A Complete Guide To Liposuction In Kuala Lumpur And Malaysia (2024)
Hi there!
This guide is meant to be a comprehensive resource on liposuction procedures in Malaysia, be it in Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, or one of her other major cities. Whether you’re a Malaysian or a foreigner, we hope you find answers you’re looking for.
Read from the start or jump to specific parts – here’s how we’ve broken it down:
Table of Contents
Alternatively, skip the reading and schedule an appointment with Dr Soma!
Otherwise, let’s begin.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes anywhere from 300ml up to 10% of a patient’s body weight – we once removed 11,500ml in one sitting!
This manually reshapes the body part according to your goals.
Its main use is to target fat deposits that diet and exercise alone cannot fix due to a body’s genetic predisposition to storing excess fat in a particular part of the body.
Liposuction is NOT:
- an alternative to diet and exercise
- a long-term weight loss strategy
- a method to get rid of cellulite
- a treatment for conditions that cause weight gain
This means that ideally, by the time one undergoes liposuction, they are already at or close to their target weight, and liposuction is the icing on the cake to get them over the finish line.
Is Malaysia a good destination for liposuction?
There are two factors to consider: cost and standard of care.
WhatClinic currently lists 72 certified Malaysian plastic surgeons that collectively have thousands of positive reviews from clients worldwide, and a report by them listed liposuction as the most sought-after aesthetic treatment among medical tourists to Malaysia.
Furthermore, the Malaysian Health Ministry sets high standards for clinics to be recognised as a Practitioner in Aesthetic Medical Practice and closely monitors them.
For these reasons, we believe Malaysia, and her capital city of Kuala Lumpur is an excellent destination for liposuction!
Types of liposuction in Malaysia (back)
At the end of the day, all liposuction methods involve breaking down fat deposits in the body and extracting them via a thin, hollow, metal rod known as a cannula.
The major difference lies in how the fat deposits are initially broken down.
Traditional / suction-assisted liposuction
A solution of saline and medications to reduce pain and bleeding are injected to break down fat. Small incisions are made, and a cannula attached to a vacuum suctions out fat and fluids.
Tumescent liposuction
Tumescent fluid is injected to numb and soften the area while narrowing blood vessels. A cannula is then inserted to suction out fat. Unlike traditional liposuction, this is done under local anesthesia.
Laser liposuction
A laser fiber is inserted through a small incision to liquefy fat, which is then removed with a…you guessed it, a cannula!
Ultrasound / VASER liposuction
An ultrasound-emitting cannula ruptures fat cells for easier removal. VASER technology has also been said to enhance skin contouring and speed up recovery.
Does it make a difference?
While certain techniques have their merits, the surgeon’s skill and experience matters far more.
Instead of hyper-focusing on a specific method, find a reputable surgeon with a proven track record and who is experienced with their liposuction method of choice.
Ultimately, the surgeon guides the cannula, so value steady hands over trends!
3 non-surgical fat removal options (back)
As liposuction is a fat removal procedure, we wanted to highlight several popular alternatives that do not involve surgery.
- Cryolipolysis: Extremely cold temperatures are used to freeze and kill fat cells without affecting surrounding tissue. CoolSculpting is the most well-known brand, but other options are available.
- Laser lipolysis: Heat from a laser is used to break down fat cells while a cooling mechanism protects the skin. The treatment is painless, with no downtime, and results last if weight is stable.
- Injectable deoxycholic acid: Deoxycholic acid is injected to break down fat cells, most commonly to treat double chins. Multiple treatments are typically needed and there is usually mild swelling.
So, in a world with non-surgical options for fat removal, why do we still have liposuction?
Surgical vs. non-surgical fat removal
Non-surgical options are less invasive and offer shorter recovery times, but don’t provide the extent of results of surgical interventions – otherwise there’d be no need for liposuction!
Also, while cost per treatment is lower with non-surgical options, multiple sessions may be needed to achieve the same outcome of one surgery, leading to greater overall cost.
The best way to the most viable option for you is to speak to a doctor.!
Cost of liposuction in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia (back)
We bet this was the first section you skipped to!
Unfortunately, there is no data on the average cost of liposuction in Malaysia or even Kuala Lumpur, and online prices are really just individual clinics publishing their own fees.
Clinic rates in turn vary greatly depending on:
- Location
- Complexity of operation
- Surgeon expertise
- Whether done at the clinic or a hospital operating theatre
- Postoperative care and follow ups, and
- Provision of compression garments
For full transparency, liposuction rates at our clinic begin at RM20,000.
Surgeries are carried out at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, and patients receive three to six months of follow up care.
Some surgeons compete on price and some on quality of service – we choose the latter 🙂
Liposuction cost by body part (back)
The table below breaks down liposuction costs in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia by body part, along with estimated fees and the maximum safe fat removal limit for each area.
| Body Part | Fee Estimate (RM) | Maximum Removable Volume of Fat (litres) |
| Thigh | 20,000-30,0000 | 2 – 5 |
| Arms | 20,000 | 1 – 3 |
| Abdominal Etching | 20,000-30,0000 | 1 – 6 |
| Back | 20,000-30,0000 | 1 – 5 |
| Stomach | 20,000-30,0000 | 2 – 6 |
| Buttocks | 20,000 | 1 – 3 |
Get in touch with us to discuss a package with multiple body parts or parts not listed above.
Liposuction recovery (back)
The recovery period depends on the number of body parts involved, number of incisions, and most importantly, how well the patient adheres to recovery protocols (that means no secretly going to the gym).
Most patients who follow postoperative care instructions resume light activities and exercise within four weeks.
Liposuction recovery timeline
- First week post-surgery: Localised swelling, numbness, and bruising, along with the need for compression garments.
- 2 to 4 weeks post-surgery: Swelling decreases and most return to light activities by the fourth week, though compression garments continue to be worn.
- 6 weeks post-surgery Most swelling should be gone and 90% of final results are visible.
We can’t give a blanket answer as to when final results are achieved, but around six months after the operation is when most stop showing symptoms and experience full benefits.
At any rate, you’ll be visiting your surgeon for follow ups and they’ll advise you on any concerns.
It feels and looks worse initially!
Initially, the area will look larger or bloated due to:
- fluid retention
- bruising, and
- loose skin (depending on patient age and volume of fat removed)
This combination will mask the true results of the liposuction, and it’s not uncommon for patients to go through depression or regret.
It’s important to know this is temporary, and oftentimes all that’s needed are some words of assurance from your surgeon, so tell them if you’re feeling down!
Liposuction risks (back)
Liposuction, like any surgical procedure, comes with risks, namely:
- Contour Irregularities: Uneven fat removal, poor skin elasticity, and scarring can lead to bumpy, wavy, or wrinkled skin.
- Fluid Buildup: Temporary fluid collections beneath the skin that need drainage.
- Numbness: Temporary or permanent numbness in the treated areas.
- Infection: Although rare, skin infections can occur.
- Internal Puncture: In rare cases, the cannula may penetrate too deeply, puncturing an internal organ.
- Fat Embolism: Bits of fat can enter a blood vessel, potentially lodging in the lungs or brain.
- Kidney and Heart Problems: Large volumes of liposuction can cause fluid shifts and issues with the kidneys, heart, and lungs.
We hope that didn’t frighten you too much! While these risks are present, they are very rare.
In all our years at Soma Plastic Surgery, we have not encountered any incidents apart from temporary numbness.
A 14 item checklist: Is liposuction for you? (back)
See if you answer ‘yes’ to the following 14 questions:
- Are you at or near your target weight?
- Have you maintained your weight for at least six months?
- Do you follow a balanced diet and engage in regular physical activity?
- Are you committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-procedure?
- Do you have specific areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise?
- Are you seeking to contour certain body parts, such as the abdomen, thighs, or arms?
- Do you have any chronic health conditions that could complicate surgery (e.g., heart disease, diabetes)?
- Are you a non-smoker, or are you willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure?
- Is your skin reasonably elastic, allowing it to conform to the new body contours?
- Are you aware that poor skin elasticity may lead to contour irregularities?
- Are you over the age of 18?
- Do you have a reliable support system in place for your recovery?
- Are you prepared to follow post-operative care instructions?
- Are you mentally prepared for the physical and emotional changes following the procedure?
If you do, sounds like liposuction is a viable solution to reach your body goals.
Book an appointment with Dr Soma
With over 25 years of experience and having served thousands of patients, Dr. Soma and his team have helped people from all over Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia achieve their aesthetic goals, and they’d be honoured to help you do the same.
