What is the difference between weight loss surgery and liposuction?
To many people weight loss surgery and liposuction seem to be similar procedures. However, Liposuction is NOT a form of weight loss surgery.
Liposuction does not help patients lose weight or live a healthier life style. The operation removes a small amount of fat cells and re-shapes the body. It can take up to months to see the results from liposuction due to swelling from the operation.
Weight loss surgery is a long term solution for people struggling with obesity. Depending on the procedure, weight loss surgery changes the way patients consume food. For example, gastric sleeve surgery involves removing up to 80% of the stomach, including the hunger hormone – ghrelin. This reduces the amount of food the patient eats. Resulting in 60 – 70% of excess weight loss
How much weight can i lose with liposuction vs weight loss surgery
In liposuction, the surgeon will remove a safe and small amount of fat cells. Therefore, of course, weight is “lost”. However it is a minimal amount, a few pounds overall.
With weight loss surgery, depending on the procedure patients can expect to see anywhere from 50 – 80% excess weight loss. We have seen patients lose over 20 stone after weight loss surgery.
What are the benefits of liposuction
Liposuction is a quick fix and gives the patient the opportunity to choose where the weight is removed from. The qualification for liposuction is much easier than bariatric surgery.
But it is not a long term solution, liposuction is not intended to treat patients who suffer from obesity.
What are the risks of liposuction
Like any surgery, Liposuction doesn’t come without risks.
According the NHS England the list of risks after liposuction are
- lumpy and uneven results
- bleeding under the skin (haematoma)
- persistent numbness that can last for months
- changes in skin colour in the treated area
- a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary oedema) from the fluid injected into the body
- a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- damage to internal organs during the procedure
What are the benefits of weight loss surgery
All forms of weight loss surgery have significant benefits aside from losing weight.
It is a long term solution to people battling obesity, leading to patients losing up to 80% excess weight, and keeping it off for good.
Bariatric surgery can improve many obesity-related conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure.
In many cases, weight loss surgery saves lives and gives people a second chance at life.
Each individual weight loss procedure has their own benefits
What are the risks of weight loss surgery
The weight loss procedure also comes with the possibility of risks. It is important that your surgeon and clinic and highly trusted and have a high CQC score.
Some risk you could help minimise by choosing a world-renowned surgeon such as Mr Rishi Singhal and aftercare team like we have at Healthier Weight
- not getting enough vitamins and minerals from your diet – you’ll probably need to take supplements for the rest of your life after surgery
- gallstones (small, hard stones that form in the gallbladder)
- a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- the gastric band slipping out of place, food leaking from the join between the stomach and small intestine, or the gut becoming blocked or narrowed
what is cheaper, liposuction or weight loss surgery
Both liposuction and weight loss surgery come with a cost.
Liposuction can range from £3,000 – £7,000 depending on your surgeon and clinic.
The cost of weight loss surgery will vary depending on the procedure, the patient BMI, location and clinic.
Weight loss surgery can be a more expensive surgery due to the much better health benefits and long-term impacts.
If you are looking for a quote for weight loss surgery you can get one from our patient care co-ordinators here.