Wondering if incision count affects your price/outcome? MOH-accredited Dr Ivan Puah explains how incisions are planned & what is usually included in the cost.
June 28, 2026
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Generally, incision size depends on the cannula diameter, up to 1cm
- Dr Ivan Puah usually make the cut from 0.3 to 0.5 cm
- Placement is guided by effective access and aesthetic concealment
- The number of incisions should be determined clinically, not by a pricing structure
- Zone-based or incision-based pricing can potentially lead to compromised results and unforeseen costs
- Always verify MOH liposuction accreditation, surgical experience, facility standards, and pricing transparency
One of the most common questions patients raise during a liposuction consultation in Singapore is whether the number of incisions matters, and if it affects the overall cost.
Because liposuction is a procedure aimed at improving a patient's body confidence by correcting a disproportionate body shape and removing stubborn body fat, unnecessary post-op scarring is definitely something we want to avoid.
Dr Ivan Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor with over two decades of body sculpting experience in Singapore, addresses these questions with transparency.
How Many Incisions Does Liposuction Require?
There is no single universal answer. Incision count depends on the areas being treated, the patient's anatomy, and the surgical technique used.
What Determines Incision Size?
Generally, incision size is directly linked to the diameter of the liposuction cannula (the blunt, hollow instrument used to remove fat). Cannulas typically range from 0.3 cm to 1 cm in diameter.
I usually plan incisions measuring 0.3 to 0.5 cm, placing them strategically along natural body creases to minimise visibility once healed.
Dr Ivan Puah’s Two Guiding Principles of Incision Placement
Incision placement is guided by two core principles:
- Effective access: The cut must allow the cannula to reach fat tissues from optimal angles
- Concealment: Incisions are hidden within natural skin folds, creases, or areas typically covered by clothing
Where Are Liposuction Incisions Typically Made?
Here are some examples of incisions made on areas where I usually conceal them.
Arm Liposuction
Incisions for arm liposuction are commonly hidden:
- In the armpit : Patients can wear sleeveless tops without revealing scars
- Around the elbow: A 0.2 to 0.4 cm incision placed in the natural elbow crease becomes nearly invisible once healed
Tummy (Abdomen) Liposuction
For abdominal liposuction, incisions are typically concealed:
- Around the belly button
- Near the groin, within natural flexure lines that are easily covered by underwear or clothing
Inner and Outer Thigh Liposuction
For the inner thigh and saddlebag areas, incisions are hidden within skin folds, so they are undetectable when standing.
This placement also allows the cannula to target fat deposits from multiple angles, resulting in smoother contouring.
Why do some practices charge based on the number of incisions?
When researching liposuction, you may encounter medical providers that price procedures by the number of incisions made or by dividing a single treatment area into multiple separately charged zones.
For example, the abdomen might be divided into 3 or 4 zones, with each area priced based on the number of incisions required. This division may also be presented as a more accessible entry point.
On the surface, this can appear transparent and affordable to patients.
But is this pricing model aligned with how liposuction is performed that will give you good results?
The Problem with Incision-Based Pricing: Liposuction incision planning should be driven by anatomy, not by a pricing grid.
The number and placement of incisions are clinically determined by:
- The patient's unique body shape and proportions
- Distribution of fat tissue across the area
- The specific zones being treated
- The surgical manoeuvres required to achieve smooth, even contours
The human body is three-dimensional. Placing an incision in a suboptimal location, even to keep the count lower, can limit the cannula's range of movement and directly compromise results.
Risks of Zone-Based or Incision-Based Pricing
| Risk | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Uneven body contour | Treatment planned around pricing tiers, not the patient's silhouette. |
| Hidden costs | The "entry price" may not reflect the total areas ultimately needed. |
| Clinical compromise | Incision decisions driven by cost, not patient outcome. |
How Should Liposuction Be Priced?
In our practice, the pricing structure is determined by:
- The clinical condition being addressed
- The complexity of the procedure
- The patient's overall treatment goals
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that requires thoughtful surgical planning. This means the surgical plan is developed based on what is clinically appropriate.
Decisions about incisions, such as how many, where they are placed, and how they work together to achieve a natural silhouette, should always be guided by clinical necessity and with the patient's safety and desired outcome in mind.
How to Choose a Liposuction Doctor in Singapore
When exploring liposuction surgery, cost is often the first factor that comes to mind for a patient.
However, choosing a liposuction doctor based solely on the price tag may not lead to the best outcome.
Other important considerations that can significantly affect both your safety and your results include:
Verify MOH Accreditation
In Singapore, liposuction is strictly regulated. Only doctors who are accredited by the Ministry of Health (MOH) are licensed to perform the procedure.
This liposuction accreditation is not automatic, it requires the doctor to meet specific training and competency standards.
Beyond basic accreditation, it is also worth noting the doctor's broader qualifications, such as additional hands-on training in liposuction techniques.
Assess Experience and Track Record
It is important to ask about:
- Total number of liposuction procedures performed
- Experience across different body types and conditions
- Familiarity with techniques such as Vaser liposuction or laser liposuction
An experienced doctor is more likely to anticipate challenges and pivot easily during surgery without compromising results.
Review Before-and-After Patient Portfolios
A portfolio, often shown as before-and-after photos, can provide valuable insight into the doctor's aesthetic sensibilities, technical skill, and consistency of outcomes across different patients.
Evaluate the Surgical Facility
The facility in which the procedure is performed is just as important as the doctor performing it.
Liposuction must be carried out in an MOH-licensed facility, such as a hospital or an accredited ambulatory surgical centre.
These facilities are subject to regular inspections and must adhere to strict safety standards.
Understand the Approach to Anaesthesia
In Singapore, an anaesthetist must be present to care for and monitor a patient's vital signs during a liposuction procedure.
Liposuction is typically performed under local or general anaesthesia, with each type having its own considerations.
Be sure to ask what safety protocols will be in place during the procedure, and if the anaesthetist is MOH-accredited and experienced.
Assess the Consultation Quality
The consultation is an opportunity to assess whether the doctor is a good fit for you.
During the consultation, observe the following:
- Does the doctor take time to understand your goals?
- Are they clear about what can realistically be achieved?
- Do they explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives?
- Are they open to answering your questions thoroughly?
A rushed consultation or vague responses are red flags.
Consider the Pricing Structure
Liposuction costs in Singapore vary widely.
Some practices charge based on the number of incisions or areas treated, while others may base their prices on the clinical condition and overall liposuction goals.
When comparing prices, ask:
- Is the quoted cost all-inclusive, or will there be extra fees?
- Are you receiving a personalised quote based on your body goals and needs?
A thorough consultation will typically result in a more accurate estimate.
Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust how you feel.
If something feels off, whether it is the clinic environment or the information provided during the consultation, it may be worth seeking a second opinion.
A good doctor-patient relationship is built on mutual trust and open communication.
FAQ About Liposuction Incisions and Scars
What should I expect as liposuction incisions heal?
In the days immediately after surgery, incision sites will form scabs and appear pink or red. Over 6 to 12 months, scars fade and blend with the surrounding skin, becoming significantly less noticeable.
What do healed liposuction scars look like?
Healed liposuction scars are typically flat, faded to your (almost) natural skin tone, and have indistinct edges. Individual results vary based on skin type and healing response.
How can I tell how light my liposuction scars will fade?
Ask your doctor to show you before-and-after cases from their own patients. Scars change in colour, size, and texture over time, generally improving with maturity.
How long do liposuction scars take to fade?
Scars can take up to 18 months to fully mature, becoming thinner and smoother over time. Patience is important during the healing process.
Why do liposuction incisions feel itchy after surgery?
Itching at the wound site is a positive sign as it indicates active tissue repair. As new skin cells form, nerve endings in the area become sensitive. An antihistamine can help manage the discomfort.
Does the number of incisions in liposuction affect the cost?
Incision-based pricing is not necessarily aligned with achieving the best outcome. Treatment planning should follow anatomy, not pricing tiers.
That being said, some practices charge based on incision count or treatment zones, while others base fees on clinical complexity and overall goals.
