel anything during the surgery.

6 – What scars result from liposuction?

The only scars from this procedure are the tiny incision sites for the insertion of the cannulas.

7 – What are the risks inherent to liposuction surgery?

Performed by a certified plastic surgeon qualified in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in a certified plastic surgery clinic, liposuction is commonly practiced and is considered a sure operation. Like in all surgery complications are possible but rare. These are listed in the information flyer of the French Society for Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery. If properly managed, complications leave little or no trace. Post operation monitoring is therefore indispensable. Dr Louafi takes care of the post-operative monitoring of his patients.

Specific risks will be detailed and explained during the consultation.

8 – Must a compression garment be worn after liposuction? Are massages necessary after liposuction?

The compression garment will help keep post-operative swelling down as well as the retraction of the skin. Massaging the treated zones is important for the even distribution of the remaining fat and prevention of irregularities. The patient usually does the massaging starting a few days after the procedure. Dr Louafi, a cosmetic surgeon in Paris will advise you on which compression garment is adapted to your case.

9 – What is the difference between lipoaspiration, liposuction, liposculpture and mini liposuction? How much fat can be removed?

These four terms refer to the same procedure. Liposculpture refers to cases where liposuction is done in different areas of the body with the objective of redefining the silhouette.

In general a maximum of four litres of fat can be removed in one session. This is much more than the one litre authorized in laser liposuction.

Mini liposuction refers to a technique that targets small areas of localized fat and takes place under local anaesthesia. This procedure is ambulatory and the quantity of fat removed is small.

10 – How much does liposuction cost?

The rates for liposuction vary depending on how much needs to be done, mode of anaesthesia and its charges, the clinical charges, the length of the stay in the clinic, the qualifications of the surgeon, the charges of the surgeon and the anaesthetist among others. Very high quotes on the one hand do not necessarily guarantee the best results and suspiciously low quotes on the other hand should incite caution. It is of utmost importance to always verify the qualifications and competences of the plastic surgeon, his titles, his cv, his certification by the board, his ability to practice, what post operation care is included in his quote (who by, where, for how long…).Plastic surgery is strictly regulated in France. It is therefore very easy to get information about a surgeon before undertaking this important surgery that involves the face.

Liposuction is cosmetic surgery and as such is not covered by the social security except in the case of abdominal lipodystrophy from tritherapy or Barraquer-Simons syndrome … As an indication, cosmetic liposuction fees start at 3000 euros. The personal quote concerning the procedure that is given to the patient during pre-operation consultation is contractual and binding.

Please find all the rates for cosmetic surgery with Dr Louafi on this website. (Estimated rates from…).