Liposuction is a procedure designed to modify shape and contour the body by removing and reshaping areas of excess fat.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove or reduce areas of fat accumulation. The most common areas treated for women being abdomen, flanks, buttocks, inner and outer thighs. In men the most common areas include the abdomen, flanks and the breast/chest.
It is important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss tool and is not a substitute for proper diet and exercise. Liposuction has the best results in those who are close to their ideal weight, but have stubborn areas of fat that persist.
The most critical factor in a good result with liposuction is good quality, toned skin.
This procedure directly targets the areas of concerns by reducing the removing fat and thereby reducing number of fat cells in that area. The incisions used are very small and usually easily concealed.
Liposuction is usually done as “day surgery”, however can be combined with other procedures such as an abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) or excess skin removal during post weight loss surgery, which may require an overnight hospital stay.
What Liposuction Technologies Are Available?
At Pure Aesthetics in Sydney, we use the latest liposuction technologies, including power-assisted liposuction and SAFELipo. These techniques target fat cells with advanced technology for reduced damage to surrounding tissues, a shorter and recovery, and improved results.
Power-Assisted Liposuction
Like traditional liposuction, power-assisted liposuction (PAL) removes fat using a stainless steel tube called a cannula and a suction system. However, unlike traditional liposuction, the cannula used during PAL gently vibrates, which helps loosen the fat deposits for easier removal with less damage to surrounding tissue. Less trauma to the body means less bruising and swelling and a faster recovery.
The vibrating cannula also makes the procedure quicker and less physically demanding for the surgeon. This reduces procedure time compared to manual liposuction and improves precision for contouring the body.
SAFELipo
The SAFE in SAFELipo stands for “separation, aspiration and fat equalisation”. Both SAFELipo and manual liposuction involve the separation and aspiration of unwanted fat cells. However, SAFELipo includes a fat equalisation process in which the remaining fat is emulsified and redistributed. By shifting the fat left beneath the skin, the surgeon can minimise the appearance of bumps, dimples, waviness and other contour irregularities to produce a smoother result.
SAFELipo is also known for reduced procedure time and complications. SAFELipo incorporates the vibrating cannula used in PAL to minimise trauma to surrounding tissue. This translates to reduced bruising, bleeding, swelling and downtime.
Meet your Surgeon
Dr Sepehr Lajevardi
Meet your Surgeon
Dr Sepehr Lajevardi FRACS
Registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon
AHPRA MED0001602957
Education and Training:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (UNSW, 2004)
- PhD in Plastic Surgery (University of Sydney)
- 5 years of advanced surgical training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)
- Post training fellowships at Macquarie University, East Sydney Private and St Luke’s Hospitals
Meet your Surgeon
Dr Robert Knight
Meet your Surgeon
Dr Robert Knight FRACS
Registered Specialist Plastic Surgeon
AHPRA MED0001198549
Education and Training:
- Attended medical school in South Africa, and trained at the internationally renowned Baragwanath Hospital
- Awarded a Cyanamid Pharmaceutical Scholarship, the Medical Students Council Award and the Graham Wilkinson Medal
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
- Awarded the LGI cardiothoracic prize and presented at several conferences in London, Stockholm and Cologne
What Should I Consider Before Undergoing Liposuction?
You may be a good candidate for liposuction if you meet the following criteria:
- You have pockets of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise
- You are not significantly overweight or planning to lose a lot of weight
- You are in good overall health
- You have good skin elasticity
- You are prepared to comply with your surgeon’s recovery recommendations
- You have realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure
It is important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss tool or a substitute for proper diet and exercise. Liposuction has the best results in those who are close to their ideal weight, but have areas of fat that persist. Liposuction is not a weight loss tool. The most critical factor in a good result with liposuction is good quality, toned skin.
Additionally, your result may be longer-lasting if you do not plan to have children or gain or lose significant weight in the immediate future. These can reverse the effects of your liposuction procedure.
What Happens in My Liposuction Consultation?
During your preoperative consultations, your Pure Aesthetic plastic surgeon will assess your areas of concern, determine your skin elasticity and assess your fatty tissue to determine if you are suitable for liposuction. Photographs of the area or areas of concern will be taken to plan your surgery and assess your results after liposuction.
At your liposuction consultation, your Pure Aesthetics plastic surgeon will demonstrate and explain how your treatment will be performed, including showing you before and after photographs of our previous liposuction patients to indicate the results you can expect from the procedure. Please do not hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns you may have. It is important for you and your surgeon to be aligned and for you feel comfortable proceeding with surgery.
How Is Liposuction Done?
At Pure Aesthetics, we believe safety is paramount, and all significant liposuction should be performed in accredited day surgeries or hospital.
Liposuction may be performed under local anaesthesia if only small areas are targeted. More extensive or multiple areas of treatment usually requires general anaesthetic.
Liposuction is typically performed as “day surgery” and you will be able to go home on the same day. The length of the operation depends on the number of body areas to be treated, whether you will need to be moved during surgery to access the sides or back, and how much excess fat is being removed.
Scars are very short in length, as liposuction is done by making multiple small incisions of only a few millimetres and introducing a cannula attached to a suction device to remove the fat. This may be done using a range of technologies for improved results, including “power-assisted” and “ultrasonic” (VASER) modalities.
Liposuction is often done as part of other body or breast contouring surgery, such as breast reduction, breast augmentation or abdominoplasty.
The risks and complications from liposuction will be outlined by your surgeon with special attention given to any personal health issues, your medical history and precautions to take during recovery.
What Is the Recovery From Liposuction Like?
Most liposuction performed under general anaesthesia, although small areas may be suitable for “twilight” or even local anaesthesia. Our surgeons perform most liposuction in accredited day surgeries, not in our office, and you should be able to go home a few hours after the surgery.
You will be required to wear a surgical compression garment under your clothes for several weeks after liposuction. Wearing this garment helps minimise bruising, swelling and discomfort and help your skin settle smoothly over your new body contour.
The early swelling after liposuction can be considerable, and it takes several weeks to resolve. The time you will need to take off work, exercise and other normal activities varies, depending on how extensive your liposuction surgery is, what type of work you do and your preferred exercise regimen.
In general, most liposuction patients can expect:
- 1-2 weeks off work
- 3-4 weeks off light to moderate activitie
- 4-6 weeks off heavy lifting and strenuous exercise
- 1-2 weeks with the most discomfort and swelling
- 3-6 weeks wearing compression garments
- Up to 3 months for swelling to subside
Recovering from liposuction takes time, and you can’t rush the healing process. However, there are certain things you can do to support your body during this period. Your Pure Aesthetics plastic surgeon will provide a complete recovery plan tailored to your own lifestyle.
What Risks and Complications Are Associated With Liposuction?
Every surgery comes with some degree of risk, and liposuction is no exception.
The risks of any surgical procedure include bruising, bleeding, infection, numbness, anaesthesia problems, fluid accumulation, excessive pain, poor scarring, haematoma formation and deep vein thrombosis.
Some of the complications related to liposuction include contour irregularities, rippling or loose skin, internal damage or puncture from a cannula, fluid imbalances (leading to kidney, heart or lung problems), and fat embolism.
To minimise your risk of complications, it is critical to seek care from a highly trained plastic surgeon who is experienced in liposuction and ensure the operation is performed in a properly accredited facility.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
After your consultation with one of our specialists, you will be supplied with an itemised estimate of the costs for your surgery, including the doctor’s fees, anaesthetist fees, assistant fees and hospital fees. Please note, liposuction is a fully cosmetic procedure, and there are no rebates from Medicare nor contribution to hospital costs by your private health insurance.
In the event of unforeseen circumstances, it may be necessary to arrange additional medical services, resulting in further charges to you. This information will be provided to you as soon as possible after treatment occurs.
Why Choose Pure Aesthetics?
At Pure Aesthetics, we are more than just medical professionals – we are a team of passionate individuals who are dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals. From the moment you enter our clinic, we hope you feel the positive energy that comes from working with people who truly care about your well-being.
All of our Specialist Plastic Surgeons have had extensive training from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, which demonstrates their advanced expertise and commitment to plastic and reconstructive surgery. They take the time to get to know you and understand your individual needs and preferences before creating your custom treatment plan.
Please contact Pure Aesthetics to book your consultation and learn more about our Sydney liposuction procedures.
FAQs
Will liposuction cure my cellulite?
Unfortunately, liposuction is not a cellulite solution. Liposuction works by shaping your body from deep under the skin, and as cellulite is a skin problem, liposuction does not treat the dimpled cellulite appearance. There is no guarantee of cellulite improvement from liposuction, and in some cases, patients feel the appearance of their cellulite worsens after liposuction.
How much fat is removed with liposuction?
The aim of liposuction is to achieve a normal contour, and the amount of fat removed varies between individuals. Liposuction targets areas of your body resistant to normal weight control and exercise, rather than a weight loss treatment. Large volume liposuction has higher risks and lower rates of satisfaction with outcome.
Your plastic surgeon will assess whether your goals are realistic, achievable and safe during your initial consultations. This will be based on examination of your body contour, tissue and skin quality and a detailed discussion of your expectations.
Can liposuction remove visceral fat?
Visceral fat surrounds the organs deep within the abdominal cavity. It has been linked to various health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, so it is important to address it — however, visceral fat can only be removed through leading a healthy lifestyle with a consistent diet and exercise routine. Liposuction is effective for removing subcutaneous fat, which is located directly beneath the skin’s surface.
Are there scars from liposuction?
Liposuction is done through a small number of short incisions made in natural crease lines, usually in discreet areas so the scars will not be conspicuous. These scars fade with time and are minimally visible.
Do I need liposuction or an abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”)?
Your goals will dictate which procedure is most suitable. If your only concern is reducing localised pockets of fat, liposuction may be a good fit for you. If you wish to remove unwanted fat from your abdomen, and also have concerns about excess abdominal skin and/or weakened abdominal muscles, then abdominoplasty (commonly called a “tummy tuck”) may be the most effective solution. There are also differences in recovery time, scarring, cost and risk level that must be considered.
In some cases, the combination of liposuction and abdominoplasty can produce the best result. A consultation with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon is the best way to find out which procedure is right for you.