Liposuction

What is liposuction surgery?

Liposuction, also known as liposculpture, is a surgical procedure performed to remove excess fat from targeted areas of the body such as the abdomen, hips, buttocks, legs, back, arms and even the neck. Liposuction surgery involves using a suction technique to remove unwanted fat deposits or fat pockets from specific areas of the body to improve body shape, contours and proportions. Liposuction is not a cure or substitute for weight loss, but a method for removing localised deposits of fatty tissue or stubborn fat pockets that do not respond to diet or exercise. In some cases, the fat that is harvested from a liposuction procedure may be used for Fat Grafting to a different area of the body.

The best surgical approach for liposuction will depend on the patient’s personal circumstances, overall health and healing capacity, and will be customised to suit the patient’s unique needs and natural body anatomy, all of which will be discussed during a consultation. This tailored approach ensures the fat removal process aligns with the patient’s goals and desired outcomes, while addressing any specific concerns the patient may have.

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction surgery carries potential risks and complications that need to be considered. It is important to consult with an experienced specialist plastic surgeon to discuss the best treatment options, expected outcomes, what to expect during recovery and cover any potential risks associated with liposuction, including how these will be managed in the case complications do arise.

Our experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeons provide personalised consultations to create a tailored plan that is best suited to achieve the patient’s goals.

Also known as:

• Liposculpture
• Fat Removal Surgery
• Body Contouring
• Fat Reduction Surgery

Liposuction Surgery | What To Expect

Indications for Liposuction

Liposuction can be performed on various areas of the body for a number of reasons. Some of the common indications for liposuction surgery include:

Body contouring: Liposuction can be used to reshape and refine areas of the body where fat is resistant to exercise or diet

Fat redistribution: Fat removed during liposuction may be transferred to other areas of the body in a procedure called fat grafting

Treatment of medical conditions: Liposuction may be used to treat certain medical conditions such as lipomas (benign fatty tumours), lymphedema (fluid retention), or gynaecomastia (excess fat in male breast tissue)

Am I a suitable candidate for liposuction surgery?

Liposuction is a suitable procedure for those who are struggling to shift pockets of fat, despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle of diet and exercise.

The best liposuction candidates include men and women who:

• Are of stable weight
• Are in good overall health
• Are non-smokers or are willing to give up smoking for the required timeframe pre-and post-surgery
• Have good skin tone and elasticity
• Have realistic expectations of surgical outcomes
• Understand there are risks and limitations of liposuction and outcomes are not guaranteed

Individuals considering liposuction surgery are encouraged to understand that liposuction should not be considered as a substitute for weight loss, and that they should be physically healthy prior to seeking to refine and contour their figure via liposuction.

What surgical techniques are involved with liposuction surgery?

Liposuction surgery can be performed using a number of different techniques in order to improve the appearance and shape of the targeted area. There are four common techniques used for liposuction:

Tumescent Liposuction:

Tumescent liposuction uses a special type of liquid (tumescent liquid) injected into the targeted area to liquify the fat for removal. The liquid contains numbing agents and vasoconstrictors – blood vessel shrinking agents. These two chemicals increase the patient’s comfort and reduces the swelling both before and after liposuction. These chemicals also help decrease the risk of excess bleeding and shortens the recovery time.

Super-Wet Liposuction:

Super-Wet Liposuction is a method that also injects liquid into the targeted area for fat removal. The liquid contains a numbing agent, a blood vessel contractor, and a small percentage of salt. This method is very similar to Tumescent Liposuction but uses less liquid and is typically a faster liposuction method used to remove unwanted fat.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction:

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, also commonly referred to as vaser liposuction, is a liposuction technique that uses ultrasound waves to break down fat and liquify it, making it easier to extract. Some patients report that recovery following ultrasound-assisted liposuction is faster than with tumescent liposuction as the ultrasound waves break down the fat, therefore the removal process can be less invasive for the patient.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction:

Similar to Ultrasound-Assisted liposuction, Laser-Assisted Liposuction uses a cannula that has a laser beam at its end to break down the fat the same way as ultrasound-assisted liposuction. The laser helps break down and liquify the fat tissue for removal.

All of these liposuction techniques have their unique attributes and limitations and are suitable for different patients dependent on their individual circumstances and anatomy. A thorough assessment will be conducted during your consultation to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for you to best achieve your aesthetic goals.

Following surgery, patients will be provided with specific post-operative aftercare instructions to support optimum healing and recovery. Our nursing team will be in touch the day after your surgery to check in on your recovery and answer any questions or concerns you may have following your procedure. Our patient care team will organise your follow-up care and complimentary review appointments to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions to help aid a smooth recovery and to achieve the best possible results from their liposuction procedure. Adherence to appropriate post-surgery care is essential for optimal healing and results.

Stomach Liposuction vs. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): What’s the difference?

Both liposuction and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) are procedures designed to improve the contour of the stomach area, but they serve different purposes and are suited to different patient needs.

Stomach Liposuction

Liposuction is a minimally invasive fat removal procedure that targets stubborn fat deposits in the abdominal area. It involves making small incisions and using a cannula to suction out fat, refining body shape and contour.

Best for: Individuals with good skin elasticity who have localised fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise.

Does not address: Loose or excess skin, stretched abdominal muscles, or significant weight loss-related changes.

Recovery: Swelling and bruising typically subside within a few weeks, with final results visible in a few months.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Abdominoplasty is a more extensive surgical procedure designed to remove excess skin and fat while also tightening weakened or separated abdominal muscles. This is often performed after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

Best for: Individuals with loose or excess skin, muscle separation (diastasis recti), or loss of abdominal tone.

Addresses: Skin laxity, stretch marks (depending on location), and muscle repair.

Recovery: Requires longer downtime than liposuction, with several weeks of restricted activity to allow for healing.

When considering whether to undergo liposuction or abdominoplasty to the abdominal area, it is important to consider current anatomy and what can realistically be achieved based on each individual patient. Stomach liposuction is less invasive than abdominoplasty and does not involve large incisions, with fat removal performed through several small incisions.

Abdominoplasty surgery, however, is designed to remove excess loose skin and tighten abdominal muscles, therefore, liposuction alone is not recommended for patient’s that have poor quality or excess loose skin.

If your main concern is excess fat but you have good skin tone, liposuction may be a more suitable option. If you have loose skin and/or stretched muscles, an abdominoplasty may provide a more comprehensive result. Both liposuction and abdominoplasty may be combined for enhanced shape and contouring, and is often performed as a combined procedure to enhance results.