Treatments / Body / Lipoedema liposuction
Water-assisted, lymph-sparing liposuction
Lipoedema Liposuction in Kent, Surrey, Sussex and London
Relief for painful, heavy legs
Lipoedema liposuction with Mr Siva Kumar uses gentle, lymph-sparing techniques, including water-assisted liposuction (WAL), to reduce painful lipoedema fat in the legs and arms, often over more than one stage.
At a glance
About lipoedema
More than stubborn fat
Lipoedema is a long-term condition, almost always in women, in which fat builds up symmetrically in the legs and sometimes the arms, usually sparing the hands and feet. The fat is often painful and tender, bruises easily, and does not respond well to diet or exercise.
Lipoedema liposuction removes this abnormal fat using gentle techniques designed to protect the lymphatic vessels, such as water-assisted liposuction (WAL) or tumescent liposuction. Because a large amount of fat is often involved, treatment is usually planned in stages a few months apart.
Surgery works best alongside ongoing care such as compression, exercise and a stable weight. NICE guidance (2022) says the evidence on liposuction for lipoedema is still limited, and recommends that it is done as part of research, in specialist centres by surgeons experienced in the procedure, with patients chosen by a team that includes lipoedema specialists. Mr Kumar will talk this through with you.
Lipoedema liposuction can help with
- Pain, heaviness and tenderness in the legs
- Easy bruising
- Disproportion between the upper and lower body
- Difficulty walking, or chafing
- Finding clothes that fit
What it won’t do
- Cure lipoedema
- Treat lymphoedema from other causes
- Replace compression and self-care
Our technique
Water-assisted liposuction
Water-assisted liposuction (WAL), sometimes called body-jet liposuction, is a gentle way of removing lipoedema fat. A fine tube called a cannula sprays a thin, fan-shaped jet of fluid that rinses fat cells loose, and the same cannula suctions them away at the same time.
Less fluid
Because fluid goes in gradually as the fat comes out, much less is needed than with traditional tumescent liposuction. NICE’s guidance on lipoedema describes water-assisted liposuction as one technique that helps remove fat more easily, using less fluid.
Gentle on lymph vessels
The jet is designed to loosen fat while leaving lymph vessels, blood vessels and nerves largely intact. Protecting the lymphatic system matters in lipoedema, where the legs are prone to swelling.
What the evidence shows
Studies of water-assisted liposuction for lipoedema report less pain and heaviness, and many patients need less compression and lymphatic drainage afterwards. Most studies are small and not randomised, so Mr Kumar will be honest with you about what to expect.
Watch & read
Everything you need to know, in one place
Patient guide
Lipoedema liposuction: your patient guide
A detailed booklet written by Mr Kumar. It explains the procedure in depth, how to prepare, every risk and complication, and how to look after yourself afterwards.
Opens as a booklet you can flick through. Your copy is also given to you at consultation.
Your journey
Your step-by-step journey
Your journey starts the moment you get in touch. From your first enquiry to your final check-up, you deal with the same small team, and you will always feel listened to, informed and never rushed.
Get in touch
Call, email or send an enquiry. Our team replies promptly and personally, and finds a time and clinic that suit you.
There is no pressure and no sales script. Tell us a little about what prompted you to get in touch, and we will make sure your consultation is with the right person for you.
Consultation
An unhurried, face-to-face appointment with Mr Kumar himself, who will be your surgeon from start to finish.
He listens to what you would like to change, examines you, explains every option, including non-surgical ones and doing nothing, and gives you an honest view of the likely result.
Time to decide
You receive a written plan, a clear quote and your patient guide, then take as long as you need.
A second consultation is included before surgery, and there is a cooling-off period of at least two weeks. Bring someone with you, ask anything, and change your mind at any point.
Day of treatment
Lipoedema liposuction, often using water-assisted liposuction, is done under general anaesthetic and usually takes two to four hours. Most people stay one night, and you wake up in a compression garment.
He will see you beforehand to go through the plan and answer last-minute questions, and you will have clear instructions and a number to call once you go home.
Aftercare and follow-up
Reviews at each stage of your recovery, with support 24 hours a day whenever you need it.
Follow-up appointments are included in your package price, and continue until you have healed and are happy with how things have settled. You wear compression garments for at least six weeks after each stage, and continue your usual compression and self-care long term.
Recovery
Healing, step by step
Everyone heals at their own pace. This is a typical recovery, and Mr Kumar will give you a personal plan.
Swelling, bruising and fluid leaking from the small incisions. Walk little and often.
Most people return to desk work.
Bruising fades. Keep wearing your compression garments.
Return to exercise, building up gradually.
Swelling settles, the result of that stage becomes clear and the next stage can be planned.
Safety
Risks and staying safe
All surgery carries some risk. Mr Kumar will go through these with you in detail, and the patient guide covers them in full, so you can make an informed decision.
Possible risks
- Bruising, swelling and discomfort
- Contour irregularities or uneven areas
- Loose skin after fat removal
- Numbness or altered sensation
- Fluid collection (seroma)
- Infection
- Fluid shifts and anaemia with larger volumes
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Need for further stages or touch-up surgery
Lowering your risk
- Keep a healthy, stable weight before and after surgery
- Tell us about any new swelling of your feet or ankles
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners
- Stop smoking and vaping well before and after surgery
- Follow your aftercare plan and attend every follow-up
- Call us at any time if something does not feel right
Fees
Guide price from£4,000
Self-pay consultations £250.
One package price. No hidden surprises.
If you go ahead, you receive a single package price covering your whole journey, so you know exactly what you are paying before you commit. It usually includes:
- Your surgeon’s fee
- Anaesthetist’s fee
- Hospital and theatre fees
- Follow-up consultations
- Aftercare, with 24/7 support
- A clear written quote
FAQs
Your questions, answered
Is lipoedema liposuction available on the NHS?
Rarely. Most patients have it privately. Some insurers consider it in specific cases, so check your policy.
How many operations will I need?
Many people need two or three stages, for example one for the outer legs and one for the inner legs. Mr Kumar will plan this with you.
Will the fat come back?
Fat cells removed by liposuction do not grow back, but lipoedema can continue in other areas. Keeping a stable weight and wearing compression helps.
Will I have loose skin?
Possibly, especially if a lot of fat is removed or your skin is less elastic. Skin tightening or, later, a thigh or arm lift can help.
How is lipoedema different from being overweight?
Lipoedema fat is usually symmetrical and painful, spares the feet and hands, and does not shrink much with diet. Many people with lipoedema are not overweight.
What is water-assisted liposuction?
A gentle type of liposuction that uses a fan-shaped jet of fluid to loosen fat while the same cannula suctions it away. It uses less fluid than traditional tumescent liposuction and is designed to protect the lymph vessels.
Has NICE approved water-assisted liposuction for lipoedema?
NICE does not approve individual liposuction techniques. Its 2022 guidance on liposuction for lipoedema describes water-assisted liposuction as one technique that helps remove fat more easily with less fluid. It says the evidence for lipoedema liposuction is still limited, and recommends that it is done as part of research, in specialist centres by experienced surgeons. Mr Kumar will talk you through what this means for you.
Lipoedema liposuction: what is the guide price?
The guide price starts from £4,000. Your final fee depends on your treatment plan and choice of hospital, and is confirmed in a written quote after consultation. Self-pay consultations cost £250.
Is it covered by insurance?
Cosmetic treatment is not usually covered by health insurance. Where there is a medical reason, it may be. Insurers will need Mr Kumar’s full name, Siva Kumar Veeramani, and GMC number 6114710.
Locations
Where to have your lipoedema liposuction in Kent, Surrey and Sussex
Your consultation and follow-up appointments with Mr Siva Kumar are at The Ü Clinic in Sevenoaks, Kent, or The Ü Clinic in Oxted, Surrey. Depending on your treatment plan, it is done at the clinic or at one of his partner hospitals: The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead, West Sussex, KIMS Hospital in Maidstone, or North Downs Hospital in Caterham. See all of Mr Siva Kumar's clinic and hospital locations.
Both clinics are within easy reach of Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge, West Malling, Westerham, Swanley, Dartford, Gravesend, Orpington, Bromley, Redhill, Reigate, Caterham, Coulsdon, Purley and Croydon. KIMS Hospital in Maidstone is close to Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham, Aylesford and Ashford, and The McIndoe Centre in East Grinstead is close to Crawley, Horley, Haywards Heath and Edenbridge. Patients also travel from across Sussex, including Brighton, Worthing, Horsham, Eastbourne, Hastings and Crowborough.
Lipoedema liposuction cost: guide prices start from £4,000. Your fee is confirmed in a written quote after your consultation. See all prices.
Thinking about lipoedema liposuction?
Start with an unhurried consultation with Mr Siva Kumar at The Ü Clinic in Sevenoaks or Oxted. Self-pay consultations cost £250.