Liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body to improve body contours and proportions. It is not intended as a weight-loss solution but rather to target stubborn fat that does not respond well to diet and exercise. The procedure can be performed on areas such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck, back, and chest.
| Results | Permanent, however doesn't stop fat cells from returning |
|---|---|
| Time in Surgery | 1 - 2.5 hours |
| Time off work | 10 - 14 days |
| Exercise | Limited for 6 weeks |
Indications for Liposuction:
- Body contouring: Used to reshape and refine areas of the body where fat is resistant to exercise or diet.
- Fat redistribution: Fat removed during liposuction can be transferred to other areas of the body in a procedure called fat grafting.
- Treatment of medical conditions: Liposuction may also be used to treat certain medical conditions like lipomas (benign fatty tumors), lymphedema (fluid retention), or gynecomastia (excess fat in male breast tissue).
Before deciding whether to pursue surgery, you may be a good candidate for surgery if:
- You want to remove excess skin and fat from your body
- You are at a stable weight
- You are well-supported and have realistic expectations of the surgery
- You’re able to take sufficient recovery time off of work
- You are a non–smoker or are willing to abstain from smoking at least 8 weeks before surgery and 8 weeks post-surgery
- You are 18 years or older
- You understand there are risks involved and we cannot guarantee outcomes.
The Surgery Process
The decision to undertake any type of elective surgery should be a well thought and long process. We do not recommend rushing into any procedures. Below is a guide on the surgery process and the risks involved.Â
The first step in finding out more about surgery is to schedule a private consultation. In this consultation, you will meet directly with your specialist plastic surgeon. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and get all of your questions answered.
To book a surgery date you can contact our team after a face to face consultation has been completed. You must wait 7 days from the consultation to book a procedure. Â
During the consultation, your surgeon will delve into your medical background, inquiring about your medical history and any history of substance abuse, tobacco, or alcohol use. It’s essential to bring along a comprehensive list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking. The consultation includes a thorough examination of your complete and accurate medical history, where you’ll disclose any past surgeries, procedures, or complications you’ve encountered.
This detailed information equips your surgeon to make an informed decision about your general health and assess whether you are an ideal candidate for the procedure—fortunately, the majority of individuals meet the criteria for the intended procedure.
At the end of your consultation, your surgeon will make recommendations about the best course of action to take for your surgery to achieve the result you are after. Every patient is different, and results always vary. While we can look at your inspiration images, we cannot ever guarantee your post surgery results. You must take this into consideration before proceeding with surgery.
Once you’ve booked your surgery date, a pre surgery appointment will be scheduled 4 weeks prior to your date. This is your chance to meet with your surgeon again, ask any further questions, go over the surgery plan and take some images. This appointment ensures you’re well prepared for the upcoming surgery date.
The night before and the morning of your surgery, you’ll need to adhere to certain guidelines. Typically, you should refrain from eating and drinking fluids after midnight, as is common with many surgical procedures.
Depending on your surgeons advice, you may be allowed to take specific medications with a small sip of water, such as beta-blockers or cholesterol medications. To minimise the risk of infection, it is recommended to shower with an antimicrobial soap both the evening before and on the morning of your surgery. Be gentle, during the cleansing process to avoid irritation.
For hygiene reasons, it’s advised not to wear nasal, nipple or facial piercings to the hospital to prevent loss and potential bacterial contamination.
Upon arrival at the hospital, nursing staff will conduct necessary checks, and you’ll have an opportunity to meet with your surgeon just before the procedure to ensure you feel prepared. In the operating room, you’ll be administered the appropriate anaesthesia.
The surgery is usually conducted in a private hospital and takes 1-2 hours.Â
Small incisions are made into the desired treatment area, and the chosen liposuction technique is used to remove fat. The incisions are then closed with sutures or left to heal naturally.
After the surgery, patients usually need to follow specific care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimise scarring.
- Thermal burn or other heat injury to the skin or deeper tissues from the ultrasound device that is used to liquefy fat cells. This can occur in ultrasound-assisted liposuction
- Complications caused by the injection of anaesthetic fluid can include lignocaine toxicity (if the solution’s lignocaine content is too high) or collection of fluid in the lungs (if too much fluid is given). This can occur in tumescent and super-wet liposuction
- Excessive fluid loss, which can lead to shock
- Fluid accumulation
- Infection that develop in fatty tissues. This can be a serious complication and can be difficult to treat
- Delayed healing
- Friction burns or other damage to the skin or nerves
- Irregular skin surface, uneven contours or rippling
- Asymmetric or ‘baggy’ skin surface
- Change in skin sensation or numbness
- Skin pigmentation changes, skin discolouration or swelling
- Unacceptable scarring
- Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
- Pain, which may be ongoing
- Allergic drug reactions
- Formation of blood clots or fat clots, which may migrate to the lungs
- Persistent swelling in the legs
- Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
- Further surgery may be necessary to address complications
After surgery our recovery specialists will given post-op instructions. It is important to follow carefully. You will be provided with a script for medication, which you will need to purchase after surgery and instructions on when to take the medication over the days ahead. You will be discharged from hospital when your companion picks you up from the hospital. All patients must have a companion to stay with them for 72hours following surgery.
The first week after surgery you should stick to gentle day-to-day activities. This includes minimal house duties, no lifting, staying home as much as possible and sleeping in an elevated position. Commence postoperative exercise (instructions given post surgery).
In the second week of recovery try not to raise your blood pressure too much and still sleep in an upright position. Patients will also be required to attend a postoperative appointment at our office in week 2. this will be scheduled prior to surgery.
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In week 2 patients may:
Commence a light walk
Return to work in week 2 if you have an office job with little physical activity
Avoid sexual intercourse
Start driving provided they are not taking any pain medication. We also recommend waiting 3 days for the medication to be out of your system.
Weeks 3 – 5 patients with more physical jobs can return to work.
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In weeks 3-5 patients may:
Start getting into a light exercise routine, using lower body
Start doing more physical household duties
In weeks 6-8 patients may:
Commence normal exercise routine and duties. Please note, do not push yourself into being back into your pre surgery routines.
Swimming, bathing running, yoga, stretching, spin class and Pilates
Stop wearing compression bra (Textured Mentor implants)
At this stage patients are mostly fully recovered and sutures are absorbed. Patients should always wear a supportive bra when exercising or performing physical activity.Â
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In weeks 9-12 patients may:
Contact sport
Boxing and upper body exercise
Stop wearing compression bra (smooth Motiva implants)
Book An Initial Consultation To Discuss Your Liposuction With One Cosmetic
At One Cosmetic, we’re committed to providing you with the highest quality care. While liposuction is an effective method for fat removal and body sculpting, we strongly recommend consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine if it’s the right option for you.
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At One Cosmetic, our plastic surgeons qualify as Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), receiving 12 years of rigorous and specialised training in facial anatomy. When you choose One Cosmetic, you can trust that you’re in the hands of professionals with years of experience. Discover our entire range of body contouring procedures, including tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts and labiaplasties and book a consultation today. Contact our team if you have any queries — we’re happy to help.
FAQs
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits from specific body areas. At One Cosmetic, we use two methods of liposuction. The first is the tumescent technique, where a small incision is made, and a thin tube called a cannula is inserted beneath the skin. The surgeon then uses the cannula to suction out the fat, contouring the targeted area to achieve a more desired shape.
The other technique is ultrasound-assisted liposuction. It uses ultrasonic energy, with vibrations disrupting fat cell membranes and liquifying fat tissue, then removed through suction.
Liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia and can treat the abdomen, thighs, hips and arms.
Yes, liposuction is well-suited for targeting specific body areas where localised fat deposits are a concern. It allows for precise contouring and shaping in the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms, neck and other extremities. Liposuction can be effective when diet and exercise alone do not yield the desired results in these specific regions, helping individuals achieve a more sculpted appearance.