Liposculpture / Liposuction in Melbourne

Liposuction overview

The profile of people wanting liposuction has changed over the years, once liposuction was seen ‘only for the rich and famous’, now slowly it is being accepted as just another opportunity for the average person to change their shape.

As people age, both men and women accumulate fat in areas of the body that simply cannot be removed by sensible dieting or exercising. Liposuction in these circumstances is an effective method for the removal of localised fatty deposits.

Liposuction is not intended as a substitute for weight loss, but rather is a contouring procedure when healthy eating and exercise has not been enough. It is best utilised in a program of exercise and optimal weight maintenance.

Although not usually known, liposuction can be used successfully to reduce the problem of ‘sweaty armpits’ or hyperhidrosis. Instead of removing fat cells, liposuction in this case removes sweat glands.

The term liposuction is generally used when a large amount of fat is removed from many areas of the body.

The term liposculpture is usually used when patients have only small areas of fat to be removed from the body, such as the outer thighs or chin.

The term mega liposuction is is often used to outline a procedure that removes very large amounts of fat usually from several areas sometimes over a one or two treatment period.

Liposuction involves the infiltration of fatty tissue with large volumes of 'tumescent fluid', which acts in a variety of ways. Tumescent fluid is an anaesthetic solution, it consists of a dilute local anaesthetic such as lignocaine which numbs the area, it also contains a small amount of adrenaline which causes a vasoconstriction (temporary shrinkage of blood vessels) that reduces any bleeding and sodium bicarbonate (which causes the softening of the fat) all of which help to reduce trauma to the body and fasten the recovery time.

When Dr Rich performs liposuction he always sculpts the area he is treating, this ensures that patients get the very best possible results.

Liposuction procedures

• Dr Rich in conjunction with the patient maps the areas to be suctioned
• If the patient requires ‘twilight sedation’ they are seen by their anaesthetist when they are admitted to the Day Surgery clinic
• If patients are suitable and do not require sedation, small liposuctions can be performed in our theatre at the Armadale rooms.
• Local anaesthetic is injected into the treatment sites
• Tumescent fluid is infused into the treatment areas (a fine infiltrating instrument tunnels into the fatty areas)
• Once the area is numbed, an aspiration instrument is attached to the aspirator machine to suck the fat globules into a canister.
• Dr Rich will suction until the appropriate results are reached, taking care to adequately shape the areas to achieve the best aesthetic results.

Liposuction Consultations

Liposuction begins with a pre-procedure consultation. During this consultation a specialist nurse will discuss the liposuction procedure and show photos of past results. Liposuction is a medical procedure and as such patients must be informed of all the benefits, risks and expected results that can be accomplished in their specific case. Dr Rich will also examine the areas to be treated and then discuss with you what the procedure can achieve. A nurse will then give you a variety of information sheets and a quotation on the procedure that we suggest you take home and read carefully before making any decision. All patients who then decide to have a liposuction procedure at Dr Rich’s – Australian Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Clinic usually attend another appointment prior to their procedure either to discuss their procedure further, or to have pre procedure photographs and a full medical history, including blood tests discussed. Patients will also be advised of any medications he/she may need to stop taking prior to the procedure being performed to avoid complications.

Before your liposuction procedure

Before surgery, a complete medical history is taken and a careful examination is conducted in order to evaluate your condition. During the consultation, Dr Rich and his nurse will describe the procedure and what results you might realistically expect. They will also explain any alternative treatment options and explain the possible risks and complications that may occur. Photographs are taken before and after the liposuction procedure to help evaluate the improvement.

The recovery process for liposuction

The local anaesthetic injected into the tissue can remain there for approximately 12 to 24 hours following liposuction surgery. This greatly minimizes postoperative discomfort. After tumescent liposuction, patients are usually drowsy due to any sedation given. With the tumescent technique, there is usually minimal bruising and many patients do not require postoperative pain relief medication.

Immediately after the procedure, dressings and a special compression garment is applied to firmly support the areas and help remove the tumescent fluid. Patients should be aware there is usually leakage of pink-tinged fluid through the instrument holes from anywhere from 24 to 72 hours post the treatment depending on the areas treated. This is normal and helps to minimize bruising.

Recovery is usually fast. Some patients return to a desk-type job within 48 hours. Generally patients return to work after a few days rest, however this does vary according to the individual.

Physical exercise can normally be resumed when the patient feels comfortable doing so. Light exercise immediately following the procedure, such as a walk is beneficial to gain quick mobility.

Results from liposuction can be seen as soon as a few days to some weeks depending on the areas treated and further improvement can still occur for up to six months after the procedure.

Considerations

Liposuction does not replace a healthy lifestyle. Sensible eating and exercise is necessary to maintain your weight, which is the foundation of good liposuction results.

For some patients who have been overweight for a long time or who have had several children, the risk of poor skin elasticity may be an issue for body liposuction. This is discussed prior to the procedure if a concern.

Risks and complications of liposuction

Although tumescent liposuction is a safe procedure, it like any other surgical procedure, it carries risks that must be considered. Infection, either at the incision sites or a rare risk of Seroma (fluid that remains in the tissue and becomes infected) may require either antibiotics or draining, are all possible. These risks are reduced by the anti-bacterial action of the tumescence liquid and antibiotics, which are given prior to and after the procedure.

Liposuction FAQ’s

Liposuction by the 'tumescence technique’ was founded as a direct result of the high risks in liposuction prior to 1987. American dermatologist Dr Jeffery Klein, designed the tumescence technique in 1987 and it is now renowned as changing the way liposuction is performed worldwide and improving liposuctions safety rates.

• chin / neck / jowls
• arms
• breasts / chest
• bra bulge (axillary folds)
• back flanks
• abdomen
• waist
• love handles
• hips
• thighs
• knees
• calves & ankles

Liposuction is not intended as a method for weight loss. It is used as a shaping procedure for areas where hereditary fat deposits have been resistant to healthy diet and exercise. The best results from liposuction occur in body areas where there is reasonable muscle tone and where skin has good elastic quality. In cases where there is a significant loss of tone or elasticity other cosmetic procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) may be necessary.

If you would like to find out more about liposuction in Melbourne contact us for a free cosmetic surgery consultation on 03 9500 9500