Some advertisers claim that liposuction is a 'lunchtime' procedure, but liposuction surgery, although largely invisible, puts a huge strain on the body, taking time to recover. There have been deaths when too much fat has been removed and the blood loss has been too severe, so it is important to chose your surgeon carefully.

The operation is done by general anaesthetic and the surgeon will give you a health check and tell you if you need to shed a few pounds before the operation. He should also explain to you the pros and cons of the liposuction operation and whether it will be a day stay or overnight stay, this depends on the amount of fat that needs to be removed. 1.5 litres is the maximum fat removed for the day stay but if a larger quantity of fat is to be removed it could mean possible fluid loss or occasionally a blood transfusion so you will stay overnight.

The operation involves using a fine 33mm cannula to which the surgeon can attach different heads and this is connected to a high vacuum chamber, to suck the fat out. The cannula goes in through a small wound and then the cannula is moved around in different directions from one area to another. The surgeon removes as much fat as possible but some fat is easier to remove than others. When one side is finished the surgeon will do exactly the same on the other side.

Hip and thigh liposuction takes about an hour, the wound is small and needs probably one or two stitches and a plaster, then a compression garment to prevent accumulation of fluid under the skin. The area can be a bit sore afterwards but not painful and healing is helped by walking around as much as possible. The pressure garment needs to stay on for three weeks but the stitches and plaster can be removed after ten days.

Most people are extremely satisfied with liposuction surgery but occasionally someone with very high expectations may be disappointed with the results especially if the swelling takes a few weeks to go down, but don't panic the best results can take up to six months.