Liposuction Surgery in Melbourne
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes localised fat deposits from specific areas of the body to help improve body contour.
At Specialist Surgical Group, our Melbourne-based plastic surgeons perform liposuction for patients seeking to address areas of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise. We use tumescent liposuction techniques to remove fat cells from the abdomen, thighs, arms, flanks, and neck.
This procedure involves inserting thin tubes called cannulas through small incisions to remove fat cells from targeted areas. The tumescent technique uses a solution containing local anaesthetic and adrenaline that is injected into the treatment area to help reduce bleeding and discomfort during the procedure.
Our approach aims to minimise scarring, support recovery, and achieve natural-looking results.
Call us today at (03) 9466 7338 to book a consultation.
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We are located in the heart of Essendon and Bundoora.
Is liposuction for you?
Liposuction may be an appropriate option for you if you’re seeking to target specific areas of fat that haven’t responded to diet and exercise. Liposuction candidates typically meet the following criteria:
- You have localised fat deposits in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, or flanks that remain despite regular exercise and healthy eating
- You maintain a relatively stable weight close to your ideal body weight
- You have reasonable skin elasticity
- You’re in good overall health with no severe medical conditions that could complicate surgery.
- You have realistic expectations for the results and understand that liposuction is a body-contouring procedure, not weight-loss surgery.
- You’re committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after surgery to preserve results.
Liposuction removes fat cells from treated areas, and the procedure can be effective for individuals who want to address specific problem areas rather than achieve overall weight reduction [1].
During your initial consultation, we will assess your health, examine the areas of concern, discuss your aesthetic goals, and determine whether liposuction is the most suitable procedure to achieve your desired outcome.
Potential benefits
- Permanent fat cell removal. Liposuction physically removes fat cells from treated areas, with studies showing these cells do not regenerate. Research demonstrates that 85-90% of removed fat cells are permanently eliminated when patients maintain a stable weight within 10% of their post-surgery weight [2].
- Significant body contouring results. Clinical studies report that the majority of patients achieve noticeable improvement in body shape and proportion within 3-6 months following surgery. The procedure effectively reduces circumference in treated areas, creating enhanced body silhouettes and improved clothing fit [3].
- Minimally invasive recovery process. Modern tumescent liposuction techniques result in less bruising and swelling than traditional methods. Most patients return to desk work within 5-7 days and resume regular exercise within 4-6 weeks [4].
- High patient satisfaction rates. Long-term follow-up studies indicate that most liposuction patients are satisfied with their results. Patient-reported quality-of-life scores show measurable improvements in body confidence and self-image within 6 months post-surgery [5].
- Precise targeted treatment areas. Advanced cannula technology allows surgeons to selectively remove fat from specific body zones while preserving surrounding tissues. This precision enables the treatment of multiple areas in a single session, allowing for the sculpting of natural-looking contours that complement individual body proportions [6].
Potential risks
- Temporary swelling and bruising. Most patients experience swelling and bruising in treated areas for 2-4 weeks following surgery. While uncomfortable, these are normal healing responses that typically resolve gradually. Compression garments and proper post-operative care help minimise these effects and support optimal healing [9].
- Contour irregularities or asymmetry. Some patients may experience temporary or permanent unevenness in treated areas, particularly when skin elasticity is poor or large volumes are removed. Most minor irregularities improve within 6 months as tissues settle, though some cases may require revision procedures [10].
- Surgical complications and infections. Like any surgical procedure, risks include bleeding, infection, or adverse reactions to anaesthesia. Serious complications are rare but may include blood clots, nerve damage, or fluid accumulation requiring medical intervention [11].
- Skin laxity and texture changes. Patients with poor skin elasticity may experience loose, dimpled, or uneven skin texture following fat removal. While some improvement occurs over time, significant skin laxity may require additional procedures to achieve optimal results [12].
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(03) 9466 7338Meet our plastic surgeon
Our liposuction procedure
Here’s a general overview of our liposuction procedure. Individual experiences may vary based on your specific circumstances and medical needs.
1. Initial assessment
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation, during which we discuss your goals and examine the areas you’d like to treat.
We’ll review your medical history, take photographs for planning, and explain the entire process in detail. You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and ensure you feel comfortable moving forward.
2. Pre-surgery preparation
Once you decide to proceed, we’ll guide you through simple preparation steps. This includes arranging any required medical tests, providing detailed pre-surgery instructions, and fitting you for compression garments.
Our team will ensure you’re fully prepared and confident about your upcoming procedure.
3. Surgery day
On surgery day, you’ll be welcomed by our caring hospital team, who will help you feel comfortable. The procedure is performed using gentle tumescent techniques with local anaesthesia.
Most patients find the experience much more comfortable than expected, and you’ll be monitored closely throughout.
4. Recovery begins
After your procedure, you’ll rest in our recovery area while we monitor your comfort and healing. Our nursing team will provide clear instructions for home care and ensure you’re feeling well before discharge.
Most patients are discharged on the same day, accompanied by a support person.
5. Recovery at home
Your recovery at home focuses on gentle movement, wearing compression garments, and following our simple care instructions.
You’ll gradually return to normal activities over several weeks. We’re always available to answer questions and provide guidance during this important healing time.
6. Follow-up care
We’ll see you regularly to monitor your healing and results, typically at one week, six weeks, and three months.
During these visits, we’ll track your progress, address any concerns, and celebrate your results together. Your outcome will continue to improve over several months.
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(03) 9466 7338Liposuction FAQ
Liposuction costs vary depending on the areas treated and the complexity of your procedure. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed quote based on your specific needs. Some private health insurers may provide partial coverage for medically necessary procedures.
You’ll notice immediate changes after surgery, but swelling can initially mask your final results. Most swelling resolves within 6-8 weeks, with final results visible at 3-6 months. Some areas may continue to improve for up to 12 months as tissues fully settle and skin contracts [15].
Common treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks (also known as love handles), thighs, arms, back, neck, and chin. We can often treat multiple areas in one session. During the consultation, your surgeon will assess which areas are suitable for treatment, taking into account your fat distribution, skin elasticity, and overall health.
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells from the treated areas, allowing for long-lasting results. However, the remaining fat cells can still enlarge if you gain significant weight. Studies show results remain stable when patients maintain their weight within 10% of their post-surgery weight [16].
Age alone isn’t a limiting factor, but skin elasticity and overall health are important considerations. Patients in their 50s and 60s can achieve excellent results if they have good skin tone and are in good health. Your surgeon will assess your situation during the consultation.
Liposuction removes fat but doesn’t address excess skin or separated abdominal muscles. A tummy tuck removes excess fat and skin while tightening the muscles. If you have good skin elasticity and mainly want fat removal, liposuction may be sufficient. Poor skin elasticity typically requires a tummy tuck.
Most patients return to desk work within 5-7 days, depending on the areas treated and their comfort level. Physical jobs may require 2-3 weeks off. You can drive when you’re no longer taking prescription pain medication and can move comfortably. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your procedure and recovery progress.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, and does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Individual circumstances vary significantly, and nothing on this page should be used as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified medical professional.
If you have concerns about your health, please seek medical attention promptly. To discuss your specific condition and treatment options with our team, please book a consultation by calling us at (03) 9466 7338.
References
[1] Bellini E, Grieco MP, Raposio E. A journey through liposuction and liposculture: Review. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017;24:53-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2017.10.024
[2] Mohammed BS, Cohen S, Reeds D, et al. Long-term effects of large-volume liposuction on metabolic risk factors for coronary heart disease. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2008;16(12):2648-2651. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2008.418
[3] Swanson E. Prospective outcome study of 360 patients treated with liposuction, lipoabdominoplasty, and abdominoplasty. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012;129(4):965-978. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e318244237f
[4] Klein JA. Tumescent technique for regional anaesthesia permits lidocaine doses of 35 mg/kg for liposuction. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1990;16(3):248-263. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.1990.tb03961.x
[5] Bolton MA, Pruzinsky T, Cash TF, Persing JA. Measuring outcomes in plastic surgery: body image and quality of life in abdominoplasty patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2003;112(2):619-625. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.PRS.0000070972.57000.08
[6] Rohrich RJ, Leedy JE, Swamy R, Brown SA, Coleman J. Clinical study of liposuction using the tumescent technique in 100 consecutive patients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006;117(6):1887-1895. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.prs.0000218822.96296.c6
[7] Hensel JM, Lehman JA Jr, Tantri MP, et al. An outcomes analysis and satisfaction survey of 199 consecutive abdominoplasties. Ann Plast Surg. 2001;46(4):357-363. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000637-200104000-00005
[8] Chia CT, Neinstein RM, Theodorou SJ. Evidence-Based Medicine: Liposuction. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017;139(1):267e-274e. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000002859
[9] Grazer FM, de Jong RH. Fatal outcomes from liposuction: census survey of cosmetic surgeons. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):436-446. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-200001000-00072
[10] Habbema L. Safety of liposuction using exclusively tumescent local anaesthesia in 3,240 consecutive cases. Dermatol Surg. 2009;35(11):1728-1735. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2009.01301.x
[11] Mordon S, Eymard-Maurin AF, Wassmer B, Ringot J. Histologic evaluation of laser lipolysis: pulsed 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser versus cw 980-nm diode laser. Aesthet Surg J. 2007;27(3):263-268. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2007.03.005
[12] Commons GW, Halperin B, Chang CC. Large-volume liposuction: a review of 631 consecutive cases over 12 years. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001;108(6):1753-1763. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-200111000-00070
[13] Matarasso A, Kim RW, Kral JG. The impact of liposuction on body fat. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998;102(5):1686-1689. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006534-199810000-00040
[14] Kenkel JM, Robinson JB, Beran SJ, et al. A multi-center study on the efficacy of a new pneumatic-assisted liposuction device. Aesthet Surg J. 2001;21(5):431-436. https://doi.org/10.1067/maj.2001.118876
[15] Shiffman MA, Mirrafati S. Aesthetic Surgery of the Abdominal Wall. Berlin: Springer-Verlag; 2005. Chapter 15: Liposuction complications and their prevention. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-28043-X
[16] Giese SY, Neaman KC, Lowery JC. Long-term maintenance of weight loss after liposuction in a female population. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013;131(3):490-495. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0b013e31827c6d3c