A procedure aimed at removing excess fat deposits from different areas of the body
Brisbane Liposuction
Many of us struggle with excess pockets of fat that just won’t budge, no matter how well you eat or how often you hit the gym. If you are looking to slim and reshape certain areas of the body, liposuction may help. Liposuction is fast becoming one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures and is one of many body contouring procedures performed by Dr Perron.
Liposuction is designed to remove excess fat deposits from different areas of the body in order to improve the body’s overall contour and proportion. While each patient has different concerns, some frequently targeted areas include the thighs, hips, abdomen, flanks and arms.
There are several liposuction techniques that are available. The basis of liposuction is to use specifically designed suction cannulas, which are attached to a special vacuum pump, to aspirate the fat from the target area. In the past, liposuction had a tendency to be unsafe due to the uncontrolled nature of fluid shifts around the body. With the introduction of ‘tumescent’ techniques, liposuction has become a very safe surgical technique in experienced hands.
The addition of other components, such as ultrasonic equipment (UAL, VASER), lasers (Smart Lipo, Prolipo, Lipolite), power-assisted liposuction (PAL), and water jet-assisted liposuction, can help improve the outcome of the procedure. Each liposuction technique has its own combination of benefits and drawbacks. Some techniques are better used under certain circumstances, and the area being treated, the patient’s skin quality and the goals of the treatment also need to be taken into consideration.
Successfully reshaping any aspect of the body starts with being in good health before the surgical procedure. If you plan to lose weight, aim for a weight that you consider ‘ideal’ before considering liposuction. Being in shape before this procedure will ensure an ideal outcome and quicker recovery.
This procedure usually takes a couple of hours to complete and is performed under a general anaesthetic. Dr Perron will make small incisions in the skin, through which a cannula can be inserted. Dr Perron will move the cannula back and forth to loosen the excess fat before it is suctioned out of the body using a surgical vacuum attached to the cannula.
In some cases, you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days to recover, especially if this surgery was combined with other procedures. You will also need to wear a post-operative garment for several weeks to ensure a good outcome.
The recovery time for liposuction can vary between patients, depending on the area treated, the amount of fat removed, and the type of anaesthesia used. Some swelling, bruising, and bleeding is normal but should subside within a few days. While you will experience some pain, Dr Perron will prescribe pain medication that should help.
For most patients, it may take up to a week before they can resume their regular activities. During the first few weeks, you should limit exercise to walking or inclined walking, after which low-impact exercises can slowly be introduced. Walking and other movements in the first few days after surgery are essential in preventing blood clots, DVTs and lung complications such as pneumonia. Depending on Dr Perron’s recommendations, you may resume all exercise after six weeks.
Keep in mind that it can take a few months before a final result is seen due to swelling and healing of the area. However, you can expect your results to be well worth the wait.
The cost of liposuction can vary significantly between patients. Most liposuction procedures range from $3,800 – $10,000, (this is dependant on the duration of the procedure) however, to receive the most accurate quote, we recommend discussing your aesthetic goals with Dr Perron during a consultation.
The price of your liposuction surgery can be divided into three main cost components: surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fee’s and hospital fees.
First of all, Dr Perron will charge a fee to perform your liposuction procedure. Surgeon’s fees can differ greatly from surgeon to surgeon, depending on factors such as their professional qualifications, experience and recognition. The fee Dr Perron charges you may also vary, depending on the complexity of your procedure, how much fat you wish to have removed, and the areas in which you are seeking liposuction.
Liposuction can be performed under both local anaesthesia and general anaesthesia, although Dr Perron prefers the latter. He works with only the most qualified anaesthetists to ensure your safety and comfort during the procedure. You will be given an estimation of your anaesthetist fees prior to your liposuction surgery.
You will also need to pay a fee for the use of hospital facilities. As liposuction is usually performed as a day procedure, your hospital fees will only include the time spent in the operating theatre and the time it takes to recover from anaesthesia. If for some reason, an overnight stay is required, you will need to pay additional fees.
Many patients who want to get rid of excess fat are also concerned about sagging skin, which can only be removed via surgery. In these cases, a combination procedure may be required, which can raise costs considerably.
As a cosmetic procedure, liposuction won’t be covered by private health insurance or Medicare.
As with any operative procedure, there are risks involved with having liposuction. Some of the specific risks associated with liposuction include the following:
Not everyone is a good candidate for liposuction. Dr Perron can discuss your specific circumstances and expectations during a consultation to help decide what is best for you.
Please be advised that all procedures carry risks, therefore, we encourage patients to consult with their regular GP and Qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon before considering surgery. Find more information here.
Liposuction techniques can be used to treat unwanted, stubborn fat from various areas of the body. Some of the most popular areas where Dr Perron performs liposuction include:
The abdomen is one of the most requested areas for liposuction. Removing fat from the lower abdomen can minimise the dreaded “muffin top”, whilst the upper abdomen can also hold a stubborn layer of fat. Removing unwanted fat deposits from these areas can create a tighter, more toned stomach.
The flanks, or love handles, are another common area for liposuction, as it can be very difficult to reduce fat in this area through diet and exercise alone. Liposuction to the love handles usually produces great results, giving female patients the much-desired hourglass figure.
Many women carry excess fat in the hips, making it a popular liposuction site. Removing stubborn fat from the hips can create a more feminine silhouette and has the added bonus of improving the appearance of the buttocks.
While many women and men actually desire a larger bottom, removing excess fat from the buttocks can minimise dimpling, which some find unsightly. This can make the figure look more proportionate.
The thighs are a problem area for many women. Removing excess fat from the outer thighs can improve your overall shape, whilst contouring the inner thighs can create the appearance of a “thigh gap”. Treating the back of the thighs or the “banana roll” area can also improve the shape and appearance of the buttocks.
Liposuction to the lower legs, including the calves and ankles, is less common than other areas, however, can help patients achieve a slimmer, more proportionate figure.
Stubborn fat in the back can be very difficult to remove through diet and exercise. Liposuction to the back can dramatically reduce back rolls and create a firmer, smoother appearance.
“Batwings” are common in both men and women with age, often occurring due to a lack of muscle tone. Liposuction to the arms can tighten the area to create a more youthful experience and reduce the unflattering “arm jiggle”.
Liposuction to the chest can help men and women alike. In particular, chest liposuction can correct the appearance of gynecomastia, or “man boobs”, which occurs in men as a result of excess fat and glandular tissue in the chest.
In addition to contouring the body, liposuction can also address excess facial fat. In particular, liposuction can be used to slim the cheeks and neckline.
Yes. We are born with only a certain number of fat cells that continue to grow until puberty, when their numbers stabilise. The only thing that will affect the results you achieve with liposuction is if you gain weight, as this causes an enlargement of the fat cells. Weight gain can change the shape of your body and make you feel as if you’ve reversed your results.
Body shape, genetics, dietary patterns, exercise habits, and gender can all influence where fat is deposited. Liposuction can remove the fatty deposits that diet and exercise cannot. Popular areas for this procedure include the hips, abdomen, thighs and arms.
Liposuction is ideal for anyone who has reached their ideal weight but has stubborn pockets of fat they would like to remove. This surgery is not a substitute for healthy living and shouldn’t be used for weight loss. It is essential to quit smoking prior to your surgery. Patients should be in good physical health and have realistic expectations about what can be achieved. It is also beneficial to have good skin elasticity. While there is no age limit for liposuction, older patients do have less skin elasticity, which may affect the results of the procedure.
If you are considering liposuction, your first step is to book a consultation with Dr Perron. This appointment is your opportunity to discuss the concerns you have with your appearance and the results you wish to achieve through surgery. Dr Perron recognises that this can be daunting for many patients and aims to keep you comfortable during your entire consultation.
After reviewing your medical history, Dr Perron will examine your desired liposuction areas and take pre-operative photographs. He will discuss your surgical options and give detailed information regarding the procedure steps, recovery period and complications to be aware of. Be sure to come into your liposuction consultation with lots of questions so that you can leave feeling confident about your choice to go ahead with the procedure.
During your consultation, Dr Perron will give you specific pre-operative instructions. To prevent surgical complications and optimise results, he will advise that you quit smoking and may suggest adjusting certain medications. Dr Perron will also give you clear instructions on what to do the day before your procedure regarding fasting, showering and what to bring with you to the hospital. For your safety, you must strictly adhere to Dr Perron’s advice.
We also suggest that you take steps before surgery to prepare for your recovery. This could include setting up a cosy area in your home, purchasing some comfortable clothing and filling any needed prescriptions in advance. You will also need to arrange for someone to pick you up from the hospital after surgery and, if possible, someone to help with tasks at home for the first few days.
It is normal to experience some bruising and swelling around the treated area. The area may also be tender, and there could be mild pain, but this will subside with enough rest. The best way to control the swelling is to wear your compression garment that Dr Perron provides you.
You will need to wear your compression garments day and night for the first two weeks. This will help with swelling and ensure you achieve the best results. For the next few weeks, it is recommended that you wear the garment for 12 hours a day. Dr Perron will advise you on how you can achieve the best results.
This depends on the age and skin elasticity of the patient in question. Generally, if you have good skin elasticity, the skin should shrink and not become flabby after surgery. Your compression garments will also help support the treated area.
It is advisable for patients to take a few days off work to recover after liposuction, but patients with physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery time. Taking time to recover will help you to manage any side effects and will ensure the best results. While some walking is recommended after surgery, it is best to avoid any strenuous activities for at least a month.
Dr Perron usually performs liposuction under general anaesthesia, which means that patients won’t be in pain during the procedure. However, some discomfort is expected during the recovery period. Dr Perron will be able to advise you on how you can minimise pain after surgery, although most discomfort should subside within a week.
Most patients achieve optimal results in just one liposuction procedure. However, Dr Perron can only remove so much fat during a single surgery. Therefore, if you wish to remove a large amount of fat from the body, you may need to have liposuction surgery more than once. Keep in mind that this will increase your costs considerably.
Yes. If you are concerned by excess fat in more than one area of the body, you can treat multiple areas in one liposuction procedure. However, doing so will increase the time spent in surgery, in turn increasing recovery times and overall costs.
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a tool for weight loss. As such, overweight or obese patients should keep in mind that there is only so much fat that Dr Perron can remove during the procedure. To achieve optimal results, we suggest being at a stable, healthy weight before surgery. If you fluctuate in weight after your procedure, you may find that your results are negatively impacted.
Dr Perron will likely remove between three and five litres of fat during your liposuction procedure, depending on your aesthetic goals and percentage of body fat. For your safety, Dr Perron abides by the guidelines that suggest a maximum extraction limit of five litres. If you wish to remove more than this, you may need more than one liposuction procedure.
Recovery after liposuction is a gradual process. You may notice a slight change right after surgery, however, you will need to wait for swelling and bruising to subside before your full results appear. This can take anywhere between three to six months. After about 12 months, the results of your liposuction procedure will be far more obvious.
If you want to enjoy your liposuction results in the long term, you will need to make some lifestyle changes. Keeping up with a regular exercise routine and eating a healthy, balanced diet will help you maintain your liposuction results for years to come.
As with most surgical procedures, there may be some scarring after liposuction surgery. However, the incisions made by Dr Perron are very small, so they shouldn’t cause too much concern. Dr Perron will also do his best to place your incisions in discreet locations. Regardless, scars will gradually fade after surgery and will eventually disappear entirely with proper wound care.
Liposuction can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia. With local anaesthesia, only the treated body area will be numbed, meaning that you won’t lose consciousness. While this may be suitable for small areas of fat removal, Dr Perron prefers performing liposuction under general anaesthesia.
If you are seeking fat removal in multiple areas of the body, general anaesthesia will be a better choice. With general anaesthesia, medicines will be used to send you to sleep to ensure that you do not feel any pain during the procedure. You will wake up after surgery with no recollection of what happened.
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