Liposuction
For localised fat that resists diet and exercise.
At New City Clinic, Liposuction is performed in Istanbul by specialist physicians at partner hospitals licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health.
Liposuction in Istanbul: overview
Liposuction removes fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise from areas such as the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, arms and chin through fine cannulas, defining the body’s contours. Techniques such as VASER separate fat with less trauma to surrounding tissue. Liposuction is a contouring procedure, not a weight-loss method; the best results are seen in people close to their ideal weight.
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 1–3 hours |
| Hospital stay | 1 night |
| Stay in Türkiye | 5–7 days |
| Back to work | 5 days |
| Back to sport | 4 weeks |
| Compression garment | 6 weeks |
| Final result | 6 months |
| Scar | Entry points of a few millimetres |
Who is it for?
Liposuction suits adults in good general health who are at or close to a stable weight and have pockets of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise, typically on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back or under the chin. Good skin elasticity matters, because the skin has to shrink back over the new contour. It is not a treatment for obesity or for loose skin; if the skin is lax, a lift may be recommended instead or as well.
Techniques: tumescent, VASER and power-assisted liposuction
In all modern liposuction the area is first filled with a tumescent solution that reduces bleeding and discomfort. The fat is then removed through incisions of a few millimetres with thin cannulas. The surgeon chooses the technique according to your tissues and the areas treated:
- Tumescent liposuction: the standard approach, suited to most areas
- VASER (ultrasound-assisted): loosens fat before removal, useful in fibrous areas such as the back or male chest and for more detailed contouring
- Power-assisted (PAL): a vibrating cannula that eases removal in larger volumes
- Lipo 360: the abdomen, flanks and lower back are treated together so the waist is shaped all the way round
How much can be removed, and combining procedures
There is a safe limit to the volume removed in one session; it depends on your weight, general health and the areas treated, and your surgeon sets it at the examination. Removing more than is safe in a single operation is not done. Liposuction is often combined with a tummy tuck, breast surgery or fat transfer to the buttocks (BBL); combining procedures lengthens the operation and recovery, so the plan is made around your safety first.
Travelling from the UK or Ireland for liposuction
There are direct flights to Istanbul from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Dublin, among others, and the flight takes around four hours. For liposuction you should plan a stay of about 5 to 7 days: arrival and pre-operative tests, the operation with one night in hospital, and a check-up before you fly. Wear your compression garment on the flight, walk in the aisle and drink water. Before you travel, let your GP know about the planned operation; after you return, follow-up continues with photos and video calls, and your reports are given to you in English.
Your journey in Türkiye, step by step
- 01
Free preliminary assessment: a physician reviews your photos and medical history and you receive a written plan and quote.
- 02
Day 1 – arrival in Istanbul: you are met at the airport and taken to your hotel.
- 03
Examination day: physician's examination, blood tests and anaesthesia assessment; the plan is finalised.
- 04
Procedure day: the procedure takes about 1–3 hours under general anaesthesia. Hospital stay: 1 night.
- 05
Check-up: dressing change and follow-up examination after discharge.
- 06
Return: total stay in Türkiye is 5–7 days; your physician clears you to fly. Follow-up continues remotely.
New City Clinic health tourism services
- Airport welcome and hospital–hotel transfers
- Accommodation at partner hotels close to the hospital
- Support in English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Turkish
- Scheduling of examination, tests and surgery
- Post-operative check-ups and remote follow-up once you are home
- Dedicated complication insurance for operations
Recovery
A compression garment is worn for 4–6 weeks. Most patients return to work within a few days; swelling subsides over weeks and the final result is seen at 3–6 months.
What you should know
- Temporary swelling, bruising and tenderness
- Risk of infection and bleeding, as with any surgical procedure
- Results vary with individual anatomy and healing
Every medical procedure carries risk. Your physician will explain the risks specific to you during your examination.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Liposuction cost in Turkey?
The cost depends on the scope of the procedure, the technique, the hospital and your accommodation choice. After a physician's assessment, New City Clinic sends you an itemised written quote; getting a quote is free.
What does an all-inclusive Liposuction package include?
Your quote lists the hospital and physician fees, required tests, check-ups, airport–hotel–hospital transfers and, on request, hotel accommodation as separate items. Flights are not included; we can help organise them if you wish.
How long does Liposuction take?
The procedure takes about 1–3 hours. Anaesthesia: general anaesthesia.
How long do I stay in hospital and in Turkey?
Hospital stay: 1 night. The total stay in Türkiye is usually planned at 5–7 days; your physician confirms the exact length at your check-up.
Is Liposuction in Turkey safe? What are the risks?
Every medical procedure carries risk: infection, bleeding, anaesthesia-related problems and healing that differs from what was expected are the main ones. To reduce risk, the procedure is performed by a specialist at a licensed hospital after pre-operative tests. Your physician explains the risks specific to you at your examination.
When can I go back to work and exercise?
Desk work is usually possible within 5 days and sport after 4 weeks. These times vary from person to person.
Will there be scars?
Entry points of a few millimetres. Scars are noticeable in the first months and fade with time; how they heal depends on your skin.
When will I see the result?
The first change is visible as swelling settles; the final result appears in about 6 months. Results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed.
Can I see before and after photos?
Out of respect for patient privacy and under healthcare regulations, patient photos are shared only with the patient's consent. In your consultation the physician explains what is realistic in your case.
How do I choose the best clinic for Liposuction in Istanbul?
There is no single “best clinic” for everyone; for a safe choice, check these: a Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate, the name of the hospital and the operating surgeon, a written plan based on a physician's assessment, an itemised quote and aftercare. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye; it publishes its authorisation, TÜRSAB and ISO certificates on this site and gives you all of this in writing with your quote.
Will the fat come back after liposuction?
The fat cells removed do not grow back. If you gain weight later, the remaining fat cells can enlarge, including in treated and untreated areas, so keeping a stable weight protects the result.
Is liposuction a way to lose weight?
No. It reshapes areas of stubborn fat; the scale may change only a little. Results are best when you are close to your target weight.
How long must I wear the compression garment?
Usually around 4 to 6 weeks, day and night at first. It reduces swelling and helps the skin settle over the new contour; your surgeon gives you the exact schedule.
Is Liposuction in Turkey safe?
Like any operation, Liposuction carries risks, and the risk depends far more on where and by whom it is done than on the country. The serious cases reported in the press have mostly involved unlicensed premises, non-specialists or too many procedures in one session. A safe choice means a hospital licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Health, a named specialist surgeon, an anaesthetist, pre-operative tests and a long enough stay. New City Clinic is an authorised intermediary registered with the Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye, and you receive the hospital and surgeon details in writing before you travel.
Why is Liposuction cheaper in Turkey than in the UK?
The difference comes mainly from lower operating and staff costs and the exchange rate; implants, materials and techniques follow the same international standards. Even so, do not choose on price alone: check the hospital licence, the surgeon’s specialty and exactly what the package includes.
Get your free quote today
Send your photos and questions; a surgeon’s assessment and your quote usually arrive within 24 hours. The consultation is free and without obligation.
- A surgeon’s assessment and quote, usually within 24 hours
- Free and without obligation
- We reply on WhatsApp in your language
Guides on this procedure
Articles you may want to read before deciding.
Liposuction Recovery in Istanbul, Turkey: What to Expect
Liposuction recovery explained: swelling, bruising, the compression garment, lymphatic massage, when you can fly and when results show. New City Clinic.
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Fat Transfer to the Breast in Istanbul: Results and Recovery
Breast augmentation with your own fat: how it works, how much increase is realistic, who it suits, screening and recovery. By New City Clinic.
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Vaser Liposuction in Istanbul, Turkey vs Traditional Lipo
Vaser liposuction compared with traditional liposuction: how ultrasound works, who it suits, safe limits and recovery. A New City Clinic guide.
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