This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
This website contains imagery that is only suitable for audiences 18+. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that may be used to reduce localised fatty tissue in selected areas of the body. It is generally considered a body contouring procedure and is not a weight-loss treatment. Suitability depends on factors such as overall health, skin quality, body composition, and individual risk profile. A consultation is required to discuss options, expected changes and limitations, scarring, risks, recovery, and alternatives.
Liposuction (also called suction-assisted lipectomy) involves removing subcutaneous fatty tissue through small incisions using a thin tube (cannula) connected to suction. It may be performed on areas such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, neck, or other regions depending on clinical assessment. The aim is to change contour in the treated areas; outcomes vary and depend on anatomy, the amount of tissue treated, skin elasticity, and healing.
The goals of liposuction depend on the treatment plan and individual anatomy. Depending on circumstances, potential outcomes may include:
– Reduction of localised fatty tissue: in selected areas where clinically appropriate.
– Change in contour of treated areas: results vary and may be influenced by skin elasticity and healing.
– Clothing fit considerations: some people report changes in how clothing fits in treated areas; this varies.
– Adjunct to other procedures (selected cases): liposuction may be used alongside other surgery depending on the plan.
No specific result can be guaranteed, and outcomes vary between individuals.
A suitable candidate is generally an adult in good overall health seeking assessment for localised fatty tissue that has not changed with lifestyle measures. Suitability depends on medical history, weight stability (where relevant), skin quality, the areas being treated, and overall safety considerations. A consultation is required to determine whether liposuction is appropriate and to discuss realistic expectations, limitations, and risks.
You May Be a Good Candidate If
You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you:
– Are in good overall physical health
– Have localised areas of fatty tissue you would like assessed
– Have stable weight (where relevant to surgical planning)
– Have skin quality that your surgeon considers suitable for the proposed plan
– Do not smoke or are willing to stop nicotine use for a specified period before and after surgery (as directed)
– Understand that results vary and that scarring and downtime are part of surgery
Liposuction may not be suitable for individuals who
– Have uncontrolled medical conditions that increase surgical risk
– Have an active infection
– Have significant skin laxity where liposuction alone is unlikely to address the primary concern (assessment required)
– Are seeking liposuction as a primary method of weight loss
– Have bleeding disorders or cannot safely stop medications that increase bleeding risk (as advised)
– Are unable to stop nicotine use where clinically required (as nicotine can impair healing)
The technique is tailored to the areas treated, tissue characteristics, and safety considerations. Approaches may include:
– Tumescent liposuction: a fluid solution may be introduced into the treatment area to assist with fat removal and reduce bleeding; suitability varies.
– Power-assisted liposuction (PAL): uses a mechanically-assisted cannula to support fat removal in selected cases.
– Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL): may be considered in selected cases (including more fibrous areas) depending on clinical judgement and equipment availability.
– Super-wet technique: a variation of infiltrated fluid volumes that may be used in some circumstances.
Your surgeon will explain which method is recommended, why, and what trade-offs apply.
Anesthesia
Liposuction may be performed under local anaesthesia with sedation or under general anaesthesia, depending on the areas treated, the volume of tissue involved, the length of the procedure, and individual factors. The anaesthesia plan and safety considerations will be discussed during consultation.
Preparation typically includes:
– Medical review: health history, medications and supplements, and relevant investigations where required.
– Medication guidance: you may be asked to stop certain medications/supplements that can increase bleeding risk (where clinically appropriate).
– Nicotine cessation: nicotine can impair healing; you may be asked to stop smoking/vaping/nicotine products for a specified period before and after surgery.
– Fasting instructions: follow the facility’s requirements prior to anaesthesia.
– Support planning: arrange transport and post-operative support after discharge.
Return to Work: Timing varies depending on the extent of treatment and your role. Your surgeon will provide guidance based on your procedure and recovery.
Return to Exercise: Light activity may be resumed as advised. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are typically restricted for a period determined by your surgeon.
Appearance over time: Swelling can persist for weeks to months. There is no single timeline that applies to everyone.
The outcomes shown are only relevant for this patient and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience, as results may vary due to many factors including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise.
Procedure: Abdominoplasty, Breast Lift
Recovery Timeline: 3 Months
