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Liposuction
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes problematic fat deposits from various parts of the body. Visit a plastic surgeon if you want to permanently improve your body contours and shape.
Specialist in the article
Plastiikkakirurgian erikoislääkäri
Revised 6/11/2025
Liposuction in brief
- Liposuction removes problematic fat deposits, for example, from the double chin, body, or thighs, and the results are permanent.
- Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia, combined with intravenous pain and sedative medication if necessary.
- After medium or extensive liposuction, you will spend the night at Mehiläinen Hospital, but for smaller procedures, you can go home the same day.
- Before the procedure, you will discuss your aesthetic goals, expectations, and health status with a plastic surgeon. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, may affect the feasibility of the procedure.
When to consider liposuction?
Liposuction is used to enhance body contours and shapes. Excess fat does not always accumulate evenly but can form thicker areas, for example, on the hips, abdomen, or thighs. These areas may have stubborn fat deposits even if the person is otherwise slim or has successfully lost weight.
Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure and does not replace the importance of a healthy diet and exercise. Candidates for liposuction should already be close to their ideal weight.
Benefits of liposuction
The fat cells and fat removed during liposuction do not return, and the results are permanent. However, it is not possible or always advisable to remove all fat cells during the procedure. Fat tissue can also be removed surgically by cutting.
Liposuction is performed on both men and women. It does not prevent the natural loss of skin elasticity due to aging. The procedure yields the best results for younger individuals with elastic skin.
If the skin has lost its elasticity, excess skin may need to be removed surgically after liposuction, or surgery alone may be considered instead of liposuction.
Liposuction for the chin and double chin
Fat accumulating under the chin and in the neck area can form a double chin, which is particularly noticeable in the side profile. A double chin can also affect otherwise slim individuals, as fat accumulation in this area is often hereditary.
Chin liposuction is a quick procedure that can significantly improve the facial profile and is usually performed under local anesthesia. If there is a significant amount of excess fat in the chin and neck area and the skin's elasticity is reduced, a neck lift surgery may be recommended in addition to liposuction for the best results. This is often necessary for individuals over early middle age.
Liposuction for the abdomen
The abdomen is one of the most common areas where excess fat accumulates, especially around the midsection. Abdominal liposuction may be suitable for individuals struggling with localized fat deposits, even if their weight is otherwise normal.
Liposuction can remove fat from both under the skin and deeper layers. The best results are achieved when the skin is still elastic and recovers well. If the abdominal muscles are separated or the skin is significantly loose, abdominoplasty also known as tummy tuck may be considered in addition to liposuction. This procedure also corrects separated abdominal muscles and removes excess skin.
Preparing for liposuction
Before undergoing liposuction, you will discuss the procedure with a plastic surgeon during a consultation. During the consultation, aesthetic goals, expectations, and any concerns will be addressed.
- Health assessment. The plastic surgeon will also assess your health status. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, may affect the feasibility of the procedure.
- Other procedures. The consultation will also cover combining liposuction with other procedures if desired. The plastic surgeon will evaluate the skin's elasticity and the thickness of the fat layer in the target area.
- Following instructions. To achieve the best results, it is important to follow the doctor's instructions.
- Clothing. Bring loose and comfortable clothing to the procedure for your comfort.
How liposuction proceeds
Liposuction can be performed using various methods. The method chosen by the plastic surgeon depends on the individual's characteristics, physical needs, and aesthetic goals.
Liposuction can be performed under general or local anesthesia. Local anesthesia is always combined with relaxing intravenous medication.
Small incisions are made near the treatment area. Whenever possible, the incisions are placed in natural skin folds or wrinkles to make scars less noticeable. A thin cannula is inserted through the incision to remove unwanted fat using a suction device or syringe.
At Mehiläinen, liposuction is typically performed using the WAL method (water-assisted liposuction). This method uses a high-pressure water jet to loosen fat cells, which are then suctioned out.
The results of liposuction develop gradually. Changes are often noticeable within a few weeks after the procedure, but it takes several months to see the final results.
Recovery from liposuction
To support recovery, you will receive a guide with written home care instructions. Our plastic surgery nurse will call you a few days after your discharge to check on your condition. If necessary, you can also contact the plastic surgeon who performed the liposuction.
- Pain management. After the procedure, elastic compression garments are applied to the treated area to aid healing and reduce swelling. These garments are worn throughout the recovery period. Mild pain after liposuction can be managed with pain medication.
- Discharge. After medium or extensive liposuction, you will spend one night in Mehiläinen Hospital's inpatient ward. For smaller procedures, you can go home the same day. It is advisable to have someone accompany you home.
- Swelling. The speed of recovery largely depends on the extent of the liposuction. Swelling usually peaks about a week after the procedure. Dissolvable stitches are used during the procedure. Heavy physical activities should be avoided during the first few weeks.
- Returning to exercise. Bruises fade and disappear within a few weeks after the procedure. Sensation normalizes in the treated area, and swelling continues to decrease. Normal physical activity can usually be resumed after a couple of weeks.
Prices for appointments with specialists, such as gynaecologists, dermatologists, cardiologists, orthopaedists and ophthalmologists, can be found in our appointment booking service.
Take into account in the price list
The price estimate includes the Kanta fee and the outpatient fee.| Service | Price estimate |
|---|---|
| Appointment with a specialist, 20 min Price per appointment. | from 99,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 129,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 30 min Price per appointment. | from 114,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Appointment with a specialist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 142,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 172,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 20 min | from 69,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 139,80 € |
| Gynaecologist's appointment, 30 min | from 74,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 144,80 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 20 min | from 117,70 € Without Kela reimbursement from 147,70 € |
| Dermatologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 20 min | from 112,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 142,80 € |
| ENT doctor's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 20 min | from 115,20 € Without Kela reimbursement from 145,20 € |
| Paediatrician's appointment, 30 min | from 134,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 164,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 20 min | from 111,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 141,80 € |
| Orthopaedist's appointment, 30 min | from 133,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 163,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 45 min Price per appointment. | from 109,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 159,80 € |
| Appointment with a psychiatrist, 60 min Price per appointment. | from 120,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 180,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 30 min | from 127,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 157,80 € |
| Ophthalmologist's appointment, 45 min | from 138,80 € Without Kela reimbursement from 168,80 € |
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Frequently asked questions about liposuction
Liposuction removes unwanted fat from problem areas of the body using a thin cannula connected to a suction device or syringe. The procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia, combined with relaxing medication.
Small incisions are made near the treatment area, and these are placed in natural skin folds whenever possible to make scars as inconspicuous as possible.
The procedure helps shape the body and enhance its contours by removing fat deposits, for example, from the abdomen, hips, or thighs.
Liposuction provides permanent results, as the removed fat cells do not return. The procedure helps shape the body and enhance its contours by removing fat deposits, for example, from the abdomen, hips, or thighs. Liposuction can also be helpful for individuals who are otherwise slim but have stubborn fat in certain areas.
Liposuction is not suitable for everyone. The procedure is best suited for younger individuals with good skin elasticity. Patients should be close to their ideal weight, as liposuction is not a weight-loss method. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, may prevent the procedure. A plastic surgeon will assess suitability individually during the consultation.
Recovery time depends on the extent of the liposuction. After medium or extensive liposuction, one night is spent in the hospital, while smaller procedures allow same-day discharge.
Swelling usually peaks about a week after the procedure. Bruises fade within a few weeks, and normal physical activity can usually be resumed after two weeks. Final results take several months to become visible.
The results of liposuction are permanent, as the removed fat cells do not regenerate. However, the procedure does not prevent the natural loss of skin elasticity due to aging. If significant weight gain occurs after the procedure, the remaining fat cells may grow. It is not possible or advisable to remove all fat cells during the procedure.
The exact cost of liposuction depends on the extent of the procedure and the area being treated. The price typically includes the initial consultation, the procedure itself, any necessary hospital care, and follow-up appointments. A precise cost estimate can be obtained during a consultation with a plastic surgeon, once the scope and details of the procedure have been clarified. Also, explore Mehiläinen's flexible payment options.
