Health Information and Self Care Advice for Scotland

Liposuction

Introduction

To qualify for surgery to improve your appearance, you must meet specific criteria as set out by your local health authority. The NHS will not pay for surgery for cosmetic reasons alone; however, reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery to correct or improve congenital abnormalities and injuries will usually be carried out free of charge.

In cases where a person is morbidly obese (has a body mass index (BMI) of 40kg/m2 or more) and has lost a significant amount of weight as a result of a controlled dieting programme and/or surgery, such as an apronectomy or adominoplasty (tummy tuck), further surgical procedures may be required to remove excess skin or correct any scarring or other abnormalities. Sometimes, as part of this process, liposuction may be used. Generally, however, liposuction is not available on the NHS.

Last updated on 27 June 2007 04:48 PM