Liposuction is a technique that removes unwanted fat deposits from areas of the body which prove resistant to exercise and improved diet.
Typically, these include the abdomen, waist, arms, thighs, face, neck, back, buttocks, hips, knees, and ankles.
Planning Your Liposuction
Your Liposuction Consultation in Sydney
Your full medical history, examination, goals, and wishes will be discussed thoroughly.
Your surgeon will determine if you are suitable for a non-surgical soft treatment (e.g. ultra shape, thermage, etc.) or whether you require a surgical solution to the problem.
A soft treatment may be provided at the same consultation if deemed appropriate.
The Liposuction Procedure
The unwanted fat is first liquefied by injections of saline solution combined with local anaesthetic and a vasoconstrictor (a substance which restricts local blood flow).
The surgeon then makes a tiny incision and inserts a hollow, stainless-steel tube called a cannula into the deep fat layer.
Working on this layer is safer than working on the superficial layer because there is less risk of injuring the skin.
The surgeon pushes and pulls the tube through the fat layer and, as the cannula moves, it breaks up the fat cells, which are sucked out with a vacuum pump or syringe.
Techniques and liposuction machines vary among surgeons.
Liposuction in Sydney, Australia takes between 30 minutes and 3 hours depending on the complexity of the case.
After the Liposuction Procedure
Most cases don’t require a stay in hospital. However, surgery involving very large areas will require general anaesthesia and an overnight stay in hospital.
In all cases, a special garment will need to be worn for approximately three weeks.
The wounds heal after three or four days and stitches are usually resorbable (they fall by themselves).
Bruising usually occurs after this and can take up to ten days to subside.
Getting Back to Work and Normal Activities
A minimum of 24 hours rest is recommended following liposuction.
Most people are able to resume their work and social lives after three or four days.
However, depending on the size of your operation, you should expect to wait between 1-3 weeks before undertaking physically demanding activities.
What Are The Risks Associated With This Procedure?
Plastic surgery, like any surgical procedure, carries inherent risks and potential complications.
Please read our Risks and Complications of Plastic Surgery page.