Liposuction is a surgical procedure that may address excess fat from targeted areas such as the abdomen, hips, arms, buttocks, legs, and even the neck. It involves using a suction technique to remove fat pockets from the body. It is not a cure for weight loss, however, it may help to remove stubborn fat pockets.
Download the 2023 Liposuction Guide
This complete guide to Liposuction covers everything you need to know about this procedure, including:
- Your surgery explained
- How to assess if you are a suitable candidate.
- Planning for your surgery
- Answers to most frequently asked questions.
- Before and after gallery
- Learn more about Liposuction
Am I a Suitable Candidate for Liposuction?
Determining if you are a suitable candidate for Liposuction is a decision that should be made in consultation with a qualified Plastic Surgeon. However, there are some general factors that can help you assess whether you may be a suitable candidate for liposuction:
- You are at a stable weight
- Are in good overall health
- Have realistic expectations
- Good skin elasticity
- A non smoker
Your Surgeon can assess your individual case, discuss your goals and provide personalised recommendations. They will be able to determine whether liposuction may be the right procedure for you or if other options may be more suitable for achieving your desired results.
The Potential Outcomes of Liposuction
Liposuction has many potential outcomes including:
- Changed Body Contour: Liposuction may be a method for removing localised and stubborn fat deposits.
- Targeted Fat Reduction: Liposuction allows for precise and targeted fat reduction in specific areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, and neck.
- Permanent Fat Removal: The fat cells removed during Liposuction may be permanently gone. This means that, if you maintain a stable weight after the procedure, you may get the desired results.
- Noticable Results: You may see noticeable changes in body contour shortly after the procedure, with results continuing to refine over time as swelling subsides.
It is important to note that the specific outcomes of liposuction can vary from person to person and the procedure is not without risks and considerations. To determine whether liposuction may be suitable for you and to maximise its results, it is important to consult with a qualified Plastic Surgeon who can assess your individual needs and expectations and provide you with personalised recommendations. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet after liposuction can help ensure desired results.
What to Expect during Liposuction Surgery
Each procedure is tailored to the individual but You can generally expect the following during liposuction surgery:
Anaesthesia: On the day of the surgery, you’ll receive General Anaesthetic, meaning you will be unconscious for the procedure.
Incisions: Small incisions are made in inconspicuous locations near the targeted areas. These incisions are where the cannulas (hollow tubes) will be inserted.
Fat Removal: The Surgeon inserts the cannulas through the incisions and uses a back and forth motion to break up and suction out the excess fat. The technique used can vary depending on the type of liposuction, such as traditional suction-assisted liposuction, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, or laser-assisted liposuction.
Contouring: The Surgeon contours the treated areas to achieve the desired shape and proportions, paying careful attention to creating transitions between treated and untreated areas.
Closing Incisions: After fat removal is complete, the incisions are typically closed with sutures or tapes, and the area is dressed with bandages or compression garments. The compression garments are worn to reduce swelling and help the skin conform to the new contours.
Recovery Area: After the surgery, you will be moved to a recovery area where you will be monitored as you wake from Anaesthetic.
Risks and Complications
Like any surgery, Liposuction has some risks and potential complications. It is crucial to be aware of these risks and discuss them with your Surgeon during the consultation. Some of the risks and complications associated with liposuction include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling and bruising
- Numbness and changes in sensation
- Seroma
- Haematoma
- Skin irregularities
- Scarring
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
- Organ perforation
- Allergic reactions
- Delayed healing
- Unsatisfactory results
The risk and severity of complications can vary depending on factors such as the extent of the procedure, the skill of the Surgeon and the patient’s overall health. It is essential to follow all pre and post-operative instructions and communicate openly with your Surgeon to minimise risks.
For detailed information about the risks and potential complications, please visit our risks of surgery page.
Recovery
Recovery from Liposuction Surgery is an important phase in achieving desired results and reducing the risk of potential complications. While the specifics of the recovery process can vary depending on the extent of the procedure and individual factors, here are general steps and guidelines to follow during your liposuction recovery:
You may experience discomfort or pain after the surgery. Your Surgeon will prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relief to manage this discomfort. Swelling and bruising are common after liposuction, these side effects will gradually subside over several weeks. Applying cold compresses and keeping the treated areas elevated can help reduce swelling and bruising.
Your Surgeon will provide you with compression garments or bandages to wear over the treated areas. These help reduce swelling and provide support. Follow your Surgeon’s instructions on how long and how often to wear these garments
Gentle walking is encouraged to help with circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots. However, patients should avoid any intense exercise or heavy lifting for a specified period, as per your Surgeon’s recommendations. As you heal and your Surgeon approves, you can gradually increase your activity level. Start with light exercise and build up from there.
It is essential to follow your Surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and report any unusual or concerning symptoms promptly. The recovery timeline can vary from person to person, but most individuals may expect to see the full results of liposuction after a few months, once the swelling has subsided.
What is the Cost of Liposuction Surgery?
All procedures are customised to achieve the desired results for you and the concerns you have. For this reason it is hard to determine an exact price for a liposuction patient without a consultation first.
During the consultation, your Surgeon will talk to you about your wishes, possibilities and expectations that you have from plastic surgery. You will also receive a specific quote for your operation after the consultation.
Minimising Scars After Liposuction
Minimising scars after liposuction surgery is a common concern for many patients. While it is not possible to completely eliminate scars, there are several strategies you can use to help make scars less noticeable and promote optimal healing
We will arrange post-op appointments with our experienced Nursing Team after your procedure to ensure everything is healing well and to monitor your progress. You will see your Surgeon, Nurse and Dermal Team about six to eight weeks later for a scar consultation and plan scar treatments.
The Coco Ruby Dermal Team offers a series of follow-up scar treatments using a customised selection of Skin Needling, Healite II LED and massaging with oils, Fraxel Laser, V-Laser, Silicone strips & gels and Steroids can also help minimise scars.
Why Choose Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery?
Choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon means you are choosing an accredited recognised plastic surgeon that performs surgery in an accredited hospital. Look for members of FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) memberships. ASPS (Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons) ASAPS (Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or ISAPS (International Society Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) as some of the Qualifications of your Plastic Surgeon.
Dr Patrick Briggs, Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Melbourne MED0001537010
FRACS, Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
FRCSI, Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland
FRCS, Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons
Dr Patrick Briggs is an internationally trained, Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 20 years’ experience.
Furthermore, he is experienced in Breast, Body, Face and Gender Confirmation Surgery having performed over 4500 Surgeries in private practice.
If you want to find out more about this procedure book a consultation.
Dr Broughton Snell Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne.
MED0001190266
Bachelor of Science (BSc)(Honours)
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)Honours)
Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
Dr Broughton Snell is a fully qualified specialist plastic surgeon having completed his Fellowship with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
If you want to find out more about a procedure book a consultation.
Mr Gary Kode Plastic Surgeon MED0001405964
MBCHB(Hons) – Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (honours)
FRCS(SA) – Fellowship of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons
FRACS(Plast) Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
Mr Gary Kode is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon, with experience in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as non-surgical treatments.
With over 33 years of experience in Plastic Surgery, he has performed approximately 25,000 procedures, spanning various areas of the body.
If you want to find out more about a procedure book a consultation.
Our Surgeons, Dr Patrick Briggs, Mr Gary Kode and Dr Broughton Snell are all highly experienced, fully qualified specialist plastic surgeons with current FRACS (Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) memberships, with experience in Liposuction Surgery.
How to Book Your Initial Consultation
- Email us below or Call on 1300 599 990 to arrange your surgeon consultation appointment OR
- Book a FREE 15-minute Phone Chat with our Patient Liaison Manager. Book here.
- A Referral from your General Practitioner (GP) or from your Medical Specialist is required (as of 1st July 2023).
- A consultation with one of our surgeons is $300.00
