Body contouring in Alicante
Removing localised fat that does not shift with diet or exercise, in women and men, using a technique in which a pressurised jet of fluid loosens the fat before it is suctioned. Dr Navarro assesses every case, including lipoedema, to decide whether it is the right option for you.
Anaesthesia
Local with sedation or general
Duration
1 to 3 hours, depending on the areas
Hospital stay
Day case or one night
Compression garment
About 4 to 6 weeks
Back to work
Around 1 week
Final result
Between 3 and 6 months
Approximate figures. They are confirmed at your consultation for each case.
The technique
Liposuction removes localised fat through incisions just a few millimetres long, using fine cannulas connected to suction. In WAL liposuction (Water-jet Assisted Liposuction), the cannula also releases a fan-shaped jet of fluid at a controlled pressure, which gradually loosens the fat cells from the surrounding tissue so that they can be suctioned more easily.
The fluid contains a local anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictor, and it is applied gradually during the procedure, rather than all being injected at the start as in classic tumescent liposuction. This means less pulling on the blood vessels, nerves and lymphatic vessels in the area. Dr Navarro uses the body-jet system, a device designed for this technique.
WAL is also used for lipoedema, a condition of the fatty tissue that almost always affects women and causes a disproportionate build-up of fat, mainly in the legs and arms, often with pain, heaviness and easy bruising. Liposuction can improve the volume and the symptoms, but it does not cure the condition: it usually requires more than one operation, it does not replace compression or exercise, and each case is assessed individually.
It is not a weight-loss treatment and does not replace diet and exercise. It is designed for localised fat deposits in people with a stable weight, and skin quality has a major influence on the result.
Suitability
If excess skin or laxity is the main issue, liposuction alone may leave the skin looser; in those cases a tummy tuck or a lift is considered. Nor is it a way to lose weight or treat obesity, and it does not get rid of cellulite.
At your consultation, Dr Navarro will tell you clearly whether liposuction makes sense in your case or whether there is a more suitable option.
Before you decide
At your first consultation you are seen personally by Dr Navarro. What matters is finding out whether liposuction is the answer in your case, which areas it makes sense to treat and what result is realistic.
01
Which areas concern you, how your weight has changed over time and whether you notice pain, heaviness or easy bruising, which may point to lipoedema.
02
How the fat is distributed, the quality and elasticity of your skin and the condition of your muscles, to see whether there is laxity that needs a different technique.
03
Which areas to treat, how much fat it is sensible to remove in a single operation, what type of anaesthesia will be used and what recovery will involve.
04
You take the information away in writing, with the quote and the risks. You can ask about anything you are unsure of before you decide.
On the day of surgery
Before
Pre-operative tests and an assessment by the anaesthetist. On the day, Dr Navarro marks the areas to be treated while you are standing.
Start
Depending on the areas and the volume, under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia. The incisions are just a few millimetres long and are placed in creases or discreet areas.
During
The cannula delivers the fluid as a jet and, at the same time, suctions the fat as it is loosened. Dr Navarro works in layers, aiming for an even contour.
Finish
The incisions are closed and a compression garment is fitted, which helps the skin adapt to the new contour.
Afterwards
Days 1 to 3
It is normal to feel aching similar to muscle soreness after exercise, to have some swelling and for the incisions to leak a little fluid. It is advisable to walk from the first day.
First week
Follow-up appointment at the clinic. Many people return to work that is not physically demanding after around a week, depending on the areas treated.
Weeks 2 to 6
The compression garment is usually worn for 4 to 6 weeks. Lymphatic drainage massage may help if Dr Navarro recommends it, and sport is resumed gradually.
Months 1 to 3
The swelling goes down little by little. Some areas may feel slightly firm or have altered sensation, which improves over time.
Between 3 and 6 months
The contour settles and the final result is usually assessed within this timeframe. It is maintained as long as your weight remains stable.
Comparison
The difference lies in how the fat is loosened before it is suctioned. It is not a better technique for everyone: the result depends above all on the diagnosis and the planning.
| Conventional liposuction | WAL liposuction | |
|---|---|---|
| The fat | Loosened mainly by the movement of the cannula. | Loosened by a pressurised jet of fluid before it is suctioned. |
| The fluid | All injected at the start, in a large volume, and left to take effect. | Applied gradually during the procedure; less volume is usually needed. |
| Recovery | Varies from case to case. | Some studies report less swelling and bruising. Recovery varies from patient to patient. |
| Fat for grafting | Can be reused after processing. | Collected in a closed circuit and can be reused during the same operation. |
Important information
Like any surgery, liposuction carries risks. They are uncommon, but it is important to know about them before you decide:
Dr Navarro will go through them with you at your consultation, and they will be set out in the informed consent form.
Common questions
What changes is how the fat is loosened: in WAL, a pressurised jet of fluid does this gradually, instead of relying only on the movement of the cannula. It may be gentler on the tissues, but the result depends above all on the diagnosis and the planning.
It does not cure it, but in many cases it reduces the volume and eases the pain and heaviness. More than one operation is usually needed, conservative treatment (compression, exercise and weight control) must continue and each case is assessed individually.
Yes. The technique is the same; in men, the flanks, abdomen and chest are often treated.
Rather than pain, most patients describe aching similar to muscle soreness after exercise for the first few days, which is controlled with standard painkillers.
It depends on your weight, your health and the areas involved. There is a sensible limit per operation and, if there is a lot to treat, it is sometimes better to do it in two stages.
The fat cells that are removed do not grow back, but the remaining ones can get bigger if you gain weight. Keeping your weight stable helps to maintain the result.
The improvement can be seen in the first few weeks, but the swelling takes time to go. The final result is usually assessed between 3 and 6 months.
It depends on the number of areas, the volume and the type of anaesthesia. The quote is confirmed after your first consultation.
Your surgeon
Plastic surgeon in Alicante, focused on facial, breast and body surgery. He sees you personally at the first consultation, during surgery and at every follow-up.
“Every procedure is unique. My commitment is to combine advanced technique with sound medical judgement, with one clear aim: natural results in harmony with your face and body.”
Clinic at Carrer de Velázquez, 2, 03560 El Campello (Alicante)
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