The decision to undergo liposuction should not be taken lightly.

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that works by removing fat deposits from target areas of the body. The procedure is very popular, but it is important to understand that it is not a weight loss treatment — instead, it is well suited to those who are healthy and at a stable body weight, but would like to get rid of extra fat that has proven resistant to diet and exercise. So, is the treatment safe? And what should you know about the possible risks and side effects?

What can you expect from the procedure?

Liposuction is performed under general anaesthetic, which means that you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure itself. Your surgeon will make a tiny incision in the target area through which a hollow tube known as a cannula is inserted. Excess fat is then loosened, dislodged and suctioned out.

Although you won’t feel anything during this process, you can expect to experience some pain once the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off. Your surgeon will prescribe some pain medications and provide you with a compression garment to wear — this will minimise pain and aid the recovery process.

How do you know if liposuction is right for you?

Liposuction is a highly effective treatment, but it is important to understand that it is not suitable for everyone. The best way to determine whether or not you a good candidate for treatment is to consult with your surgeon before making a decision.

Generally, ideal candidates for liposuction include individuals who are at a stable and healthy body weight; have good skin elasticity and muscle tone; and don’t have much excess or sagging skin. The treatment is not suited to those who are overweight or obese, as well as those who have chronic health conditions or a compromised immune system.

Are there any risks associated with liposuction?

As long as the liposuction procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced professional, the treatment is generally considered safe. Like any surgery, however, there are some possible risks associated with the procedure. It is advisable that you raise any questions and concerns about possible risks and side effects with your surgeon before you go ahead with the treatment.

Although rare, some of the possible risks of surgery include complications related to anaesthesia; nerve damage and puncture wounds. During your recovery, you might experience bruising, swelling and pain around the site of surgery.

It is important to understand that liposuction is a major surgery, and the decision to undergo the treatment should not be taken lightly. Like any procedure, it is a good idea to stay informed about any possible complications, and to understand that you will need to take time to fully recover and heal.

How can we help?

If you are in good health, but are dissatisfied with fat deposits that won’t respond to diet and exercise, you might be a suitable candidate for liposuction. We encourage you to come in and see Dr Sally Ng for a consultation so that you can discuss your particular concerns and aesthetic goals. She will let you know if the treatment is right for you and explain the details of the procedure to you.

Dr Sally Ng offers a comprehensive range of body contouring treatments — to find out more about liposuction and what the process involves, please have a look here.

To learn more about her other body contouring procedures, please have a look here. If you would like to arrange a consultation, please get in touch here or give us a call on (03) 9587 2048. Dr Sally Ng is Melbourne’s leading female plastic surgeon and is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centred care. She works with a professional team to provide each patient with personalised treatment and to achieve excellent results.