Liposuction at Me Clinic

Liposuction (also called liposculpture) is a surgical procedure that uses a thin tube, called a cannula, attached to a suction device to remove fat from localised areas of the body.

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a method of weight loss. It removes localised fat deposits that have not responded to consistent exercise and a healthy diet. It can be performed alongside other procedures such as abdominoplasty.

Me Clinic has offered liposuction since the early 1980s, when it was among the first clinics in Australia to perform it.

Areas that can be treated

• Abdomen and flanks
• Love handles (waistline)
• Upper arms
• Thighs, inner and outer
• Back
• Chin and neck, including double chin
• Mons pubis
• Male chest, in gynaecomastia

Outcomes vary depending on individual anatomy, skin quality and the area treated. Your surgeon will discuss whether you are a suitable candidate and what can reasonably be achieved in your case. Individual results may vary.

Liposuction techniques

Tumescent liposuction

The technique most commonly used at Me Clinic. A dilute local anaesthetic and adrenaline solution is infused into the treatment area before suction. The fluid makes the area swell and become firm, which helps the surgeon locate and extract fat deposits, and constricts blood vessels so less blood infiltrates the fat being removed.

This generally means less blood loss and less bruising than older techniques, a less invasive procedure and a shorter operating time.

Ultrasound (VASER)

VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to break down and liquefy fat cells so they are easier to extract. It allows more precise targeting of fat deposits.

Laser lipolysis

Uses laser energy to heat and melt the fat before extraction, while contracting collagen fibres with the aim of addressing loose skin.

Power-assisted liposuction

Uses a powered cannula that moves through the fat being aspirated, which can make extraction more efficient in some cases.

Which technique suits you depends on the area, the volume of fat and your skin quality. Your surgeon will discuss the options at consultation.

What the procedure involves

1. Antibiotics and anaesthetic are administered to the area being contoured, deposited at regular intervals under the skin. With tumescent fluid the area swells and becomes firm and better defined.
2. A small incision is made in a discreet skin fold.
3. A sterile cannula is inserted through the incision into the numbed area.
4. The surgeon suctions out the targeted fat deposits and associated fluid.
5. The cannula is removed and the incision is sutured closed.
6. You are pressure bandaged or fitted with compression garments.

Depending on the extent of treatment and your circumstances, liposuction may be performed under local or general anaesthesia. Major surgery is performed under general anaesthesia at an accredited private hospital, and you may be required to stay overnight. Most liposuction cases are same-day procedures.

Costs

Cost depends on the number of areas treated, the specific areas, the amount of fat to be removed, the time required in theatre, and your individual requirements. A consultation is needed for an accurate quote.

Surgeon's fee guide, by number of areas:

• One area of the body - $4,000 to $8,000
• Two areas - $9,000 to $15,000
• Three areas - $15,000 to $20,000+

Surgeon's fee guide, by area:

• Chin and neck - around $5,000
• Abdomen (one area) - around $9,000
• Inner and outer thighs - around $10,000

These are surgeon's fee estimates only, and the final cost varies with where the procedure is performed. Me Clinic's published pricing also quotes body, stomach and arm liposuction at $6,000 to $8,000 per hour of theatre time - a different basis of measurement to the per-area figures above. Your quote will set out which applies to your procedure.

As at September 2024 and including GST, a consultation with a Specialist Plastic Surgeon is $350 and a consultation with a Cosmetic Doctor is $150. See liposuction costs for the full breakdown.

What else affects the cost

• Theatre and hospital fees - advised separately to the surgeon's fee, and varying by facility. Usually charged at an hourly rate.
• Anaesthetist fees - ranging from $800 to $1,200 per hour, with a single area generally requiring one to two hours. Me Clinic uses anaesthetists who are members of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA).
• Post-operative care - included in the procedure fee.
• Compression garments - fitted after the procedure to reduce swelling and assist recovery.

Payment for major surgery is due four weeks before the procedure. Independent medical finance companies are available.

Referral and cooling-off period

Since 1 July 2023, all patients are required to have a GP referral before seeing a plastic surgeon or doctor about cosmetic surgery. A valid referral is also needed if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate on medically essential surgery.

For any cosmetic surgery there is a compulsory one-week cooling-off period after your second consultation before surgery can be booked.

Medicare

Liposuction performed for cosmetic body contouring is not covered by Medicare. Where liposuction forms part of a medically necessary procedure - for example gynaecomastia surgery (MBS items 31525 and 31526) or excess skin removal after massive weight loss - a rebate may apply if the strict criteria are met and you have a valid GP referral. Confirm current item numbers on MBS Online. Me Clinic is not a no-gap provider.

Recovery

You will need someone to drive you home and to stay with you for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Compression garments are required, and how long you wear them depends on the amount of fat removed and the area treated.

• First two weeks. Avoid exercise. Gentle walking is encouraged.
• Two to six weeks. Resume activity gradually. Most people return to work after two to three weeks.
• Six weeks. Most people are back to their usual level of exercise.
• Travel. Domestic flights are usually fine at around two weeks; wait six to eight weeks for international flights and before swimming.
• Follow-up. Most patients are seen at seven to ten days, then at six to eight weeks, three months, six months and twelve months.

Your surgeon will confirm what to expect in your case.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks and potential complications. These are discussed with you in detail during the consultation process, and you are given written information to take home. Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Risks include infection, bruising, swelling, pain, scarring, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, contour irregularity, changes in sensation from nerve damage, anaesthesia complications, and blood clots (DVT and pulmonary embolism).

Liposuction specifically can be traumatic for internal organs. Visceral perforation or puncture can occur when the surgical probe comes into contact with an internal organ, and repairing such an injury can require additional surgery. This is uncommon but is a recognised risk of the procedure.

Wherever an incision is made there will be a scar. A well-placed incision typically fades over time, though how a scar heals varies between individuals.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Where surgery is performed

Me Clinic surgeons operate at accredited private hospitals around Melbourne, including Masada Private Hospital (St Kilda East), Epworth Geelong (Waurn Ponds), St Vincent's Werribee, Sir John Monash Private Hospital (Clayton), Peninsula Private Hospital (Langwarrin) and Linacre Private Hospital (Hampton). Smaller procedures may be performed in clinic under local anaesthesia.

Related pages

See liposuction costs, VASER liposuction, local or general anaesthesia, fat transfer, or all body procedures.