In short: Liposuction removes localised fat through small incisions using a thin suction cannula. It suits people with good skin elasticity and pockets of fat that have not responded to diet and exercise. It does not remove loose skin, and it is not a weight-loss operation. It is usually a day case.
- What is Liposuction?
- Am I Suitable for Liposuction?
- Considerations for Liposuction
- Liposuction or skin removal?
- Liposuction Costs
- Recovery After Liposuction Surgery
- Complications and Risks
- Recovery After Liposuction Surgery
- Questions
Liposuction, offered by Dr Rohit Kumar in Sydney, is a surgical procedure used to remove localised fat deposits from selected areas of the body following appropriate clinical assessment. It may be performed as a standalone procedure or in combination with other surgeries, such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), where clinically appropriate.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical technique that involves the removal of targeted fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It may be considered for some patients based on individual anatomy, medical history and overall health.
Areas that may be discussed during consultation include:
- Thighs
- Hips
- Abdomen
- Arms
- Back
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is classified as a body contouring surgery and is intended to address localised fat deposits rather than overall body weight.
The procedure typically involves small incisions through which a thin tube, known as a cannula, is used to remove fat. Suitability for liposuction, potential risks, recovery considerations and possible outcomes are discussed in detail during consultation. Individual results vary.
Am I Suitable for Liposuction?
Suitability for liposuction is determined on an individual basis following clinical assessment. Factors such as overall health, medical history, body composition and skin quality are considered during consultation.
Liposuction may be discussed for individuals who:
- Are in generally good health
- Have a stable body weight
- Have localised fat deposits in specific areas of the body
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. A consultation with Dr Kumar is required to determine whether liposuction is clinically appropriate based on your individual circumstances.
Skin quality is an important consideration when assessing suitability. In cases where there is reduced skin elasticity or excess skin, additional procedures such as abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), thigh lift or arm lift may be discussed where clinically appropriate.
Considerations for Liposuction
Liposuction may be discussed during consultation for individuals with localised fat deposits in specific areas of the body, following appropriate clinical assessment.
Depending on individual circumstances, discussion may include:
- Addressing localised fat deposits in selected areas
- How body contouring procedures may affect clothing fit
- Physical considerations such as skin folds or friction in certain areas
Any potential effects of liposuction vary between individuals and depend on factors such as anatomy, skin quality and overall health. Suitability, potential risks, recovery considerations and possible outcomes are discussed in detail during consultation.
Liposuction or skin removal?
| Liposuction | Abdominoplasty | Skin removal after weight loss | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removes | Fat | Loose skin and fat, with muscle repair | Loose skin |
| Scar | Small entry points | Low horizontal scar | Longer scars, depending on the area |
| Suits | Good skin tone with localised fat | Loose lower abdominal skin | Loose skin after major weight loss |
More detail: abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and skin removal after weight loss.
Liposuction Costs
Following your initial consultation with Dr Kumar, you will be provided with a detailed itemised quote. Costs for liposuction vary between individuals and are determined after clinical assessment.
Factors that may be considered when preparing a quote include:
- The extent and complexity of the procedure
- The areas being treated
- Surgeon, anaesthetist and assistant fees
- Hospital or operating theatre fees
- Pre-operative tests or assessments, where required
- Post-operative items such as compression garments
All fees and inclusions will be clearly explained during your consultation to ensure you have a full understanding before making any decisions.
Recovery After Liposuction Surgery
Recovery following liposuction varies between individuals and depends on factors such as the extent of the procedure, the areas treated and individual healing response.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day of surgery | Usually a day case. A compression garment is fitted before you go home. |
| Weeks 1 to 2 | Time off work. Swelling and bruising in the treated areas. Walk daily; the compression garment is worn most of the time. First review with Dr Kumar and his nurses at about one week. |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Most patients return to work from about two weeks, then gradually resume most everyday activities over the next four weeks, depending on how physical the activity is. No heavy lifting or straining, and drive only once you can do so comfortably and safely. The Prineo and Micropore dressings come off at six weeks, and the compression garment is worn for six weeks. |
| Weeks 6 to 12 | After your six-week review, exercise and more physical work are built up progressively. Most patients are cleared for full activity at the 12-week review. |
| 3 to 12 months | Swelling settles and the scars mature. Reviews at 6 months and 12 months. |
- Swelling and bruising are common after surgery and may take several weeks to reduce. In some cases, residual swelling can persist for a longer period.
- Temporary changes in weight may occur due to swelling and fluid used during the procedure. These changes generally resolve as recovery progresses.
- The healing process occurs gradually over time, and recovery timelines differ between individuals.
- Time away from work and normal activities will depend on the procedure performed and your individual circumstances. This is discussed during consultation and reviewed after surgery.
- Light movement, such as gentle walking, may be recommended during recovery, while more strenuous activity is typically restricted for a period of time. Specific guidance is provided as part of post-operative care.
Compression garments are commonly recommended following liposuction and are worn for a period determined by the surgeon based on individual needs. These garments are part of standard post-operative care and aim to support healing.
Detailed post-operative instructions are provided after surgery. Following these instructions is important to support recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Complications and Risks
If you are considering liposuction in Sydney, it is important to be informed about the potential risks, complications and side effects associated with this procedure.
While appropriate care is taken to reduce risks, complications can occur with any surgical procedure. These risks are discussed in detail during consultation, along with individual factors that may influence risk.
Potential risks and complications may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid imbalance
- Delayed wound healing
- Irregular skin contour or asymmetry
- Skin rippling or uneven texture
- Thermal or heat-related skin injury
- Local anaesthetic reactions or toxicity
- Scarring
- Temporary or permanent changes in skin sensation
- Skin discolouration or pigmentation changes
- Persistent swelling in treated areas
- Blood clots, which in rare cases can be serious
- Injury to underlying structures such as nerves, blood vessels or muscles
- In some cases, further treatment or surgery may be required to address complications
Recovery After Liposuction Surgery
Recovery following liposuction varies between individuals and depends on factors such as the extent of surgery, the areas treated and individual healing response.
Time away from work and normal activities will be discussed during consultation and reviewed after surgery. Some people experience temporary discomfort during the healing process, which can persist for a period of time as recovery progresses.
Detailed post-operative care instructions are provided following surgery and should be followed to support recovery and reduce the risk of complications.
Results
Surgical photographs are restricted to viewers aged 18 and over. The outcomes shown in any photograph are relevant only to the patient pictured, and individual results will vary. You can view the liposuction gallery.
Where Dr Kumar operates
Consultations are held at Westmead, Penrith and Orange. If you live a long way from Sydney, you can send photos to Dr Kumar’s team before your first appointment.
Day-case procedures are performed at Somerset Private Hospital in Kingswood or at Westmead Private Hospital, an accredited Ramsay Health Care hospital.
Dr Kumar’s nurses also work on the wards at Westmead Private Hospital. The nurses who prepare you for surgery are the same ones who look after you at every post-operative review.
Common questions
Anaesthesia
Liposuction surgery in Sydney is performed by Dr Kumar under general anaesthesia and is commonly undertaken as a day-only procedure, depending on individual circumstances and the extent of surgery.
Post-operative discomfort varies between individuals. Pain management options, including prescribed or over-the-counter analgesia, are discussed as part of post-operative care.
Dr Kumar performs liposuction procedures under general anaesthesia in accredited private hospitals. This ensures that surgery is carried out in an appropriate clinical environment in accordance with relevant safety standards.
Technique
Liposuction involves the use of a small stainless steel tube, known as a cannula, which is connected to a suction device. The cannula is inserted through small incisions in the skin to remove localised fat deposits, following appropriate clinical assessment.
During the procedure, the cannula is moved through the targeted areas to remove fat. Healing occurs gradually after surgery and varies between individuals.
Recovery time differs depending on factors such as the extent of the procedure, the areas treated and individual healing response. Post-operative care instructions and guidance regarding activity restrictions are provided after surgery.
How long does the liposuction procedure take?
The duration of liposuction surgery varies depending on factors such as the number of areas treated and the extent of the procedure. Liposuction is commonly performed as a day-only procedure; however, this depends on individual circumstances and clinical assessment.
Can the fat return after liposuction?
Liposuction involves the removal of fat cells from selected areas of the body. Changes to body composition following surgery vary between individuals. Weight fluctuations after surgery may affect body shape over time. These factors are discussed during consultation as part of informed decision-making.
Is liposuction suitable for weight loss?
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is a body contouring surgery that may be considered for individuals with localised fat deposits, following appropriate clinical assessment.
How long will I need off work?
Most people take about two weeks off work, then gradually return to most activities over the following four weeks. Lifting and exercise are built up after the six-week review, and most patients are cleared for full activity at 12 weeks.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes. A GP referral is required to see Dr Kumar, and it is also needed for the Medicare rebate on your consultation.
What does the consultation cost?
Dr Kumar’s initial consultation fee is $400, with a Medicare rebate of approximately $88 with a GP referral. Surgical fees are quoted individually after consultation.
Talk it through with Dr Kumar
If localised fat has not responded to diet and exercise, a consultation will establish whether liposuction or a skin-removal operation fits. Dr Kumar consults in Westmead, Penrith and Orange, and a GP referral is required. You can also download a procedure guide first.
This page is intended as general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. All surgery carries risk, and individual results will vary. Surgical photographs on this website are intended for viewers aged 18 and over. Read more about the risks of surgery here.
Dr Rohit Kumar (MED0001630444) Registered medical practitioner, specialist plastic surgeon (specialist registration in surgery – plastic surgery).
