Liposuction at Cosmos Clinic

How is liposuction performed?

Liposuction is generally performed under twilight sedation or general anaesthesia. If liposuction is planned to be performed for a single, small region, a local anaesthetic can also be utilised. During liposuction, special fluids (known as tumescent anaesthesia) are injected to the regions from which fat will be removed, through small incisions. These anaesthetic fluids are injected to reduce blood loss during liposuction and numb the area to provide pain relief. The adrenaline in the fluid shrinks the blood vessels at the surgical site, allowing the removal of fat cells with liposuction cannulas while blood loss is reduced. Today, various assistive technologies are used in all types of liposuction procedures.

What are current liposuction methods?

Today, original liposuction techniques have been superseded by modern technology and techniques. The main aim of liposuction procedures is to remove stubborn pockets of fat. This will flatten and shape this area. Various technologies are utilised for liposuction procedures in modern practice. The most common ones are Vaser Liposuction, suction-assisted and power assisted liposuction methods.Vaser, an ultrasonic device, uses heat to separate fat cells, potentially facilitating easier extraction. This technique may result in reduced tissue trauma, blood loss, and scar tissue formation, though individual experiences can vary. Vaser can also improve skin tightening by up to 53% over traditional liposuction.

Who is suitable for liposuction?

The aim of this procedure is to remove fatty tissue in areas of regional fat accumulation. Vaser Liposuction is not a replacement for diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle and must not be confused with weight loss procedures such as bariatric surgery. However, we do offer large volume Liposuction at Cosmos Aesthetics but it is important to understand that we do not remove more than 5 litres of fat during any one procedure, in accordance with international safety guidelines. A second session if required (to remove up to another 5 litres of fat) can be arranged no earlier than 1 week later.

What happens to the skin after Vaser Liposuction?

Loose skin after cosmetic surgery is a common concern: the removal of volume will typically “deflate” an object (imagine letting air out of a party balloon). Studies have shown that Vaser Liposuction can offer up to 54% more skin tightening in comparison to other methods, such as traditional liposuction. Whilst the technology used in Vaser Liposuction may help to reduce the potential for loose skin and excess skin laxity post-procedure, it is not a guarantee and results will vary depending on individual factors. Patients with poor skin elasticity may still experience some degree of skin wrinkling or looseness, and it is very important to understand that Vaser Liposuction does NOT represent a replacement for abdominoplasty (“tummy tuck”) when needed. Your doctor will offer honest insight and opinion into your options and likely outcomes once your skin type is assessed.

What are the body parts for which liposuction is most commonly performed?

The specific areas of the body where liposuction is commonly performed differ between men and women. Women tend to gain weight in different regions than men. Women generally gain weight in the abdomen, back, legs, arms and hips. Therefore, liposuction is most commonly performed in these regions for women. Men more commonly gain weight in the trunk. Liposuction is most commonly needed for breasts (due to gynecomastia), abdomen and low-back region for men.

Am I a suitable candidate for liposuction?

A liposuction procedure is not weight loss surgery, but is used for body shaping n suitable candidates, and expectations should be reviewed accordingly. Importantly, this surgery can only remove fat located between skin and muscles, not the fat found around abdominal organs, known as visceral fat. Therefore, liposuction is not a viable option for patients with intra-abdominal fat deposition where a gastric balloon, gastric sleeve or diet/exercise are better options.

It is also not a viable option for patients with excess skin wanting to look better without clothes. Abdominoplasty ‘tummy tuck’ is often the preferred option. Patients with morbid obesity are not suitable for liposuction.

What needs to be taken into consideration after liposuction?

Early post-operative mobilisation reduces the incidence of post-operative complications, and assists with healing. Tight compression garments need to be worn for at least 3 weeks full time and 3 weeks part time to help reduce the swelling. Pain relief is important for patients to stay comfortable as liposuction can be painful, and individual pain thresholds differ. Antibiotics will help reduce the incidence of infection. Anti-vomiting medication is prescribed if needed and constipation relieving tablets are also sometimes required as pain medications can contribute to constipation.

How long are compression garments worn after liposuction?

Compression garments should be used for 6 weeks after liposuction, 3 weeks full time and 3 weeks part time. The compression garment ensures that the skin shrinks and adapts to its new position more easily. Moreover, it mitigates fluid accumulation and swelling.

Are drains necessary in liposuction procedure?

Drains are generally used when the procedural site is large, such as the abdomen. A small drain is placed at the same incision site used for liposuction to allow for excess fluid to be removed from the area. This makes postoperative recovery a more comfortable experience for patients. The drain will typically drain fluid for approximately 3 days and drains are removed at the 4 to 5 day mark after the procedure. In many areas of the body, drain placement is not required. Your doctor will explain if drains are required for the area you are seeking to have liposuction.

Should lymphatic massage be performed after liposuction?

Lymphatic massage is one of the most important post-operative aftercare therapies that affect the outcome of liposuction. We start our patients on lymphatic massage one day after the procedure. The massage is light and short on the first day, but follow-up sessions can be lengthened when the pain alleviates. We recommended a minimum of 4 sessions of lymphatic massage at intervals of 1 session every 2 to 3 days after the procedure. Lymphatic massage not only relieves swelling at the procedural site, but it also helps skin recover and adapt to its new position better.

Are outcomes of liposuction permanent?

If the patient maintains weight control after surgery, outcomes of liposuction can be long-lasting, as the fat cells removed from that body area do not regenerate. Remaining fat cells can however grow in size causing weight gain, and therefore patients are informed before surgery in detail about the lifestyle modifications they should do in their postoperative life. Therefore, we inform patients before the surgery in detail about the lifestyle modifications they should do in their postoperative life. To speak with one of our professionals, contact us today.

Are Sydney liposuction procedures performed under general anaesthesia?

Liposuction is performed under twilight sedation or a general anaesthetic. There are some advantages to performing the surgical procedure under twilight sedation which decreases the risks associated with general anaesthesia, and decreases your recovery time. A General Anaesthetic, if required, would always be performed by a specialist anaesthetist at Cosmos Aesthetics.

Is liposuction a risky procedure?

There are risks for liposuction surgery which may occur despite due care and diligence on the part of the health practitioner. These include:

• Temporary swelling and bruising to the treatment area
• Fluid collection under the skin (seroma)
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Permanent dimpling
• Cellulite
• Asymmetrical results
• Scarring
• Hyperpigmentation
• Blistering or burns
• Loose skin
• Persistent or excessive pain
• Paraesthesia
• Temporary weakness to the upper arm
• Permanent motor nerve loss
• Side effects from local anaesthesia
• Fainting or feeling dizzy
• Allergic reactions
• Organ perforation
• Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism which are rare but can be life threatening
• Fat embolism
• And fat necrosis which can leave a lump.

What is the most common complication of liposuction?

The most common postoperative complication is the irregularity of the skin. Irregularity was traditionally a very common issue in original liposuction techniques, which utilised a lot of mechanical force.

In Vaser Liposuction, fat cells are fragmented and liquefied with ultrasound energy. It is Less difficult to remove liquefied fats, and as a byproduct, more even skin outcomes are obtained as compared with traditional liposuction. In addition, we use power-assisted liposuction (Microaire) to remove fat cells that we liquefy with Vaser Liposuction and thus, we can create a smoother appearance. Today, a combination of Vaser and Microaire for liposuction procedures is the most novel liposuction technique that offers the best outcome.

Can liposuction be performed as a slimming method?

Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. The purpose of liposuction is to eliminate regional areas of fat deposition and provide a contoured body shape for individuals who are of almost ideal body weight. Thus, we do not recommend liposuction as a weight loss method.

Can the fat removed with liposuction be transferred into other areas?

Cells removed through appropriate techniques can be processed and transformed into pure fat cells. These cells can be injected into different body regions to increase volume. This is known as fat grafting. The most common area for fat injection are the buttocks (commonly referred to as Brazilian Butt Lift).

What is the maximum extraction limit of fat in one session?

A general upper limit of 5L fat cell removal is accepted around the world but this amount of fat can be too much for a smaller individual. During liposuction, the maximum extraction limit of fat is equal to 6-8% of body weight (Gerald Illouz). For example, a maximum 4.8 litres of fat can be removed in a person with body weight of 60 kg. The upper limit also depends on the patients health and intraoperative bleeding at the time of the procedure. If the limit is reached, we perform liposuction a minimum one week later once the body’s fluids have re-equilibrated.

Can liposuction be repeated in the same area?

Liposuction can be repeated. However, the removal of unwanted fat in the same area that has been operated on before is more difficult than the first session, which can increase the incidence of irregularities. Subcutaneous healing in the postoperative course causes connective tissue to increase. Thus, fat removal during a second procedure on the same area is more difficult. 5% of patients will need a touch up procedure to correct irregularities.

When will I see my liposuction results?

While some subtle improvements after your liposuction procedure are possible, it takes time for the final results to appear. You will need to wait for post-operative swelling to subside and give the skin time to retract and tighten up in the treated area. The time it can take varies from patient to patient. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations. Some liposuction patients are able to see results within three to six months after surgery, while others improve for up to a year. Recovery time also differs between patients with some being able to return to normal activities within a few days and others needing several weeks.

Are liposuction results permanent?

Liposuction results can be long-lasting, in the sense that once the fat cells are removed, they cannot return. However, the remaining fat cells can still grow in size, meaning that it is still possible to regain weight in the future, although likely in different areas of the body. You should keep in mind that external factors can also impact your results. Liposuction does not pause the aging process, and things like inflammation, weight fluctuations and gravity can all affect the way your results look over time.

Will I have loose skin after liposuction?

How well the skin contracts following liposuction can vary from person to person, typically depending on the quality of skin elasticity. You will find that your skin will naturally contract to some degree after a liposuction procedure as a result of the skin’s natural healing process. However, patients with good skin elasticity often find themselves with smooth, firm skin after liposuction, while patients with poor skin elasticity may find themselves with looseness or wrinkling of the skin. Your doctor will be able to provide an opinion as to what results you might expect once they assess your skin.

How much does liposuction cost in Sydney?

While we understand that cost is a huge factor in your decision to undergo cosmetic surgery, liposuction does not fit into a one price fits all strategy. The cost of a liposuction procedure varies from patient to patient, depending on factors such as:

• The areas of the body treated
• The body type of the patient
• The method of liposuction used
• The type of anaesthetic used
• The amount of time spent in surgery

At Cosmos Aesthetics Sydney, our VASER liposuction procedures start at $5,500 for one area. However, if you choose to treat multiple body areas at once, you can expect reduced recovery times AND reduced overall costs. Each additional area treated at Cosmos Aesthetics will cost approximately $2,500 on top of the base price. Of course, this is just a general guide: to receive a more accurate cost please organise a consultation with one of our liposuction doctors.

Are there any important disclaimers to know for liposuction?

Essential liposuction surgery disclaimer information, which must always be considered before deciding to have surgery, include:

• Results may vary from patient to patient.
• All photos are of patients from Cosmos Aesthetics, and all ‘after’ images are taken 6 weeks or later post-procedure.
• Results, recovery, and potential complications will vary for each individual patient.
• Photos and videos featured are not a guarantee that your results will be the same as another person, and does not guarantee you will receive a particular surgical outcome.
• Any invasive or surgical procedure carries risks, side effects, and complications, which can be permanent.