Sydney Expert Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Medical Advice

Liposuction Sydney

By Sydney Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Expert Surgeon Dr Sawjin Tew

Almost everyone has undesired deposits of fat in their body that they cannot shift with diet and exercise. This is where liposculpture and liposuction can help.

“Liposculpture” refers to the technique of modifying one’s body contours. “Liposuction” refers to the manual surgical technique of achieving a modified body contour.

Liposuction is achieved using hollow tubular instruments of various sizes to extract the fat. Tiny incisions are made at the site where fat is to be removed from, and a solution is infused to provide anaesthesia, reduce bleeding and improve fat extraction. The hollow cannula is inserted into the area via tiny incisions. The cannula is then attached to suction tubing through which the fat is then aspirated. Knowing how much to leave behind is a guide to how much fat should be removed, and this is a joint decision between the patient and the surgeon and what is achievable based on the surgeon’s aesthetic judgement and experience.

It is important to have realistic expectations of the results of liposuction. Older patients who have skin that has lost its elasticity are more prone to rippling, dimpling and loose skin after liposuction. Liposuction may not be the most suitable procedure for patients with excess folds of skin, which is best removed by “tummy tuck”, “arm reduction” or “breast lift/ reduction”. Liposuction, including abdominal liposuction,  does not improve muscle tone either. If a patient gains weight after liposuction, the procedure may need to be repeated. If the patient loses weight, excess skin may need to be trimmed in a subsequent procedure.