Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder that can affect women regardless of BMI. Here's why lipedema can remain hidden for years, especially in skinny women.
June 10, 2026
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Liposuction is an art that’s more than just removing unwanted fat from your body.
It’s a complex surgical procedure that requires skilled hands to achieve the best results.
Because the treatment can permanently reduce fat tissue, it’s also frequently used to treat conditions such as pseudogynecomastia, lipoma, and lipedema.
This is why only a proficient, experienced liposuction doctor can ensure a smooth, successful procedure with natural-looking, contoured results.
Here’s how to choose the right liposuction doctor in Singapore.
The doctor must be efficient & experienced in different types of liposuction
Laserlipolysis (Laser Liposuction)
Performed under local anaesthesia, Laserlipolysis (Laser Liposuction) is a type of laser-assisted liposuction that uses laser emission to break down stubborn fat deposits into liquified fat, which is then removed via a suction tube.
It’s suitable for delicate areas such as the armpit, face, and neck. The procedure also offers tissue-firming benefits, which can effectively improve skin tightening.
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent Liposuction is the most commonly performed form of liposuction, offering the benefits of traditional liposuction while reducing associated surgical risks.
Under local anaesthesia, a special mixture is infiltrated into the treated area. This mixture helps to prevent pain, reduce blood loss and aid in fat removal.
The solution is delivered to the subcutaneous fat layer, which lies between the skin and muscles.
A liposuction cannula then removes the unwanted fat tissue.
Recovery is faster; patients can expect less bruising and pain with tumescent liposuction.
Vaser Liposuction
Vaser Liposuction is a form of ultrasonic-assisted liposuction technique that utilises ultrasonic soundwave energy to fragment targeted localised fat tissues without causing any damage to important connective tissues of the body.
Melted fat is subsequently removed via suction. Fat removed via Vaser Liposuction can be used for facial, breast or buttock enhancements.
4D Liposuction (Hi-Definition Lipo)
4D Liposuction (Hi-Definition Lipo) is suitable for patients seeking more athletic body definition.
During this procedure, the liposuction doctor will remove fat in problem areas while strategically sculpting the body, exposing and highlighting chosen muscle groups.
4D Lipo specifically targets the abdomen and waist for both men and women.
The results depend heavily on the skills and experience of the liposuction doctor.
Ministry of Health Accreditation & Compliance Level
Not all doctors and surgeons can perform liposuction in Singapore.
The Ministry of Health strictly regulates liposuction in Singapore, so ensure that the doctors you have shortlisted are accredited to perform liposuction.
Doctors who want to perform liposuction must be accredited by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore.
Liposuction doctors should also adhere to the MOH rules and regulations in Singapore.
A doctor's ethics are just as important as his credentials.
Artistic sensibility
For the best results that don’t look overdone, Dr Ivan Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor with over 20 years of body sculpting surgical experience, advises to seek a doctor who is known for an artistic sensibility – someone whose philosophy of body sculpting is akin to that of a sculptor creating a masterpiece with a chisel.
A body sculpting procedure is akin to a work of art in progress. The artist's skill, experience, appreciation and understanding of the body aesthetic separate a masterpiece from an average work.
Finding the right doctor with an aesthetic sense is essential to achieving the desired silhouette and true results.
Attention to Patient Care
Attention to patient care is an essential prerequisite for every doctor.
After all, a patient's safety, comfort and well-being are of utmost importance.
This requirement extends beyond the doctor to include the medical team and facility.
Post-operative care and how they handle emergencies are factors that should also be taken note of.
Transparent Communication
Open and honest communication is vital throughout a patient's journey.
A doctor should be a good listener and communicator.
They should understand patients' needs, alleviate worries and concerns, and confidently address any patient's queries.
Trust is essential and must be gained.
How to know if the doctor has performed many liposuction procedures
“It is really important to have high levels of trust in the relationship between you and your doctor. You are not just getting a technical procedure; you are handing over the future of how you look as an individual. I think it is imperative to know about the doctor’s aesthetic sense, experiences, and reputation,” Dr Ivan Puah advises.
Word of mouth
Word-of-mouth recommendations from either family or friends, particularly those who have undergone liposuction, are the ideal first step.
Nonetheless, a search on the Internet will reveal a list of liposuction doctors.
Read the reviews and note patients' experiences regarding other factors, such as bedside manner and professionalism.
Experience of the doctor
An experienced doctor with numerous liposuction procedures can address a patient's needs and anticipate potential issues.
Steady hands, an equally composed mind, and nerves are assets that come with experience.
Consistent results are also good indicators, so find out more about the doctors you have listed.
Ask for before-and-after photos and find out how many liposuction procedures they perform on average each month.
Expertise in managing various complexities of surgery
A doctor should preferably have a good eye for aesthetics to visualise the desired-looking results and, with his know-how, materialise them.
Each body part is unique and requires a different approach.
Dr Ivan Puah believes it is crucial to understand and master the technical aspects of the procedure, including potential complications.
To be meticulous in approach, with a detailed overview and foresight, is essential for a doctor.
A genuinely experienced doctor can undertake this challenge with confidence and relative ease.
