Light touch liposuction and liposculpture

Light touch liposuction, also referred to as liposculpture, describes a refined approach to liposuction aimed at contouring and sculpting rather than removing large volumes of fat.

Where standard liposuction is often about reducing a fatty area, liposculpture places more emphasis on shaping - working with smaller volumes, in more defined areas, to refine contour.

What it involves

The underlying technique is liposuction: a thin tube called a cannula is inserted through a small incision and attached to a suction device, and fat is extracted from a localised area.

Because the volumes involved are typically smaller, procedures of this kind are more often suitable for local anaesthesia rather than a general anaesthetic, and are generally performed as same-day procedures. This is one of the practical differences patients notice - a shorter procedure, no anaesthetist fee where local anaesthesia alone is used, and a quicker return to normal activity.

Me Clinic most commonly uses the tumescent technique, in which a dilute local anaesthetic and adrenaline solution is infused into the treatment area before suction. See local or general anaesthesia for how that choice is made.

Which technique is right for you

Me Clinic uses four liposuction techniques - tumescent, ultrasound-assisted (VASER), laser lipolysis and power-assisted. Which is appropriate depends on the area, the volume of fat, your skin quality and what you are seeking.

This is a clinical decision made at consultation rather than something to select in advance. Your surgeon will explain what they propose and why.

What liposuction is and is not

Liposuction removes localised fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss procedure, and it is not a treatment for obesity. It is generally appropriate for people in good health who are within about 30 percent of their ideal body weight.

It removes fat, not skin. Where loose skin is the concern, a skin-removing procedure such as abdominoplasty, brachioplasty or a thigh lift is the relevant option. Your surgeon will assess which applies.

Suitability

A good candidate is in good general health, at a stable weight, has localised fat rather than predominantly loose skin, and has realistic expectations of what contouring can achieve.

The fat cells removed do not grow back, but the fat cells that remain can enlarge if weight is gained, so a stable weight matters to how long the result holds. Smokers have an increased risk of complications from any surgery.

Costs

Liposuction surgeon's fees are $4,000 to $8,000 for one area, $9,000 to $15,000 for two areas, and $15,000 to $20,000+ for three. By area: chin and neck around $5,000, abdomen around $9,000, inner and outer thighs around $10,000.

Where the procedure is performed under local anaesthetic in clinic rather than under general anaesthetic in hospital, the total is lower because no anaesthetist fee applies - anaesthetist fees otherwise range from $800 to $1,200 per hour.

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

Recovery

• Where a general anaesthetic or sedation is used, you need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.
• Compression garments are worn to reduce swelling and assist recovery.
• Expect swelling and bruising, settling over the following weeks.
• Avoid exercise for the first two weeks; gentle walking is encouraged.
• Most people return to work after two to three weeks and to their usual exercise routine by around six weeks.
• Domestic flights are usually fine at around two weeks; wait six to eight weeks for international flights and before swimming.

Most patients are seen at seven to ten days, then at six to eight weeks, three months, six months and twelve months.

Risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks and potential complications, including infection, bruising, swelling, pain, scarring, bleeding and haematoma, seroma, contour irregularity, changes in sensation from nerve damage, anaesthesia complications and blood clots. Liposuction can be traumatic for internal organs, and visceral perforation, while uncommon, is a recognised risk.

Risks 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.

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

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

Related pages

See liposuction, VASER liposuction, liposuction costs, or the Me Clinic team.