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December 6, 2025
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"Consultation is the most important part of the patient journey – for many reasons – and I always give my patients the time to get to know what I can do for them and ask as many questions as they need." — Dr Ivan Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor with over 20 years of facial and body sculpting surgical experience.
The initial consultation before any surgery is the most crucial step, as it sets the platform for what is expected during and after the procedure.
It is during the consultation phase that goals are set and expectations are managed. It gives the doctor a better understanding of a patient's concerns and needs.
A consultation is the start of a patient's journey, and getting off on the right foot is critical to ensuring not only success but also the patient's wellbeing throughout their experience and journey to looking and feeling better.
A consultation is always about the patient; therefore, the patient is highly encouraged to raise any concerns and also, of equal importance, to inform the doctor of any potential impeding factors (to the success of the treatment or surgery), such as drug allergies, medical history and others.
Dr Ivan Puah shares some of the most frequently asked questions during his patient liposuction consultations throughout the years.
FAQ About Liposuction in Singapore
What are the areas of the body where liposuction can be performed?
Popular areas of the body where liposuction can remove fat. Some of the most common places where liposuction is performed include:
| Body parts liposuction can target | |
|---|---|
| Waist or flanks | Also known as: Love handles Diet/Exercise: These areas are notoriously resistant to diet and exercise. Result: Removes stubborn excess fat and carves out the sought-after "S" waist. Creates a more appealing, well-contoured figure. |
| Upper arms | Also known as: Flabby arms, bingo wings Diet/Exercise: Often seen as a lack of firmness regardless of the number of targeted arm exercises you do. Even when you manage to strengthen your biceps and triceps, a stubborn layer of fat can persist. Result: Targets stubborn fat and safely and permanently reduces arm fat; slimmer arms with tightened skin. |
| Upper Back | Also known as: Bra rolls Result: A firmer and smoother appearance. Frequently, patients choose to combine arm liposuction with upper back liposuction to achieve a more proportionate, slimmer upper body. |
| Abdomen or tummy | Also known as: Beer belly, spare tyre, paunch, potbelly Result: Eliminates stubborn belly fat, flattens the tummy, creates a shapely contour and enhances the overall shape. |
| Hips | Also known as: The natural hip shape can occasionally lead to an unwanted overhang when excess fat accumulates in the area. Result: A clinically proven method; by removing undesirable fat and improving the balance and proportions of the lower body. Creates a seamless, graceful curve that extends from the waist to the outer thigh. |
| Chin & Neck | Also known as: Double chin, submental fat Result: Addresses localised fat deposits and saggy skin, creating a more sculpted facial profile with subtle and natural skin lifting. |
| Outer & Inner Thighs | Also known as: Chunky and round thighs Diet/Exercise: This area is often prone to fat accumulation, and conventional diet and exercise routines may not adequately address it. Result: Contours the outer thighs, giving the buttocks a firmer, more defined appearance. It can also achieve the coveted "thigh gap" appearance by removing fat and contouring the inner thighs. |
| Chest | Also known as: Pseudogynecomastia, fake gynecomastia Diet/Exercise: May reduce fatty tissue beneath the chest Result: Effectively eliminating excess chest fat, resulting in a more contoured appearance. |
| Calves | Result: Achieve a more defined appearance. |
Who are the ideal candidates for liposuction?
An individual will be assessed on a case-by-case basis to ensure their suitability.
Ideally, a suitable candidate should:
- Have excess fat that does not respond to dieting and exercising.
- Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone.
- Be healthy and have no underlying medical conditions.
- Possess a healthy lifestyle habit in general, e.g. not a smoker
- Have realistic expectations of what liposuction can or cannot achieve.
Is Liposuction A Weight Loss Solution?
Many people wonder whether liposuction can help them shed extra pounds, but it is crucial to understand that liposuction IS NOT a weight loss strategy.
Lipo is a clinically proven surgical procedure that removes localised stubborn fat and reshapes the body. To maintain your liposuction results, do your part by eating healthily and moderately and exercising regularly.
Can Liposuction Remove Cellulite?
Cellulite can affect anyone, regardless of age, body shape or size - from the slimmest to the curviest.
Dr Puah shares that liposuction can significantly improve the appearance of cellulite in suitable patients, and the extent of improvement depends on the skills and techniques of the liposuction doctor.
Traditional liposuction can sometimes cause irregularities and unevenness in the skin, making cellulite more noticeable. To avoid these undesirable side effects, Dr Puah performs VASER Liposuction. This ultrasonic-assisted liposuction technique uses ultrasound energy to gently break up and melt the fat tissue, which is then suctioned away.
Is Liposuction A Permanent Fix?
Dr Puah explains that if you can keep your weight relatively stable, liposuction results can last long, as it reduces fat cell volume, leading to a more contoured body shape.
However, that doesn't mean you can let yourself go and eat whatever you want without consequences. You shouldn't throw away your gym membership to keep those pesky fats from creeping back into your life.
A healthy lifestyle remains crucial for maintaining liposuction results in the long term. While liposuction is a practical, clinically proven way to remove unwanted fat, it's not a magic solution that lasts if you don't do your part.
Is The Procedure Painful?
The most discomfort and soreness are usually felt during the first few days after the procedure, but don't worry, it's temporary. You must wear a compression garment to compress tissue swelling and help with skin retraction in the treated area.
It is crucial to remember that everyone's experience with liposuction is unique, so it's best to speak to Dr Puah about any concerns you may have.
Can Liposuction Treat Loose Skin?
While this procedure can effectively remove excess fat, it's essential to understand that it is not meant to fix loose skin. Depending on the skin's laxity, it can assist in skin firming to a certain degree, but it cannot be used solely to treat loose skin.
Dr Puah recommends combining liposuction with UltRA+ Lift treatment for optimal results. This dual-treatment method uses Calcium Hydroxyapatite and micro-focused ultrasound to tighten and lift the skin after surgery, resulting in a more toned, contoured appearance.
He will work closely with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your unique body shape and goals.
I read that liposuction can improve your health. Is it true?
Liposuction is often viewed as a cosmetic procedure, but did you know it can provide various health benefits?
Studies have shown that liposuction may reduce the number of inflammatory cells in the body. In fact, on average, liposuction can reduce the total amount of these cells by 11% [8]!
It's important to note that inflammatory cells are associated with cardiovascular disease. By reducing the number of these cells, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease is also lowered [1, 2, 3, 5].
But that's not all - liposuction has also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which could reduce the risk of developing Type II diabetes [1, 4, 6, 7].
On top of that, the psychological benefits of liposuction shouldn't be overlooked. By improving body contour and reducing excess fat, liposuction can boost self-esteem and confidence.
While liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, it can also provide significant health benefits when combined with healthy habits.
Dr Ivan Puah, Amaris B. Clinic, Singapore
Liposuction might be the solution if you are tired of struggling with stubborn fat deposits that refuse to budge, no matter how hard you exercise or diet.
However, before undergoing any procedure, it's essential to consult an experienced, accredited liposuction doctor who understands your unique needs and concerns.
Dr Puah and his team believe that ethics, trust and transparency are vital to any cosmetic procedure and putting your wellbeing and body goals first.
During your consultation, you'll have the opportunity to express your concerns, ask questions, and receive a comprehensive evaluation to ensure liposuction is a good fit for you.
Dr Puah understands that every patient is unique, with different body goals, concerns, needs, and desires. His personalised approach has eased many patients' fears and concerns, and each recommendation is centred on your goals while safeguarding your wellbeing.
Make an appointment for your consultation with Dr Ivan Puah today!
