Liposuction

Liposuction surgery is a contouring procedure removing excess fatty tissue. Although liposuction does eliminate excess fat, it is not a weight reduction tool. It is a tool to improve contours and areas that are resistant to weight loss and exercise.

People are born with a certain body shape which they usually inherit from their parents, and within those body shapes are certain areas that are just resistant to weight loss. No matter what exercise or dieting they do, some areas are resistant to change even though weight is lost in other parts of the body.

We are all born with a certain number of fat cells. When we put on weight, the fat cells in that area do not multiply, but instead get fatter individually. Liposuction  removes the fat cells from that localised area, making the contours more proportional and in harmony with the remainder of the body. Because the number of fat cells is reduced, a permanent change in contour can be achieved.

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Overview

Liposuction removes specific excess fatty tissue deposits to improve contour. It is commonly performed for the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, arms and neck.

Ideal candidates for liposuction are those who are around realistic (as opposed to ideal) body weight but have localised deposits of fat that are resistant to dieting and to exercise.

The concept is not to remove every fat cell that is present, but really just to put that area in proportion with the rest of the body. Thus, a patient doesn’t need to be “ideal body weight” to get beneficial results from liposuction, they just have to realise that the liposuction is being performed to change their shape, not their weight on the scales.

Is Liposuction right for me?

The major factors which govern whether an individual is appropriate for liposuction are really the quality of their skin, the age of their skin, and whether there is an excess of skin. One of the limiting factors in liposuction is the ability of the skin to shrink back in place after the fat has been removed.

If an individual already has excess skin or hanging skin on the neck, abdomen, thighs, or other areas, undergoing liposuction to remove more fat will only increase sagging in the area. Instead, an operation to remove excess skin e.g. an abdominoplasty may be recommended.

In basic terms, if you have excess fat with good skin quality, then liposuction is likely the correct procedure. Once you have excess skin, or poor quality skin (such as with stretchmarks), then something to remove the excess skin may be more appropriate.

Another important factor that determines whether or not a patient is a suitable candidate for liposuction is the age of the skin. Younger skin has greater resistance and elastic recoil, as well as a greater ability to conform to the underlying contour. Unfortunately, as we age our skin loses its elasticity, and thus its ability to contract. In these patients, liposuction in the neck, abdomen or other areas should be undertaken with care.

It is important to note that liposuction does not improve muscle tone, and does not improve the appearance of cellulite (dimpling of the skin).

Dr. Darrell Perkins can assess your individual situation during an initial consultation and determine whether liposuction is the most appropriate procedure for your needs. Contact our plastic surgery practice to schedule an initial consultation.

The Surgery

Most liposuction operations are performed as day procedures under a general anaesthetic. More extensive procedures may require an overnight hospital stay.  The length of the surgery depends on the amount of tissue to be removed and the number of sites treated.

Dr. Perkins generally uses Power Assisted Liposuction using the Tumescent Technique.  Via small incisions, fluid is injected into the area being treated. A cannula is then inserted, and the fluid and excess fatty tissue is removed using suction.

Upon completion of the surgery a compression garment or bandage is applied.

Recovery

Once recovered and ready for discharge, post-operative instructions covering wound care, medications and booked follow up appointment will be given.

It is essential that a responsible adult collect the patient and stay with them for the first 24 hours following the surgery.

Patients will have to wear a compression garment for at least three to six weeks after their liposuction procedure. This garment helps to minimise swelling and bruising, and later helps to speed the recovery process.

Pain after liposuction surgery is usually described more as a stiff ache rather than an acute stabbing pain.

Generally people are able to resume most of their normal activities after three or four days; however, this depends on the volume of liposuction and the areas that were treated.

Strenuous activity should be avoided until advised by Dr. Perkins, however light walking is encouraged to improve circulation.

It is important to note that the bruising and swelling will take some time to subside, and it may be some months until the treated areas completely heal and achieve their final shape and contour.

Risks

Even with the highest standards of practice, all surgical procedures carry a level of risk and the potential for complications. In addition, every individual will have a different risk profile depending on their general health, age and the complexity of the procedure.

During the consultation Dr Perkins will explain the possible complications and risks of the specific procedure to provide the necessary information to enable patients to weigh up the benefits, risks and limitations of the surgery.  The following are some of the risks associated with this procedure.

General risks involved in any surgery include post-operative infection, excessive bleeding, blood or fluid collection, adverse reaction to anaesthetic.

Specific risks of surgery for liposuction include contour irregularity, asymmetry, loose skin, scarring, numbness, fat embolus.

Costs

Liposuction is classified as cosmetic and as such no Medicare or private health fund rebates apply for the medical or day surgery fees.

An estimate of costs will be provided following the consultation with Dr Perkins.