Liposuction in Perth
The liposuction procedure is designed to eliminate excess fat and help sculpt the body. The procedure can target a number of areas on the body, with the most common areas being the abdomen, thighs, hips and arms. Sometimes, stubborn fat pockets in these areas can make it hard to lose weight through exercise.
If you’re interested in undergoing liposculpture, our highly experienced plastic surgeons, Dr Timothy Cooper and Dr Rob Choa, can help you achieve a more sculpted, toned and balanced body shape.
Deciding if liposuction is right for you
If you want to get rid of excess fat and sculpt your body, a liposuction procedure can eliminate excess fat in targeted areas, helping to sculpt the body.
The most targeted areas to have unwanted fat removed from include the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, ankles, upper arms and neck. Although the procedure is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, it can remove stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to traditional weight loss methods. Generally, ideal candidates will be close to their ideal body weight to achieve the best results. For candidates who may not be close enough to the ideal body weight for the procedure, we recommend following a healthy and balanced weight loss program first, before reassessing the areas in which you would like to receive the treatment.
It is essential to have realistic expectations about the outcome of your cosmetic surgery and gain a clear understanding of what the procedure can and cannot achieve. Before you decide to have surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for body sculpting
The best candidates for the liposuction procedure are people of average weight with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat in certain unwanted areas.
You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration. However, older patients have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as younger patients with tighter skin.
In your initial consultation, your surgeon will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie and assess the condition of your skin. He will explain the body contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want treatment in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” may more effectively meet your goals.
The procedure: Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL)
At our clinic, we use advanced practices to ensure the best results for treatments and surgical procedures. For body sculpting, Dr Cooper uses Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL).
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) involves the use of tumescent fluid, which is injected into the fat and helps numb and reduce bleeding in the area. A special cannula is then inserted under the skin and into the fatty tissue to deliver ultrasonic energy, which causes the fat to liquefy. Following this, a suction cannula is used to remove the fat more easily, resulting in a smoother effect. UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in virtually all areas of the body, but more particularly in fibrous areas, such as the upper back or the enlarged male breast.
Throughout the procedure, patients can be under local anaesthesia or twilight sedation, or general anaesthesia. The procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the amount of fat you will have removed and the number of areas being treated.
Further details of your procedure, specifically relating to your personal preferences and goals, can be discussed in depth during your consultation so that you have a full understanding of how the surgery works and what to expect on the day. You may be instructed to follow some preparation steps before the procedure, to help your body to heal sufficiently and set you up for a simple, fuss-free recovery.
Recovery: What to expect after your procedure
After your surgery, you will likely experience some blood and fluid drainage from the incisions. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you will be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for two to three weeks. Pain is usually short-lived and managed with oral analgesics. We recommend recovering at home and arranging for a family member, friend or carer to help you with daily tasks, particularly those that can involve heavy lifting. If you would prefer to recover out of home, make sure that you will have access to adequate care before the date of your procedure.
It will be important to rest, avoid strenuous exercise and avoid heavy lifting after the procedure. At the same time, very light regular exercise, like walking around the house, can help to promote blood circulation, prevent blood clots and reduce swelling. Following a healthy diet and staying hydrated can also help you to heal faster and see the best results from the surgery.
You may be instructed to quit smoking to reduce risks during recovery. Depending on the type of medication you may be currently taking, you might also be instructed to switch to an alternative. Blood thinning medications can sometimes increase risks during healing after surgery.
For your comfort during your recovery, wear loose-fitted clothing on the area that you had treated. Although you will have elastic garments on the treated area, wearing loose clothing can prevent causing added discomfort and be easier to change in and out of.
Complications and risks of a liposuction procedure
Long-term side effects of the procedure are rare, however, it is normal to experience some discomfort immediately after the surgery. Specific complications include contour problems and disturbance of sensation in the treated area. Numbness generally settles within six weeks of surgery.
Large-volume liposuction of more than five litres carries more significant risk, with greater fluid shifts. Overweight people are also more prone to deep vein thrombosis. Every patient’s suitability for the procedure will be assessed during a consultation, to avoid encountering these complications.
It is important to note that cellulite is not improved by undergoing liposuction. The scars from liposculpture are small and strategically placed to be hidden from view. Contour problems are usually minor but may require a “touch-up” if they persist. Imperfections in the final appearance are not uncommon after the procedure. The skin surface may be irregular, asymmetric or even “baggy”, especially in the older patient.
More serious complications can include infection, prolonged pain, delayed healing, changes in skin sensation, damage to deeper structures in the treated area, fluid accumulation and blood clots. Selecting a highly qualified plastic surgeon will help to minimise the chance of these complications occurring.
At your consultation, you will be thoroughly informed of the risks of the procedure and how they can be minimised through our advanced surgical practices, and recovery steps to encourage healing. If you have any particular concerns regarding the risks of the procedure, please discuss these with Dr Cooper during your consultation.
Costs of liposuction at Rodin Clinic, Perth
The costs associated with liposculpture will vary, depending on a number of factors. Simply put, the more areas of the body and the size of the area where you require treatment will determine the overall costs and price of the surgery. The amount of fat that you will need to have removed and the total surgery time can also impact the costs of the procedure, as well as anaesthesia fees and medications that may be needed during recovery.
Each patient will have different detailed procedure steps, so it is important to discuss costs in person with your surgeon for an accurate quote. Comparing costs to other patients or what may be listed online can be misleading.
For a better understanding of all the costs and prices associated with liposuction, please contact our clinic today to book a consultation with Dr Cooper, where he will discuss in more detail what will be involved in the surgery, as well as the overall cost and fee.
The costs associated with liposuction or body contouring will vary, depending on a number of factors. But simply put, the more areas of the body and the size of the area where you require liposuction, will determine the overall costs and price of the surgery. For a better understanding of all the costs and prices associated with liposuction, please contact our Perth clinic today to book a consultation with Dr Cooper and Dr Choa, where he will discuss in more detail what will be involved in the surgery, as well as the overall cost and fee.
Liposuction in Perth FAQ's
How much fat can liposuction remove?
Generally speaking, an amount of more than five litres is considered a large volume of fat to be removed. As far as how much you will need to have removed specifically, this can be discussed during your consultation, as the amount varies per patient. The more fat that is removed, the higher the risks of complications occurring, therefore, your surgeon will aim to find a good amount that will give you the best results as well as lower risks.
Do I need to recover at home?
We recommend recuperating at home, as things are familiar and you will likely be able to access help. If you elect to go away for your recuperation, make sure you have adequate access to help with daily chores and wound care.
Is liposuction permanent?
The fat cells in the treated area will be removed, which means that fat should not be able to regrow in the area. However, if excessive weight is gained, remaining fat cells can swell and affect the initial results. To maintain your results in the long term, it’s best to adopt a healthy lifestyle, with plenty of nourishing foods and a regular exercise routine.
Do I need to take medication after my surgery?
Following your surgery, you will be prescribed pain medication which may be an analgesic or an anti-inflammatory or sometimes a combination and this prescription is given to you by your anaesthetist. Should you have concerns about post-operative pain relief then you need to address these with your anaesthetist.
For how long will I need to wear my compression garments after liposuction?
You will need to wear your elastic garments over the treated area for about two to three weeks. This will help to control swelling and help your skin to become tighter around a smaller contour.
Can you explain how a plastic surgeon is different to a cosmetic surgeon?
Currently, in Australia, anybody who is a doctor is able to call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, but only those who have undergone extensive training of at least seven years of post-graduate study can be called Plastic Surgeon. Dr Cooper is a qualified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, with thorough knowledge of cosmetic surgery.
Book a Consultation
If you would like to undergo body sculpting in Perth liposuction at Rodin Clinic is performed with the Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) method for the best results and lower risks.
Our friendly team at Rodin Clinic is here to help you to feel informed and supported throughout your journey. To find out more about the procedure and what will be involved, contact us today via our contact form, or call us on (08) 9389 9522 to book a consultation.
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