Did Carlota Corredera have liposuction? Yes, and she talked about the recovery

What did Carlota Corredera say about her liposuction?

Speaking to journalists at a theatre premiere in Madrid in January 2018, Corredera told the magazine Semana, as reported by FormulaTV: “In 2010 I had liposuction and had my breasts lifted, because after my weight changed they had dropped.” She added that she would do it again if she saw it was necessary.

She was just as frank about the aftermath: “When I had the liposuction I thought it would be a walk in the park, and it was nothing of the sort. It has a very long recovery process, with drainage and compression garments. It's hard going.” Periodista Digital reported the same statement and her words that she would do it again.

That is the whole of what we rely on here. Corredera did not describe the technique, the treated areas or other medical details in these statements, so we do not guess at them. The sections below describe liposuction in general, not her treatment.

What her words tell future patients

Most celebrity stories stop at the result. Corredera talked about the part in between: drainage, compression garments and the feeling that recovery takes longer than expected. That is a useful, honest reminder. Liposuction is a real operation, and the weeks after it need planning, patience and support.

It is also worth being clear about what liposuction is not. It is not a way to lose weight and does not replace diet and exercise. Its purpose is targeted contouring: removing local fat deposits that stay despite a normal weight and an active lifestyle.

How liposuction is done today

During liposuction excess subcutaneous fat is removed through a thin cannula. Fat cells removed from treated areas do not grow back, so with a stable lifestyle the result lasts for a long time. Two techniques are used at City Medical Centre:

• Tumescent liposuction — a solution based on saline with lidocaine and adrenaline is first injected into the area. It loosens the fat and constricts the vessels, which reduces blood loss; the fat is then removed by vacuum.
• VASER liposuction — fat cells are first broken down by ultrasound. It is used for defining muscle relief and for delicate areas.

Several areas can be treated in one operation. The operation takes from one hour for small areas to 3–4 hours for a combined procedure, under local or general anaesthesia depending on the scope.

Who is it for, and how to prepare

Liposuction suits local fat deposits that resist diet and exercise, uneven fat distribution, changed body proportions after childbirth or sudden weight loss, and the fat component of gynecomastia in men. Contraindications include age under 18, endocrine obesity, decompensated diabetes, blood clotting disorders, cancer, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and serious heart, kidney or liver disease.

Before surgery patients have blood tests, a coagulation panel, infection tests, an ECG and a chest X-ray; City Medical Centre also orders a hormonal screening. Medicines that affect clotting are stopped two weeks before (only with the doctor), alcohol and smoking a week before, and the last meal is eight hours before surgery.

Recovery: what “drainage and compression garments” mean in practice

With general anaesthesia the patient spends one day in hospital; with local anaesthesia discharge is 3–4 hours after surgery. Compression garments are worn for 30–45 days: they hold the new contour and help the tissues recover. Most patients return to work within 3–7 days. Mild swelling and a raised temperature are possible in the first week. In the first month the sauna, pool and intense sport are off-limits; lymphatic drainage massage and pressotherapy are recommended. First visible changes appear after 3–4 weeks, and the final result is assessed at three months.

1. Day of surgeryMarking of the areas and fitting of compression garments; the operation lasts from 1 hour to 3–4 hours.
2. First hoursWith local anaesthesia, discharge after 3–4 hours; with general anaesthesia, one day in hospital.
3. Days 3–7Most patients are back at work; mild swelling is normal.
4. Day 7First check-up with the surgeon.
5. Weeks 3–4Swelling subsides and the first changes become visible.
6. Days 30–45Compression garments come off; sauna, pool and sport gradually return.
7. Month 3The skin has tightened and the final result is assessed.

Liposuction at City Medical Centre

City Medical Centre in Moscow performs tumescent and VASER liposuction for international patients. The first consultation is free; the final price is calculated after an examination and fixed in the contract, and interest-free instalments are available. Check-ups are scheduled 7 days, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. More details are on the liposuction page.

To be clear: City Medical Centre has no connection with Carlota Corredera or her treatment. Her story is simply a well-known example of someone who spoke openly about the operation and its recovery.

Frequently asked questions

When did Carlota Corredera have liposuction?

She said in January 2018 that she had it in 2010, together with a breast lift after her weight changed.

What did she say about the recovery?

She said she thought it would be a walk in the park, but the recovery was long and hard going, with drainage and compression garments. She also said she would do it again if necessary.

Does liposuction help you lose weight?

No. It removes local fat deposits to improve body contour. It does not replace diet and exercise, and a stable weight helps keep the result.

How much does liposuction cost at City Medical Centre?

Prices start at $1,200 for the thighs; the abdomen costs $1,700, flanks $1,400, abdomen and flanks $2,400. The final price is set after an examination and fixed in the contract.

How long do I wear compression garments?

Usually 30–45 days. They fix the new contour and speed up tissue recovery.