Liposuction Sydney

Cosmetic Concerns Procedure Information Risks & Complications Procedure FAQs Procedure Pricing

What is Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses suction to remove fat from specific areas of the body, like the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms or neck. Liposuction also shapes these areas. It isn’t a weight loss method or alternative and if you’re overweight then you are likely to lose more weight through diet and exercise than you would with liposuction.

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure performed at Mode Plastic Surgery in Sydney.

It is a safe and reliable procedure that aims to remove fat deposits that are difficult to shift with diet and
exercise.

What does liposuction involve?

Liposuction is typically performed under general anaesthesia, given by an accredited anaesthetist in a fully accredited and licensed facility (usually one of the North Shore’s premier private hospitals). It can take from one to three hours, and patients will be discharged either the same day or stay overnight.

Before liposuction is performed, the area is infiltrated with a solution containing local anaesthetic and adrenaline – this increases the safety of liposuction by significantly reducing bleeding.

Liposuction is then performed using a variety of liposuction cannulas and the end point is the desired contour. We record the amount of infiltration and the amount of deposit that have been removed. Patients who have more than 5L removed during liposuction will need to stay in hospital. This is because there is good evidence that fluids can shift around the body after large volume liposuction, and monitoring you in the hospitals is the safest option.

It is however common to have some fluid leak through the closed liposuction incision sites – this is usually remnants of the liposuction infiltration fluid injected at the start of the procedure. Other than being a nuisance it does not do any harm.

How Much Fat Can Be Removed During Liposuction?

Large amounts of fat can be removed and the amount of fat that can safely be removed during liposuction depends on your individual body type, as well as the area being treated. Generally speaking, however, up to 10 litres of fat can be removed per procedure. It’s important to note that this does not mean you will lose 10 litres of fat—rather, it means that your surgeon will remove up to 10 litres from your body during the procedure. Your doctor may also limit the amount of fat removed depending on your overall health and safety during surgery.

Liposuction surgery removes large volumes of fat cells but does not address the skin’s elasticity or its ability to contour after losing fat cells. With age or rapid weight loss our bodies can lose elasticity which can result in sagging skin. After liposuction if there are any loose folds of skin remaining then it may be necessary to consider other treatments like a tummy tuck or arm lift in order to reduce excess skin and improve contouring in areas where liposuction has been performed.

Main reasons why men and women choose to have liposuction

To restore or achieve a slim look
To eliminate or sculpt curves
To eliminate deposits of fat that are difficult to shift with diet and exercise
If you don’t want the scars of conventional surgery

Liposuction is most suited to men women who

Are a healthy weight (BMI <30)
Have a stable weight (for at least 6 months)
Are otherwise fit and healthy
Participate in healthy eating and exercise
Have good tone and quality of their skin
Are realistic about the goals of surgery

Patients who may not be good candidates for liposuction include men and women

Who are overweight (especially BMI >30): liposuction should not be seen as an alternative to diet and
exercise or a quick way to lose weight.
Have significant amounts of loose skin in addition to fat deposits: removal of fat will simply result in
more loose skin which may look less attractive than without liposuction.
Have fluctuating weight
Have multiple medical problems
Are on blood thinning medication
Have unrealistic expectations

If you fit into the above categories it does not mean you cannot have liposuction surgery and you are best to
discuss your concerns with Dr Aggarwal.

Overall liposuction can be a very satisfying procedure in the right patient.

It is common to combine liposuction with these other surgeries

Flank or ‘love handle’ liposuction with tummy tucks
Back and tummy liposuction with body lifts
Thigh and arm liposuction in thigh and arm lifts
Neck liposuction with facelift surgery

Dr Aggarwal

Dr Aggarwal is a well regarded, respected, highly skilled and experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon. Graduating at the top of his class throughout his training, Dr Aggarwal has completed fellowship training at some of the world’s most prestigious reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery institutions. He continues to publish research is prestigious plastic surgery journals, and is actively involved in the training of future plastic surgeons.

What sets Dr Aggarwal apart from others is his personal, affable and warm nature. Not only does he pay attention to detail, to producing natural, beautiful results but he ensures that the patient’s journey is just as special as their outcome. Dr Aggarwal looks after patients at one of Sydney’s most prestigious public hospital campuses (POWH/SCH/RHW), and operates privately on the North Shore.

Procedure Snapshot

Anaesthetic: GA by accredited anaesthetist
Time: 1-3 hours
Duration of stay: Overnight or day stay procedureDuration of stay: Overnight or day stay procedure
Hospital: Offered at a private hospital where Dr Aggarwal works usually Hunters Hill Private.
Medicare/Health fund rebate: No

Recovery: Most people can do most things at the end of the first week. Light exercise allowable at 4 weeks and heavier exercise needs to be deferred for 6-8 weeks. Avoid swimming in a pool or beach for 2 weeks.
Results: Liposuction can achieve excellent results in the right patients. You will need to wear a liposuction garment for several weeks after surgery and the final result may not be noticed for 3-6 months. It is important to remember this time frame and final results vary from patient to patient, as well as how long the results last (dependent on diet and exercise).

Cosmetic Concerns

I don’t diet and exercise but want liposuction to remove areas of excess fat

Liposuction should not be seen as an alternative to diet and exercise, and
certainly not the simplest way to remove excess fat
Liposuction is very much an adjunct to healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle
The best results are in those who are fit and healthy, and cannot make certain
areas of fat improve with exercise.
If you are overweight liposuction may not actually improve contours because
liposuction cannot access areas of deeper fat around the organs of your body.
Furthermore areas of fat removed will be quick to recur in the absence of
healthy eating and exercise.

I have excess fat and loose skin around my tummy that I cannot shift with exercise– I just want liposuction because I don’t like scars

It is not a good idea to have liposuction alone if you have loose skin.
This is because as the area deflates with removal of fat, the loose skin will
get worse.
In fact this can make the area look worse after surgery.
You are best to have nothing at all, or have the procedure that will give you
the best results – in general loose skin and fat needs to be excised and if this
is around your tummy you will do well with a tummy tuck procedure. We are
careful to place the scar as low as possible so you can easily hide it under
clothing or swimwear.

I want liposuction for my cellulite

Unfortunately there is no great treatment for cellulite.
Liposuction can make areas of cellulite appear different, but not necessarily
better and sometimes worse,
You are best to concentrate on healthy eating and diet as well as exercise.
We at Mode, do not offer non-surgical solutions for cellulite such as laser and fat freezing because these may not be of benefit.

Procedure Information

The procedure is usually performed under general anaesthesia given by an accredited anaesthetist in a fully accredited and licensed facility (usually one of the North Shore’s premier private hospitals). The procedure takes one to three hours and patients will be discharged either the same day or stay overnight.

Incisions

The incisions are usually inconspicuous and very small to allow the cannula used for liposuction to enter the fat compartment
The incisions all closed with dissolving sutures at the end of the procedure.

Infiltation

Before liposuction is performed the area is infiltrated with solution containing
local anaesthetic and adrenaline – this increases the safety of liposuction in
that it significantly reduces bleeding.
Liposuction is then performed using a variety of liposuction cannulas and the
end point is the desired contour.
Records of amount of infiltration and amount removed are recorded.

Drains

In general drains are not required in a liposuction procedure allowing patients
to go home the same day
Patients who have more than 5L removed during liposuction will need to stay in hospital. This is because there is good evidence that fluids can shift around the body after large volume liposuction and monitoring in hospital is the safest option.
It is however common to have some fluid leak through the closed liposuction incision sites – this is usually remnants of the liposuction infiltration fluid injected at the start of the procedure. Other than being a nuisance it does not do any harm.

After your liposuction surgery

Dr Aggarwal will place waterproof dressings over the incisions.
You will be placed in a liposuction garment at the end of the procedure, before you wake up. This helps to reduce swelling, pain and discomfort in the early post-operative period as the area heals. You will need to wear this garment for approximately 6 weeks.
You will be able to get the area wet after 48 hours and go back into your garment after your shower. You will not be allowed to swim in a pool or beach for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
You will be given a script for antibiotics by Dr Aggarwal which you must
continue until the box runs out
You will also be given pain relief medications although most patients only report minor amounts of post-operative pain that is responsive to simple oral analgesia.
You will not be allowed to go back home on your own – you must have someone accompany you home, and it is best to have someone look after you for the first few days as you recover. You should not drive for at least 24 hours after having an anaesthetic nor operate heavy machinery.
While most sedentary activities can be resumed in the first week, you must not do any exercise for the first few days after surgery that could raise your blood pressure. You can do light exercise at 4 weeks but heavier exercise should be deferred for 6-8 weeks.
Dr Aggarwal will see regularly in his office after your procedure. You will be given instructions how to look after the wounds as they continue to heal. You will be able to ask questions about what you can and cannot do.

Risks & Complications

Every surgery carries risks, and therefore one must consider if risks outweigh the benefits for your own personal situation. If they do then the surgery may be well worth it. Dr Aggarwal will discuss the pros and cons of surgery with you during your consultation.

General Complications

Risks of anaesthetic – there are general risks of going under an anaesthetic such as a mild stress on the heart and lungs, risk of reaction to anaesthetic drugs and risk of blotting in the legs. These risks are generally low in patients who are otherwise fit and healthy. There is also a risk of toxicity to local anaesthetic – we are careful to calculate the total dose allowed for your weight, in conjunction with advice from the anaesthetist, and take care to not reach maximum doses during surgery.
Bleeding (1-2%) – any bleeding is controlled during surgery and really only arises from the skin incisions. It is more common however to get bruising which can sometimes be extensive over the liposuction area – continual wear of your garment helps reduce bruising in the postoperative period.
Seroma (2%) – after any injury to the body the area swells. Part of the fluid that enters the area sends cells to the area that help the area heal. However excess fluid can create a fluid collection called a seroma, which can then create the risk of infection. This is more common after open surgery than liposuction and it is more common to get areas of swelling rather than discrete fluid collections. Continuous wear of your garment will help reduce swelling in the postoperative period.
Infection (<1%) – this is very rare. However you are given antibiotics during induction (when you are going to sleep), as well as a course of oral antibiotics after your surgery to keep this risk to a minimum.
Poor Wound Healing (5%) – Occasionally absorbable sutures used under the skin can be rejected by the body forming a small pustule where the suture spits out. These issues usually resolve with removing the suture and dressings.

Specific Complications

Skin necrosis or blistering (<1%) – this is a rare complication in liposuction surgery. Blunt liposuction generally sucks the fat without damaging the nerves and blood vessels that cross the fat space. However if the blood vessels are traumatised to a large degree overlying skin blood supply can be reduced, and it can blister or a patch can die (necrose). The risk of skin necrosis is higher in patients who smoke or are diabetic.
Change in sensation – Blunt liposuction generally sucks the fat without damaging the nerves and blood vessels that cross the fat space. However if the nerves are traumatised to a large degree overlying skin become numb. Usually the cause of numbness is swelling – as the swelling reduces over the weeks following surgery, the numbness improves. Even if there is bruising of nerves, the sensation often returns completely but can take months to do so.
Incomplete correction – it is possible that liposuction does not result in complete correction of the contour for which it was undertaken. This can be because of deeper fat that is inaccessible by liposuction (e.g. within the abdomen for example around organs).
Asymmetrical scars or contours – There is usually an asymmetry of fat deposits around the body which means liposuction on areas on opposite sides of the body may need to be different to address asymmetries. There can be a difference in how each side of the body behaves to surgery, and can produce an asymmetry to the scars, as well as end contours.
Hypertrophic or poor scars – How one’s body behaves to scarring is individual and largely genetic. Some types of skin are more prone to hypertrophic or keloid scarring, and some individuals and families are more prone to this. We will routinely advise you on how to improve the quality of scars over time. You should also discuss any history of abnormal scarring with Dr Aggarwal preoperatively.

Procedure FAQs

Do I need a referral for liposuction?

No
However if you do obtain a referral it is possible to claim a Medicare rebate of approximately $73 for the initial consultation

Where can I see Dr Aggarwal?

You can see us at our main practice at Gordon, or at our other locations at Hornsby, Hunters Hill or Camperdown.
Please scroll to the bottom of the page to find out more information about these locations.

Where will I have my operation?

Any of the hospitals where Dr Aggarwal works – i.e. Sydney Adventist Hospital, SAN Day Surgery, Hunters Hill Private or Castlecrag Private hospitals

What can I do to prepare for surgery?

Cease fish oil, and other supplements such as Ginkgo, Ginseng.
Please discuss with Dr Aggarwal if you are on blood thinning medications as to when you should stop and recommence those.
If you are smoking you need to cease this well in advance of surgery.

After surgery, will I need to wear a special garment?

Yes you will need to wear a compressive liposuction garment for at least 6 weeks.

Will I be able to exercise after surgery?

You should not do any exercise that raises your blood pressure for at least 72 hours after surgery
Light exercise is generally allowable at 4 weeks
Heavier exercise should be avoided for 6-8 weeks

Will I need special medications after surgery?

Dr Aggarwal will provide you with the necessary scripts for antibiotics and pain relief.

Will I need further surgery?

Not usually.

Can I travel in an airplane after surgery?

Yes
However we always encourage patients not to be away overseas shortly after having a procedure, so that we can closely follow your recovery and address any concerns that may arise.

When will I be able to swim after liposuction?

You may swim in a pool or beach after 2 weeks as this is the time it takes for the incisions to heal.

When will I be able to drive after liposuction?

Yes but only after 24-48 hours after minor liposuction, best to defer for several days or a week after major liposuction.

Do you offer local anaesthetic or sedation for liposuction?

Yes occasionally minor liposuction can be undertaken under local or sedation.
Most patients however will require a general anaesthetic in an accredited private hospital.
It is usually a day surgery procedure but you will need someone to pick you up and accompany you home after the procedure

Will liposuction change the sensation of my skin?

It is possible
Blunt liposuction generally sucks the fat without damaging the nerves and blood vessels that cross the fat space. However if the nerves are traumatised the overlying skin become numb. Usually the cause of numbness is swelling – as the swelling reduces over the weeks following surgery, the numbness improves. Even if there is bruising of nerves, the sensation often returns completely but can take months to do so.

Are there any alternatives to liposuction?

Diet and exercise is best to try to lose as much weight as possible.
If there is loose skin in addition to fat excess you may require an operation that cuts out tissue – please read other sections in Body Surgery for more information.

Procedure Pricing

The price for liposuction depends on the duration of surgery and the area treated.
- Follow up
Please note that added time for surgery to address certain complexities will result in additional fees. Furthermore the fees include hospital fees which are subject to change without notice and can affect the total cost of the procedure.
On the other hand combination of liposuction with other procedures can result in cost savings when compared to procedures performed individually.
A quote for procedures will be provided to you after a consultation with Dr. Aggarwal. You can also call or email our office for our current indicative prices.

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