Liposuction

Performed by Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Qadir Khan (FRACS)

Board Certified Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon
Individualised consultations and planning
Clear communication at every stage
Experienced, approachable clinical team
Comprehensive post-procedure support
Purpose-built modern clinic

Home » Body Surgery & Contouring » Liposuction

What is Body Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of fat from specific areas of the body using suction. It is typically used to reduce localised fat deposits that have not responded to traditional lifestyle measures such as diet and exercise. The procedure is not designed as an overall weight loss procedure but may be considered as part of a personalised surgical plan following clinical assessment.

In Perth, individuals exploring liposuction surgery should be aware that this is one of the cosmetic procedures regulated under national healthcare advertising laws, and its suitability must be determined on a case-by-case basis.

If you are considering this option, a referral from your general practitioner is required.

What to Expect

What to expect?

Your first step to having a Liposuction in Perth is to schedule an appointment with Dr Khan at West Coast Plastic Surgery. Get your GP to send us a referral to apply for a Medicare rebate for your consultation (special conditions apply from Medicare). You can also contact us by phone at 0862303041 or by fax at 0862303042 for a belly fat removal surgery. Alternatively, you can send an email to admin@wcps.au. Someone from the team will contact you to book your appointment and answer any questions you may have about the liposuction procedure.

Recovery Time and Aftercare

Medications can be used to control swelling, numbness, soreness, and bruising during the healing process. The stab wounds may take 5-10 days to heal, and the healing process may continue for a few weeks. You will receive more specific post-operative instructions from Dr Khan.

To maintain your post-operative results, you will need to wear a compression garment for several weeks. As your new contours develop, your swelling may last several months.

Cost of the procedure

After your first consultation with Dr Khan, he will be able to assess your needs and requirements. A bespoke treatment plan that best suits your needs will be provided to you. Following your consultation, the cost of your personalized procedure will be provided to you.

Potential Benefits of Liposuction

Liposuction may offer potential benefits in refining areas with excess fat that have not responded to traditional efforts. This can support body contouring procedures where the goal is to reshape rather than reduce body weight.

Liposuction may assist in targeting specific fat deposits that have not responded to ongoing diet and exercise routines.
The procedure may be considered to help reshape areas such as the abdomen, thighs, arms, or flanks, particularly when these regions remain unchanged despite other efforts.
In some treatment plans, liposuction may be used alongside other procedures to address individual surgical goals, depending on clinical assessment.
The fat cells removed during liposuction generally do not return in the treated areas, though body shape can still change over time if lifestyle habits are not maintained.
Patients often consider liposuction when they are seeking a surgical option to address concerns that are localised and specific, rather than general weight reduction.

The suitability and potential role of liposuction in your case can only be determined through a personalised consultation with a qualified medical practitioner, such as a plastic surgeon.

Understanding Individual Outcomes

Each patient’s outcome will differ, depending on factors such as skin characteristics, the amount and location of fat, and overall health status. A personalised consultation is the appropriate forum for reviewing your goals and assessing whether liposuction may be a clinically relevant option.

If you are considering this procedure, speaking with a plastic surgeon can help you determine whether it aligns with your needs and circumstances. For example, if significant weight loss or skin laxity is present, additional discussion around excess or loose skin may be needed.

Different Techniques of Liposuction

There are several techniques available at West Coast Plastic Surgery, each suited to a particular clinical context.

Your suitability for any of these approaches will be discussed during your consultation, based on your goals, medical history, and physical assessment.

Certain techniques may be appropriate where a fat transfer is also being considered as part of your surgical plan.

Suction-Assisted Liposuction

Suction-assisted liposuction (SAL) is the traditional method and involves a vacuum connected to the cannula to remove fat. This approach remains widely used and is often incorporated into many body contouring procedures.

Vaser Liposuction

Vaser Liposuction, or Vaser, employs ultrasound to emulsify fat before removal. While it may support efficient extraction, outcomes can vary depending on individual anatomy and tissue responsiveness.

Power-Assisted Liposuction

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) uses a vibrating cannula to facilitate fat dislodgement. This technique can be beneficial for larger or denser areas and is frequently chosen in conjunction with advanced liposuction techniques.

Liposuction Procedure & Candidacy

Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction is undertaken using small incisions through which a cannula is introduced to target localised fat. Depending on the method, fat is either suctioned directly or first liquefied using ultrasound or mechanical vibrations to ease extraction.

It is important to understand that liposuction is not intended to alter body weight, nor is it a substitute for exercise or nutrition. Rather, it serves a defined purpose in body contouring under medical supervision.

Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Candidates are generally in good health, close to their preferred weight, and have specific areas of fat that have not responded to exercise and diet. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning major weight changes, you may be advised to wait before undergoing this type of surgery.

A thorough medical review is conducted before any recommendation is made, ensuring the approach is clinically appropriate. If your situation involves excess fat in certain areas with minimal skin elasticity, your surgeon will also evaluate the likelihood of excess skin following fat removal.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Your recovery begins immediately after surgery and typically involves:

Swelling
Tenderness
Temporary bruising

These responses are common and can be managed with prescribed medications.

You may be advised to wear a compression garment for a few weeks, and light physical activity is generally encouraged to support circulation. Your return to daily activities depends on the scope of your procedure and your individual healing rate. Dr Khan will provide clear guidance and follow-up care recommendations.

If you have questions about what the recovery process might look like for your situation, your consultation is the ideal opportunity to have these answered in detail.

Potential Risks

As with any surgery, liposuction carries potential risks.

These may include:

Infection
Irregular or uneven skin contours
Changes in skin sensation
Scarring
Fluid imbalance or accumulation
Blood clots or fat embolism
Injury to superficial nerves and internal organs

In rare cases, serious complications may occur. For a full list of risks and personalised advice, it is important to discuss your medical history and concerns directly with your surgeon.

If fat is removed in large volumes or in conjunction with other procedures, risks such as fluid accumulation or excessive fluid loss may be monitored as part of your healing process.

Why Choose Us

Experienced Medical Professionals

Our highly qualified practitioners bring extensive expertise in cosmetic medicine and skin rejuvenation, delivering safe, effective treatments tailored to your individual needs.

Advanced Treatment Technologies

We utilise the latest medical-grade equipment and proven treatment modalities to address multiple skin concerns with precision and effectiveness.

Personalised Treatment Approach

Every patient receives a thorough consultation and customised treatment plan based on your specific concerns, skin type, and aesthetic goals.

Commitment to Natural-Looking Results

We prioritise subtle, natural-looking outcomes that refresh and rejuvenate your features without appearing overdone or artificial.

Transparent Pricing and Consultations

We provide honest communication about treatment options, expected outcomes, and costs so you can make informed decisions with confidence.

Comprehensive Aftercare Support

We provide thorough aftercare guidance, follow-up appointments, and ongoing support to ensure you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Liposuction Covered by Medicare/ Private Health Insurance?

Liposuction is usually classified as a cosmetic procedure and is not typically covered by Medicare or private health insurance unless it is performed for medical reasons.

In some cases, liposuction may be covered if it is performed for medical reasons, such as treating conditions like lymphedema or gynaecomastia, or correcting contour irregularities caused by medical treatments. Coverage will vary depending on your policy.

It is important to check with your health insurance provider to understand what is and isn’t covered under your specific policy, and to clarify any potential out-of-pocket costs involved.

Who Is Not A Good Candidate For Liposuction?

You may not be a suitable candidate if you are seeking a general weight loss solution, have significant medical conditions affecting healing, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have excess skin with poor elasticity.

Do You Need to Exercise After Liposuction?

Yes, exercise can be beneficial, but follow your surgeon’s guidance after liposuction about when and how to reintroduce physical activity. Initially, you’ll be encouraged to take gentle walks to promote circulation. Gradually, you can start more strenuous exercise, typically after several weeks.

Regular exercise not only helps maintain your liposuction results but also contributes to overall health. (Individual results can vary)

Will I Need to Take Time Off Work?

Yes, you will need to take some time off work following liposuction. The exact amount of time depends on the extent of the procedure and your individual recovery rate.

Generally, patients can return to desk jobs within a week or two. If your job involves physical labour, you may need to take more time off. The surgeon will discuss with you how much time is needed based on your specific situation.

Will I Need to Take Medication After Surgery?

After liposuction surgery, you may be prescribed medications to manage pain and prevent infection.

It’s important to take all medications as directed by your surgeon.

Is Liposuction Surgery Painful?

Liposuction is performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, it’s common to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising.

However, these symptoms are manageable with medication and typically subside within a few days to weeks.

Can You Reuse the Fat Removed During Liposuction?

Yes, the fat removed during liposuction can often be purified and reused for a procedure known as fat grafting or fat transfer. This procedure involves the use of processed fat, which is transferred to areas of the body to add volume, such as the face, breasts, or buttocks, based on individual needs and preferences.

However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure, and it’s something you should discuss with your surgeon.