Liposuction Melbourne

Body Liposuction by Dr Carmen

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that can assist with the removal of stubborn fat deposits that may not respond to diet or exercise. It can be utilised to address areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, or back, depending on individual anatomy and goals discussed during consultation.

Dr Carmen Munteanu MD FRACS (Plast) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who performs liposuction in Melbourne, Australia. She is dedicated to providing optimal care to her patients and helping them achieve realistic goals.

Download Dr Carmen’s Guide to

Liposuction

Types of Liposuction

There are several different types of liposuction techniques. The following are four of the types that may be utilised:

Tumescent liposuction

This approach involves the use of a fluid mixture, typically containing saline, local anaesthetic, and medication to help reduce bleeding, which is injected into the targeted fat layer. This fluid helps prepare the area for fat removal. A thin cannula is then used to remove the fat through suction.

Super-wet liposuction

Super-wet liposuction is similar to tumescent liposuction. However, the amount of fluid injected into the fatty tissue is less. It also contains nerve numbing agents and blood vessel contractor.

This technique may allow for a more efficient procedure with potentially less discomfort during recovery.

Laser-assisted liposuction

Laser-assisted liposuction uses a laser (found at the tip of the cannula) to liquefy the fatty tissues. This helps with the movement of the cannula and helps increase the rate that the fatty tissue is removed.

The laser energy may also stimulate collagen production in the surrounding tissue.

Vaser Liposuction or Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction

This form of Liposuction utilises ultrasound technology to break down fat cells before removal. This can allow for more precise fat removal in certain areas and may offer some tightening effects on the skin.

What Are The Potential Benefits Of Liposuction?

While results and experiences vary between individuals, potential benefits may include:

Targeted Fat Reduction: Liposuction can help remove stubborn fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise, especially in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and back.
Altered Appearance: For some patients, the procedure may contribute to a more proportionate body shape, depending on the area treated.
Support Following Weight Loss: Individuals who have experienced weight loss may use liposuction to address remaining localised fat deposits that are not responding to diet and exercise.
Potential for Increased Mobility or Comfort: In some cases, the removal of excess fat in certain areas may reduce physical discomfort or increase ease of movement.
Adjunct to Other Procedures: Liposuction may be used alongside other surgical procedures to provide a more comprehensive result.

What makes a suitable Candidate For Liposuction?

Suitable Candidates for Liposuction

Suitable candidates are typically:

In good general health
Close to their goal weight
Have localised areas of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise
Have realistic expectations about what the procedure can achieve
Do not smoke, or are willing to stop before and after surgery
Have good skin tone and elasticity, as this helps the skin retract after surgery
Understand the risks and the recovery process

A thorough consultation and physical assessment is needed to determine individual suitability for the procedure.

About Liposuction Surgery – The Procedure

It is typically performed under general anaesthesia or sedation (which will be administered and monitored by an anaesthetist), depending on the treatment area and the amount of fat to be removed.

During the procedure incisions are made near the targeted areas. A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is then inserted through these incisions. Dr Carmen uses this instrument to break up the fat before it is removed via suction. The technique used may vary depending on the type of liposuction performed (mentioned above).

The procedure may be performed on areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, upper arms, back, or under the chin. The duration of the surgery will vary based on the number of areas treated and the volume of fat being removed.

It’s important to remember that Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to understand that outcomes can vary based on individual factors including body composition, skin elasticity, and healing response.

Dr Carmen will discuss the approach that is most suitable for you during your consultation, along with the potential risks and recovery considerations.

You will leave the hospital once cleared with Dr Carmens and her teams personal contact information and detailed aftercare instructions.

Recovery After Liposuction

Recovery after liposuction will vary depending on the areas treated, the amount of fat removed, and individual healing responses.

Most patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the days following surgery. Dr Carmen will instruct you to wear a compression garment for some time after the surgery, usually a couple of weeks. This is to help manage swelling and support the healing tissues.

It is generally recommended to take several days off work and avoid strenuous activity for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Light walking is recommended soon after surgery to promote circulation and reduce the risk of complications. Most swelling will subside within a few weeks, though mild swelling may persist for several months.

Dr Carmen will provide detailed post-operative instructions and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery. Following all aftercare guidance is essential to support the healing process and help achieve the desired outcome. Results will continue to evolve as swelling reduces, with final results typically becoming more noticeable over time.

Risks and Complications

Potential risks and complications may include:

Bleeding or haematoma (collection of blood under the skin)
Infection at the incision sites
Changes in skin sensation, including numbness or tingling, which may be temporary or persistent
Asymmetry, particularly if skin elasticity is reduced
Fluid accumulation (seroma) that may require drainage
Scarring, which varies depending on individual healing and skin type
Poor wound healing or delayed healing at the incision sites
Fat embolism, a rare but serious complication where fat enters the bloodstream
Skin discolouration or prolonged swelling
Reaction to anaesthesia

Dr Carmen will discuss these risks with you in detail during your consultation and provide advice tailored to your health, the extent of the procedure, and the area being treated. Following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions can help reduce the likelihood of complications.

For more information visit our Risks and Complications page

Reducing Scars After Liposuction

Incisions that are made during the liposuction are typically only a few millimeters long and are made in discrete locations where possible. Scars will take time to mature and fade however if you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your scars there are revision and treatment options available to further reduce their appearance. These include, but are not limited to skin resurfacing, topical silicone-based creams and micro-needling.

Longer-Term Results of Liposuction

Liposuction can produce long-lasting changes to the body in areas where localised fat deposits have been treated. While the fat cells that are removed during the procedure do not regenerate, the remaining fat cells in the body can still expand with changes in diet, activity level, or overall weight.

Maintaining a stable weight through regular physical activity and balanced nutrition is important to preserve the results of the procedure. Changes associated with ageing will still affect the body’s shape over the years.

It’s important to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns with your surgeon.

Price & Cost – How Much Is Liposuction In Melbourne ?

In general, the final price of a liposuction procedure depends on many factors which include hospital costs, surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, assistants’ fee and any medication and additional costs that may arise during your surgery.

For more information on pricing and payment options visit our pricing page.

FAQs about Liposuction

How do you get a flat stomach after liposuction?

Liposuction does not remove all your fat deposits – there will be fat left. To make sure that fat is not stored in remaining fat cells in unusual locations, individuals need to have a well-balanced diet and physical activity.

Does liposuction permanently remove fat?

The fat cells removed during liposuction do not come back, however the remaining fat cells can increase in size if your caloric intake is too high. Some research shows that new fat cells can also be formed even in adulthood.

Can liposuction remove 40kg+?

No, Liposuction is NOT a procedure for removing large quantities of fat. Liposuction is not a substitute for a balanced diet and exercising.

Can I get liposuction if I’m obese?

Liposuction is not recommended for obese patients with a very high BMI, as it does not remove large volumes of fat.

Can a man get liposuction?

Yes, a man can get liposuction. Liposuction removes fatty deposits regardless of sex.

What should you not do before liposuction?

You should not smoke, consume alcohol or eat at least six hours before the surgery. You should follow any other prohibitions that your specialised plastic surgeon may have told you for your procedure.

How much weight can you lose with liposuction?

Most surgeons limit the amount of fat they remove in a single liposuction procedure to less than 5kg. This is because the chances of undesirable surgery outcomes increase with the increase in the volume of fat that is removed.

How painful is liposuction?

Liposuction is carried out under local anaesthesia or general anaesthesia so there is no pain. During the recovery time, some discomfort can be felt however this is typically managed with medication.

Does skin tighten after liposuction?

Some skin tightness may be felt during the recovery, although the liposuction procedure does not address the issue of lax skin.

If excess skin is your concern, you may want to consult your specialised plastic surgeon about excess skin removal surgeries like Abdominoplasty procedure. Laser or Vaser Liposuction may offer some skin tightening effects.

Is it easier to lose weight after liposuction?

Liposuction does not make it easier to lose weight. Some patients do report that they are more motivated to maintain a balanced lifestyle after surgery so they can maintain their results.

Does arm liposuction work?

Yes, liposuction can remove fat from numerous areas of the body. Consult your specialised plastic surgeon for an estimation of what results can be achieved in your case.

What happens to liposuction fat?

It gets discarded as medical waste. Alternatively, you may have that fat purified and injected elsewhere in the body this is known as Fat grafting or Autologous Fat Transfer.

Does Liposuction change your shape?

Yes, liposuction can alter your body shape.

How much fat can be removed with Abdominoplasty?

An abdominoplasty procedure could remove up to 10kg of fatty tissue and excess skin.

Why is my stomach still big after liposuction?

Some swelling and fluid accumulation are to be expected after a liposuction procedure. You should be wearing a compression garment to help your body reabsorb the fluids.

Why do I weigh more after liposuction?

Some swelling and liquid accumulation can occur after the procedure and may lead to a short-term increase in weight after a liposuction procedure.

What happens if you don’t wear a compression garment after liposuction?

If you do not wear a compression garment, you may experience more swelling. It is also possible to affect the results since the compression garment can help the body retain the desired shape post-op.

Can I get liposuction twice?

Yes, you can get liposuction twice. The second liposuction can be a revision procedure or an entirely new liposuction.

Does insurance cover liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure and is seen as elective surgery. Therefore, no coverage is provided.

Liposuction with other Associated Surgeries

Liposuction can be successfully performed alongside other procedures to provide a more comprehensive result. This can include; abdominoplasty, facelift, reduction mammaplasty, brachioplasty/arm lift and thigh lift/thighplasty.

Your may choose to utilise the time spent in surgery, under general anaesthesia and the recovery time by consulting your specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Carmen Munteanu, about the possibility of having two surgical procedures performed at the same time.

Preparing for Your Liposuction Patient Journey

Always consult Dr Carmen about any concerns you may have. Remove all piercings and avoid having any new tattoos prior to the surgery. Have a shower morning before the surgery. Any hair extensions and any metal have to be removed. Bring any paperwork with you and prepare for a short hospital stay and plan to have somebody take you home: you will not be able to drive by yourself.

Get prepared at home – You may want to stock up your fridge and your pantry and run all errands you may have in the upcoming few weeks. Eat a lot of healthy foods weeks before the surgery and take multivitamins and zinc supplements to boost your immune system.

How to Find the Right Liposuction Surgeon for you, In Melbourne

Finding the right liposuction surgeon for you, in Melbourne may not be an easy task. You can look online for photos, but make sure that you choose a plastic surgeon (not just a doctor or undertrained cosmetic surgeon) who is allowed to operate in a proper accredited surgical theatre in a hospital and provides adequate post-op care.