Surgical Procedures

Liposuction

Liposuction allows a person to redefine their body shape.

While diet and exercise are the best solution to being overweight, often a person will remain troubled by areas of persistent fat deposits that refuse to budge. These fat deposits appear to have a biochemistry that is different to fat elsewhere in the body, often referred to as areas of "fat storage" or "reserve fat".

Liposuction can help remove these trouble spots and improve the overall shape and appearance.

Liposuction: What does the operation involve?

The procedure involves carefully marking the sites of fat removal prior to the commencement of surgery. Once the anaesthetic has been administered, a saline solution is infused into the operative areas to help control bruising and makes "sculpting" the area possible.

An ultrasonic probe may also be used to emulsify or "melt" the fat before a liposuction cannula is inserted for aspiration to complete the process.

Liposuction: Is a hospital stay necessary?

Liposuction is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. Small areas may, in some circumstances, be treated with local anaesthetic.

Surgery in our Day Procedure Centre is the choice of most of our patients but an admission to hospital is available if preferred.

Liposuction: Recovery

A support garment will need to be worn 24 hours a day for the first ten days and 12 hours a day for the next four to six weeks. The majority of patients are then able to cease wearing this at the six-week mark. By this time, all swelling and bruising should no longer be present.

A return to quiet activities is possible within a few days of surgery and work may be resumed within a week for most people. Activities requiring exertion should be avoided for three to four weeks.

Patients are advised to allow six weeks for full recovery although this may need to be extended by a few weeks in certain instances.

Liposuction: Fees

• Total charges, including surgeon, anaesthetist, and hospital or day surgery range approx $6,500 - $12,500.
• Medicare / Private health insurance rebates usually do not apply.
• We can recommend finance options if required.

Contact Us

For more detailed information about liposuction surgery and the support we provide to help you make the right decision, or to book a consultation with our senior patient advisor, please contact us on (03) 9885 7177.