Get the lipo lowdown

Cosmetic procedure is becoming more popular but if you’re looking for a miracle, you could be disappointed

KATIE Price hit the headlines when she jetted to Turkey for a liposuction procedure.

She said: “I had liposuction from my knees up to my waist.”

Katie, 40, is by no means alone. Last year saw a 12 per cent leap in the number of men and women undergoing liposuction. Many patients see it as a fast track to a “perfect” body. However, the reality is quite different.

Yes, liposuction is proven to get rid of fat bulges or small, stubborn pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise. But it is not suitable for everyone.

What is more, most patients lose only about two to five pounds during the process. And there are serious risks involved.

Here is our lowdown on lipo.

WHICH TYPE IS BEST?

Liposuction has been around for 50 years but over the last few years, new technology has paved the way for much-improved and safer versions using different forms of energy including ultrasound, lasers and radio frequency.

WHO IS IT FOR?

Liposuction cannot turn a size 16 into a size 10 and it won’t get rid of cellulite (in fact, it can make it worse).

The best candidates are not patients who are overweight but those who are fit, exercise and eat well, but have a stubborn, troublesome area, or hard-to-lose pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise.

This could include the tummy, buttocks, chin, arms and knees.

Before a procedure, you should be within 20 per cent of your ideal weight, with good skin tone and limited amounts of fat.

To minimise risks, patients should make sure their surgeon is properly qualified, a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, and, ideally, a member of the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons.

A well-qualified anaesthetist should be in attendance. Anyone with a medical condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure should consult their GP beforehand.

WHAT TO EXPECT

All liposuction procedures are surgical or minimally invasive and require sedation, anaesthetic and often an overnight stay in hospital.

After surgery, you will have to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks. You may need one to two weeks off work after your operation and you shouldn’t exercise for at least two weeks.

Side effects can include infection, bleeding, bruising and lumpiness.

Swelling can take three to six months to settle.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The average cost can be up to £10,000 depending on the amount of work and where you have it done. For advice on cosmetic surgery, consult your GP. For tips, visit lesleyreynolds.com