Liposuction
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“In order to stop skin cancer, we have to spot it on time”
Why is liposuction one of the most popular plastic surgeries?
Plastic Surgery Queensland
Suite 2.01
Mater Private Clinic
550 Stanley Street
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Plastic surgery Queensland
Gold Coast
109 W. Burleigh Road
Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
Do you have some stubborn fat that, no matter how much you diet or exercise, you just can’t seem to get rid off? Liposuction is a surgical technique that can help sculpt various body parts by removing stubborn or unwanted fat with a thin lipoaspirator. Quite soon after surgery, you will see a noticeable difference in the shape of your body.
Liposuction Brisbane
What is liposuction?
During liposuction, we surgically remove unwanted fat from specific body areas. This includes the abdomen, buttocks, hips, cheeks, chin and neck. To remove stubborn fat, we use a thin lipoaspirator or cannula, either under suction or power-assisted.
The most common reasons for liposuction are:
- Men and women who have a healthy weight but are still left with stubborn fat deposits despite diet and exercise.
- Women who want to regain their pre-pregnancy body shape.
Prior to surgery, we will look at your medical and surgical history. During consultation, we will talk about your individual reasons for this type of surgery, your goals and expectations, what the surgery will do for you and what it won’t do. We will also discuss medications, allergies, the risk of surgery, potential complications and expected recovery after liposuction.
Plastic surgeon Brisbane
Liposuction, also called body contouring, liposculpture, lipectomy or lipoplasty, may be combined with breast augmentation, breast lift surgery, or tummy tuck surgery. We will discuss this during your consultation.
All fit, healthy men and women can undergo this type of surgery. However, if you expect to lose weight, then liposuction is not for you.
There are two main types of liposculpture:
- Suction-assisted liposuction
- Power-assisted liposuction
In suction-assisted liposuction we remove fat from the body using vacuum suction, whereas in power-assisted body contouring we use a powered tube that moves back and forth through the fat in a rapid motion. Depending on your requirements and the volume that needs treatment, we may use both techniques.
Some patients require only either, and some patients require both. It depends on fat distribution, body type, degree of weight loss, goals of surgery etc. Liposuction does not address skin tone or poor muscle tone which may need attention either before, after or during your surgery.
Where do you operate?
Liposuction procedure
Liposuction: step by step
Anaesthetic
You will be given a general anaesthetic and once you’re asleep we’ll start the procedure by making incisions. Liposuction is performed as day surgery in an operating theatre (contrary to some cosmetic surgeons who perform liposuction in their private rooms which is highly risky and not a safe environment for your surgery).
Incisions
I will make small incisions in the targeted area and place ports or small plastic tubes into the skin.
Removing excess fat
The lipo cannula is guided through these ports, completely shielding the skin from the cannula to minimise bruising and swelling. Fat deposits are removed either under suction or power-assisted, or both.
Closing the incisions
After the fat is removed, I will close the small incisions.
Result
You will see final results 1 to 3 months after surgery, depending on how much fat is removed.
The best preparation is to stay fit and healthy, minimising alcohol intake and not smoking. It’s important that you disclose which medications and supplements you’re taking prior to surgery.
The results are long-lasting however not permanent. Weight gain can occur again and weight can be redistributed once again into the areas of previous removal.
No, stretch marks cannot be removed with liposculpture.
No, it is a fat-removal procedure. If you are after weight loss, we will discuss that as part of your consultation.
Liposuction recovery
Recovery after liposuction
Liposculpture is not painful and most patients go back to work within 48 hours. Please note that you have to wear compression garments for 4 weeks after surgery. This is an essential part of your recovery. It reduces excessive skin from sagging and will enhance and maintain the new contour.
You may feel some mild discomfort and bruising on the first day. You won’t need to stay overnight at the hospital.
Liposuction has the benefit of improving contour and removing fat tissue whilst allowing you to return to work within 48 hours.
Your bruising will have settled and the port sites are now healed.
Compression garment
You will wear a body garment for 4 weeks. Garments are custom and bought prior to the surgery. You will wake up after surgery in that garment, because we want to make the transition as comfortable as possible.
Working, bathing, exercising and driving?
- Working is usually fine within 48 hours.
- Bathing and showering are fine after 36 hours.
- Driving is fine after 2 days.
- No exercising or heavy lifting within the first week after surgery.
Liposuction risks
Risks and complications
The following risks are associated with liposuction surgery:
- Bruising.
- Bleeding.
- Infection (<5%).
- Serious infection is very low (<0.1%).
- Asymmetry.
- Numbess around the port sites.
- Damage to structures (vessels, nerves, muscle, organs very uncommon).
Tiny scars that are barely noticeable.
Liposuction Brisbane cost
What does the procedure cost?
Because you can return to work soon after your surgery, this minimal-invasive procedure should be affordable to anyone with stubborn fat that they cannot get rid of with diet and exercise.
There are many low-cost options both in Australia and overseas and great care should be taken when dealing with a surgeon who is not an ASPS / AHPRA / FRACS recognised plastic surgeon.
Unfortunately, many patients confuse plastic surgeons with cosmetic surgeons (as mentioned in the ABC Four Corners report) and the training differs significantly.
A plastic surgeon has undertaken over 12 years of post-medical specialist training. That’s an important indicator when it comes to choosing a specialist for liposuction surgery.
Plastic surgeon Brisbane
It’s also recommended to always seek second opinions if you have concerns. Ultimately you should feel comfortable with the plastic surgeon you are seeing.
Possibly. Younger patients have elastic skin which tolerates liposuction very well. Older patients may require subsequent surgery (or combined procedures) for best results.
About Dr Andrew Hadj, Plastic surgeon Brisbane
Plastic surgery is the ultimate expression of art and science
Is there any difference between a plastic and cosmetic surgeon
Finding the right surgeon for cosmetic procedures can be a daunting experience if you don’t know what to look for.
