Liposuction
Procedure Time
1.5 – 2 Hours/Area
Anaesthesia
General Anaesthesia
Recovery Period
10 – 14 Days
Hospitalization
Not Required or 1 Day
Stitch Removal
7 Days Post-op
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn fat from specific areas of the body. It is commonly performed to refine body contours where fat tends to persist despite diet, exercise, and other lifestyle efforts.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision and inserts a cannula to loosen and remove fat cells through suction. Areas often treated include the abdomen, thighs, arms, and waist. Liposuction may also be combined with other procedures for more comprehensive body contouring.
In some cases, the removed fat may be prepared for fat grafting, depending on the person’s goals and suitability.
Who May Consider Liposuction
Liposuction is often chosen by people who wish to refine their body shape by addressing fat deposits that are resistant to lifestyle changes. Even with regular exercise and a balanced diet, achieving certain contour goals can be difficult.
Before proceeding, it is important to have a medical consultation to understand both the benefits and limitations of the procedure. Liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment but may be considered for contouring purposes.
While most procedures are cosmetic, liposuction can also be used in selected medical conditions, including:
- Lymphedema
A condition causing swelling in the arms or legs due to fluid retention.
- Lipomas
Benign growths of fatty tissue beneath the skin.
- Gynaecomastia
Enlarged breast tissue often linked to hormonal imbalance.
Liposuction is a versatile procedure that can support body sculpting goals while addressing specific medical concerns when necessary.
Liposuction Techniques
There are several methods of liposuction. After assessment, the surgeon will recommend the most appropriate technique based on your body condition and treatment goals.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
Uses ultrasound energy delivered through a specialised cannula to break down fat cells before removal. This may be suitable for dense or fibrous areas, such as the male chest or back.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
Employs a mechanised cannula that vibrates to loosen fat cells, allowing more efficient removal. PAL is often used for larger body areas, with reduced strain on surrounding tissues.
Laser-Assisted Lipolysis (LAL)
Applies laser energy through a small tube to liquefy fat before suction. The laser may also stimulate collagen, which can support skin retraction in treated areas.
Areas That Can Be Treated With Liposuction
Liposuction can target various parts of the body where fat commonly accumulates, including:
- Abdomen
- Waist & Love Handles
- Thighs (Inner & outer)
- Arms
- Back
- Chin & Neckline
- Buttocks
- Calves
- Chest (Including accessory breast tissue)
What To Expect From Liposuction In Singapore
Liposuction is usually performed as a day surgery. In Singapore, it must be carried out in a Ministry of Health (MOH)–approved day surgery centre or hospital.
Pre-Procedure Planning
- You will be advised on fasting and medication adjustments.
- Arrange for transport as you will not be able to drive after surgery.
On the Day of Surgery
- The surgeon will mark treatment areas and may take reference photographs.
- Anaesthesia is given and vital signs are monitored.
- Depending on the number of areas treated, the procedure usually takes 1.5 to 3.5 hours.
- Once complete, stitches will be placed and a compression garment fitted.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Temporary swelling, bruising, and soreness are common.
- A compression garment is usually worn for several weeks to help with recovery.
- Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor progress.
- Most people return to light activities in about two weeks, although recovery time varies.
Liposuction Cost in Singapore – What Affects the Price?
The cost of liposuction in Singapore varies, as it depends on the treatment plan discussed during consultation. Factors include:
- Area treated: Larger or multiple areas usually cost more than smaller ones.
- Technique used: Ultrasound, power-assisted, or laser methods may differ in fees.
- Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia may add to the cost compared to local anaesthesia.
- Facility fees: Procedures performed in MOH-approved centres or hospitals may include additional charges.
- Post-surgery care: Compression garments, medications, and follow-up reviews.
Typically, fees start from a few thousand dollars per area. A consultation is necessary for an accurate estimate.
Why Choose Dream Plastic Surgery for Liposuction
At Dream Plastic Surgery, liposuction procedures in Singapore are performed by board-certified plastic surgeons with training in body contouring.
Our approach includes:

Comprehensive Consultation
Understanding your goals, concerns and medical history.

Individualised Planning
Tailored a treatment plan to suit your body conditions.

Technique Selection
Recommending the method most suitable for your needs.

Care & Monitoring After Surgery
Follow-up reviews and guidance during recovery.
Whether you are considering liposuction for the abdomen, thighs, arms, or other areas, our team will provide careful evaluation and clear discussion of what the procedure may involve.
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about liposuction in Singapore, contact our clinic at info@dreamplasticsurgery.com or fill in our enquiry form to arrange a consultation.
Disclaimer
All surgical procedures carry risks. Outcomes and recovery vary from person to person. The information provided here is for general education and should not replace medical consultation with a qualified professional.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Liposuction in Singapore
How Long Is The Liposuction Surgery Post-Op And Recovery Time?
After the administration of general anaesthesia, patients usually remain under observation for 2 to 3 hours before being discharged. Most patients can get back to office work within 4 to 5 days after liposuction procedure. Patients are able to return to normal physical activities as soon as 1 week after tumescent liposuction, as there is significant decrease in swelling, inflammation and pain.
Is There Pain Or Discomfort After Liposuction Surgery?
Following the day or two after liposuction, the pain and discomfort experienced by the patient depends on the type of anaesthesia used and the procedure technique. Soreness is generally at peak 2 to 4 days after liposuction and it gradually reduces afterwards.
Your doctor will prescribe pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs to ease the pain and discomfort during the recovery period. Majority of the pain and discomfort subsides after the first week.
A patient may continue to experience mild tenderness and soreness for up to one month; however, it gradually subsides over the next month or two.
How Long Do I Need To Wear The Compression Garment?
During the post-surgical recovery period, patients are advised to wear the compression garment for the initial 10 to 14 days. If swelling is reduced and they feel minimal pain and discomfort, they can wear it for shorter hours for another 1 week to aid recovery.
Do I Go Home The Same Day?
Yes, you can return home soon after the recovery from anaesthesia. However, you are advised not to drive any vehicle and have a companion or family member drive you home. It is suggested that you avoid driving for the initial 24-48 hours after the procedure.
Liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure, which means you can return home the very first day after the surgery. However, in cases where a lot of fat is removed from your body, usually over 2 litres, you will be required to stay at the hospital for at least 24 hours under observation.
How Does Liposuction Affect The Appearance Of The Skin? Does Liposuction Produce Visible Scars After The Surgery?
The skin appearance following the procedure depends on various factors – including age of the patient, skin’s elasticity, amount of fat removed, and any previous health condition. A patient with good skin elasticity should have a smooth and natural-looking skin after the surgery.
Post-surgical scars are usually hidden along natural folds of the skin or areas which are less noticeable. The scars fade and blend into the surrounding skin over time.
How Long Until I Get Results?
The time required for swelling to subside and final results depends on the specific liposuction technique used by the surgeon. If “open-drainage” technique is used by the surgeon, where stitches are not used to close the incisions, then most patients can expect more than 90% of the swelling resolved within a month. If the surgeon uses stitch-closure technique, then a patient may need to wait for 8 to 10 weeks for swelling to subside fully.
How Long Before I Can Get Out Of Bed And Begin Walking?
In usual circumstances, patients are not confined to bed after the liposuction procedure. To minimize the risk of blood clotting in lungs or legs, surgeons advise patients to take slow walks after the surgery. The blood circulation from slow walks not only helps to prevent blood clots, it also helps to reduce swelling and water retention after the procedure.
How Long Before I Can Go Back To Work?
Most patients can return to office or desktop-based work within 4 to 6 days after the surgery. In most cases, tenderness, soreness, and mild discomfort will remain for another week or two, and these may limit the speed with which a patient can move about. Most patients should feel comfortable while working at a computer or sitting at a desk.
When Can I Start Exercising?
All patients should be physically ready to walk around inside the house and take short walks around the area within one to two days after surgery. Staying in bed and not doing light physical activity increases the danger for blood clotting in the legs and lungs.
Most patients can resume their normal household works and physical activity within a couple of days after liposuction. At first, patients should not perform an excessive amount of activity. It is suggested that patients begin their workout routine by doing about 25% of their usual activity, and from there increase their day by day practice as tolerated.
How Much Weight Difference Will There Be After Liposuction Surgery?
Fatty tissue by nature isn’t extremely thick or heavy, thus removing a few litres of fat from your belly or legs won’t bring about huge weight reduction. However, the difference will be observed in your body shape and contour.
You may even experience a small increment in weight in the postoperative period because of the intravenous fluids given during surgery. Liposuction isn’t a treatment option for obesity. The procedure ie meant to eliminate stubborn fat deposits and alter body proportion that is otherwise not possible with diet control or exercise.
Is Liposuction A Reasonable Treatment For Obesity?
Liposuction is not meant to treat any kind of obesity.
Liposuction – as a fat-reduction technique – isn’t useful for large weight reduction. It is exclusively a body contouring technique for areas where fat stores have proven to be resistant to dieting and regular exercise. The best outcomes from surgery happen in body areas where fat is not excessive, muscle tone is reasonable, and skin has good elastic quality.
In certain cases where there is a critical loss of skin elasticity, appropriate corrective procedures for skin tightening and liposuction may be combined to eliminate the loose fatty tissue and saggy skin.
Will The Fat Cells Develop Back After Liposuction?
Liposuction is an effective way to remove fat cells permanently. The fat cells that are taken out by liposuction can never return. However, remaining fat cells may expand in size if the patient gains a lot of weight.
If the body weight increases more than 10%, one can expect new fat cell development in various body areas – including the ones recently treated by liposuction. Individuals who are susceptible to major weight fluctuations can quickly develop a large number of fat cells (lipocytes).
Hence, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is key to prolonging the results from the liposuction procedure.
If I Put On Weight After Liposuction, Does Fat Return In The Treated Areas?
Usually, fat does not return in treated areas – given that the patient doesn’t acquire a lot of weight after the surgery.
If a patient acquires a lot of weight, fat can get back to a body area recently treated by liposuction. However, the level of fat accumulation in a formerly treated area will be proportionately less than untreated areas.
How Much Does Liposuction Procedure Cost?
The cost of liposuction in Singapore is influenced by several factors, primarily the number of treatment areas and the methods used during the procedure. Each individual has unique needs and goals, which means the overall cost will vary accordingly.
Factors such as the size of the targeted area, the volume of fat to be removed, and the patient’s body composition also play a significant role in determining the total cost. For instance, treating larger areas or multiple sites may require more time and resources, which can increase the final cost.
On average, the cost of liposuction ranges from $3,000 SGD to $5,000 SGD per area, with total expenses potentially reaching between $5,000 SGD to $25,000 SGD. A detailed consultation is necessary to assess the patient’s condition and provide a personalised breakdown of costs.
Is Liposuction in Singapore Safe?
Liposuction surgery is generally safe and should be carried out by an experienced and well-trained plastic surgeon. The patients must discuss any pre-existing medical conditions with the surgeon and talk to them about the surgery goals they have in mind before deciding to undergo the procedure.
In addition, liposuction surgery should be used as a way to achieve better body contours and not a procedure for weight loss.