Liposuction

Home/Body Procedures/Liposuction

Our Melbourne Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Vlad Milovic, is proficient in liposuction surgery, which employs a specialised suction device to contour the figure.

Risks of Surgery

All surgical procedures carry risks and the potential for complications. While Dr Milovic is extensively trained and experienced with a comprehensive array of plastic surgery procedures and utilizes advanced techniques to help mitigate those risks, patients considering treatment should always be fully aware of them beforehand. Dr Milovic will go over all risks and potential complications associated with the procedure during the initial consultation, and we are happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Risks of this procedure include, but are not limited to:

What Is Liposuction ?

During a liposuction procedure, a small hollow tube called a “cannula” inserted into the treatment area to suction out excess fat. Many people seek out liposuction surgery when they want to contour a specific area of the body, such as the abdomen. The treatment is also referred to as “liposculpture” because it can dramatically reshape and contour the treatment areas, and in effect, “sculpt” the body shape. It is important to remember that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure and that patients should not expect dramatic fat or weight reduction.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction with Abdominoplasty?

When incorporated into tummy tuck surgery, liposuction can remove excess fat deposits that may be contributing to the aesthetic concerns in this area. Dr Milovic will go over the wide range of potential benefits during your preoperative consultation.

Who Is a Candidate for Liposuction with Abdominoplasty?

Most patients who are in good overall health and who have reasonable expectations for the outcome of the procedure are eligible candidates for both abdominoplasty and liposuction. That said, Dr Milovic generally encourages patients to wait until after they have finished having children to undergo a tummy tuck. In addition, patients with a history of poor healing or adverse reactions to anaesthesia may be advised to pursue a different procedure. All prospective patients will undergo a comprehensive medical review and physical examination prior to undergoing treatment.

What Is the Liposuction with Abdominoplasty Procedure Like?

Dr Milovic can perform a customised abdominoplasty procedure using suction assisted liposuction (“SAL”). He can employ one of several different surgical techniques, including:

Liposuction can be included in any of the above techniques to effectively remove fat build-up in these areas. The SAL method, a proven, traditional liposuction technique, involves the use of a small cannula. The plastic surgeon carefully pushes and pulls the cannula—which is attached to a vacuum device—in a forward-and-backward motion through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and drawing them out of the body by suction.

Generally, abdominoplasty with liposuction is performed as an inpatient procedure and requires the use of anesthesia with an epidural and/or IV sedation. As always, patients need to weigh the benefits, risks and/or complications from any surgical procedure, and the methods used to achieve it. Make an appointment today at our clinic to start the discussion.

How Long Does Liposuction with Abdominoplasty Recovery Take?

Recovery time varies from patient to patient. Depending on the extent of treatment, a one to two night hospital stay may be required. Dr Milovic typically recommends that patients take at least two weeks off from work and avoid lifting and bending until given clearance. Most patients experience some degree of swelling and bruising, but this should resolve within a few days. A compression garment or bandage will usually be recommended to encourage proper healing. Many individuals are able to return to regular exercises and workouts two to three months after the surgery.

How Long Do the Results of Liposuction with Abdominoplasty Last?

Liposuction is designed to have lasting effects for years to come. The effects of liposuction and body contouring, in general, can have immediate effects with more defined results coming later, after the swelling has subsided. The targeted, unwanted fat cells that were eliminated during surgery will have been removed from your body permanently. By committing to a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining a good diet and frequent exercise, future weight gain can be combated and the results can often be long-lasting.

View Liposuction Before-and-After Photos

Are There Alternatives to Liposuction with Abdominoplasty?

There are several non-surgical options for removing excess fat buildup in the abdomen. At our Melbourne office, we offer Venus Legacy™ as an excellent possibility for those looking for a less invasive procedure. This treatment can increase collagen production and reduce fat cells using controlled applications of heat. If you are interested in a less-invasive form of fat reduction, Venus Legacy™ may be an ideal option. You may also consider a tummy tuck if you are specifically interested in abdominal rejuvenation and if that procedure presents an ideal option to address the aesthetic concerns.

During your initial consultation, Dr Milovic will help determine which treatment(s) are best suited to your needs and provide you with all relevant information on potential alternatives.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

What are the risks of liposuction with abdominoplasty?

As with all surgical procedures, there are risks and potential complications. Dr Milovic works diligently to minimise the potential for complications. He will discuss any associated risks with you prior to the surgery.

Is liposuction with abdominoplasty right for me?

Undergoing abdominoplasty is a very personal decision and you should have realistic goals and expectations before pursuing surgery. Dr Milovic will examine your overall health during your initial consultation and evaluate how abdominoplasty with liposuction can achieve an improvement and meet your goals and expectations.

What do abdominoplasty with liposuction scars look like?

Scars are an inevitable part of any invasive surgery. As a fully qualified plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Dr Milovic will endeavour to minimise scarring and to keep your scars as inconspicuous as possible.

If scarring is a concern for you after surgery, Dr Milovic can provide a scar treatment plan to expedite the healing of your scars. There are several treatment options, including silicone gel and laser.

Does abdominoplasty with liposuction require anaesthesia?

For the safety of the patient, Dr Milovic performs abdominoplasties in accredited medical facilities using general anesthesia. Dr Milovic and your anaesthetist will provide you with the necessary information on anaesthesia prior to your operation.

Modern anaesthesia can be effective when done by a professional anaesthetist and an accredited plastic surgeon. Dr Milovic engages the services of a qualified anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to perform your sedation or general anaesthesia.