Liposuction (or liposculpture) is a surgical procedure to remove excess fat cells and reshaping the body by removing pockets of excess fat. Fat is removed with a suction cannula through small incisions. The best candidates for liposuction are those with stable body weight, good skin elasticity and localised pockets of excess fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. It is also important to be in good physical health and have realistic expectations.
Lipo, Tumescent Liposculpture, body sculpting, body contouring, fat reduction surgery and mega liposuction
Ankles, legs, stomach, 'love handles', arms, chest, neck, chin, jowls and breast
Surgical
from $2200
The maximum amount of fat that can be taken out in one procedure is 5 litres, so the patient must be realistic around this volume. It is possible to do multiple procedures a few days apart and remove more than 5 litres but this must be done cautiously. This is called staged mega liposuction.
The results can be as quick as one month although three months is average for full results. Some take up to one year for their full result.
People with sedentary jobs should take between 4 and 7 days off. Those with physical jobs should take 1-2 weeks off.
Ankles, legs (upper, lower, inside and outside), stomach, love handles, arms, chest, neck, chin, jowls and breast
The maximum amount of fat that can be removed in one procedure is 5 litres so you must be realistic about the results. It is possible to do multiple procedures a few days apart and remove more than 5 litres. However, this must be done cautiously. This is called ‘staged mega liposuction’. A healthy diet and regular exercise must be followed after the procedure. The improvement is permanent as the number of fat cells in the treated areas are reduces. The fat does not shift to other areas in the body.
The results may initially look impressive, but you may experience swelling for up to 6 weeks, leading to some disappointment.
The results can sometimes be seen as quickly as 1-month post-procedure. However, 3 to 6 months is average for full results.
Feeling but not seeing hard lumps at approximately 2 weeks is normal. These lumps can last for up to 6 months. The lumps shrink with time and can pull the skin tighter.
Fluid lumps that have a wave in them should be reported to our staff. These can be seromas but this complication is very rare. They are usually of nuisance only. If a wound oozes puss or becomes red, hot and swollen, you must immediately report this to us.
Please note that liposuction is designed to removed fat deposits, it will not reduce or remove excess skin. Vaser Pro Lipo can offer some skin tightening.
The cost of liposuction depends on how many areas are required. Liposuction is from $2,200 per area plus a theatre fee. Vaser Pro Lipo, the gold-standard liposuction and liposculpture costs from $3,300 per area plus a theatre fee.
Cosmetic Doctor and Medical Director
Dr Glenn Murray completed his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at the University of Western Australia. He continued his training; undertaking both cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgery training. Dr Glenn Murray has trained with some of the best Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons in the US and around the world. He is the past president of the Cosmetic Society and sits on the current ACCS committee for Liposculpture. Dr Murray has a special interest in repairing botched oversees surgery and more information on this can we found here.
Dr Murray, our Medical Director, at Absolute Cosmetic Medicine is committed to providing exceptional care to every patient. His full resume can be seen here.
Prior to booking the procedure. you will have a full consultation with the doctor and nurses to ensure that you are physically healthy and a suitable candidate for liposuction. Although it is a forgiving procedure, being in good physical health is important. A consent form with all side effects, risks and benefits will also be explained and provided.
You must avoid blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and anti-inflammatory pills, for at least one week before the surgery. If you’re seeing a medical specialist for any health conditions, please seek their opinion about your fitness for this procedure.
Alcohol should be avoided for at least 24 hours before the surgery. Smokers must quit 2 weeks prior and for 6 weeks afterwards. We consider smoking a high risk for any surgical procedure, so please make yourself aware of the cancellation policy.
An information package will be given to you covering medications, blood tests and other pre-procedure instructions. You should commence antibiotics the night before and wash in an antiseptic solution the morning of the procedure, including your hair.
A blood test must be undertaken at least 1 week before the procedure.
You must be on time for your procedure. This means being at the clinic at least half an hour before the start time. Your nurse will perform an extensive admission procedure before admitting you to our fully-licensed surgery.
Patients who have reflux should continue their anti-reflux medication. Most medications should be continued other than blood-thinning medications. Check with the doctor before the procedure and the nurse on the day of the procedure.
Your hair and body must be washed with the antiseptic that we recommend using.
Important: If you’ve been smoking in the last 2 weeks, the procedure will be cancelled and payment won’t be refunded.
Photographs will be taken before you change into a surgical gown. In theatre, a small drip will be inserted. If you are uncomfortable with needles, numbing cream can be applied to the back of the hand prior to the drip being inserted. Please ask the nurse beforehand. Also, a pre-operative relaxant can be prescribed.
Full monitoring equipment will be used, including a heart rate and oxygen level monitor. You will receive sedation and will go into varying degrees of sleep. You should not recall any of the procedure.
You must be picked up by a competent adult who can assist you at home for the first night. Usually, you can expect to be in and out of the surgery in 4-5 hours. You must be fully recovered before leaving. Please inform your nurse if you suffer from nausea after anaesthetic.
Your nominated carer must give you medications, as the anaesthetic can make you forgetful and help you avoid a double up of medications.
Your carer must also escort you to the toilet and back, ensuring you get up slowly to avoid light-headedness. If you do become light-headed the carer should lie you down flat and elevate your legs.
Our doctors are on call 24 hours a day and will phone to check up on you. For the first night, it is wise to rest but perform the leg exercises and deep breathing exercises as instructed by your nurse.
The following day you’ll be up and about as normal, with discomfort levels that many describe as similar to after a heavy workout. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 2.5kgs.
The wounds will ooze a raspberry cordial coloured fluid, and this is normal. We advise wearing old pyjamas and lying on a towel. The wounds will close over the following day, or when the oozing stops. Nursing staff will see you the next day to clean the area and close the wounds. The doctor will also check for any abnormalities.
Avoid showering for the first day. A garment will be applied and you will be instructed on how to care for this. As mentioned, smoking is strictly prohibited.
If you have a sedentary job, you should have 4-7 days off work. For those with physical jobs, 1-2 weeks off is preferable.
The return to exercise is usually relatively quick. As a rough guide, after one week you can return to light exercise, two weeks for moderate exercise and three weeks for full exercise. This can vary from person to person so please ensure that you follow your doctor’s recommendation. If you do extremely intense exercise, do not return to this level of exercise for at least six weeks.
When returning to exercise it is advisable to do a small amount of exercise, have the next day off and see how you feel, then slowly increase every second day.
Swimming and spas are best avoided for at least 2 weeks, or until the wounds are completely healed. Intercourse is best avoided for at least 1 week. As mentioned, smoking is prohibited for 6 weeks and, if you can, try to use this break to give up for good.
You should also buy a thermometer and record your temperature daily. If your temperature is above 37.5 degrees, please report this to the medical staff.
*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Whether you have a treatment in mind, or you have a condition that you’d like to discuss with one of our professionals, please make an enquiry using this form. Be sure to include your ideal date and time for your appointment
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