Liposuction

The most common areas for our Sydney liposuction are the stomach, thighs, and hips, although it can also be useful for areas such as the chin, neck, upper arms, knees, calves, and ankles too. Liposuction involves making small incisions in the affected area and using a small thin tube called a "cannula" to dislodge and suction out localized fat deposits from the body.

The amount of fat that can be removed in one procedure is limited and depends on your health and the areas treated. Liposuction removes fat cells from the treated area, but it does not prevent remaining fat cells from enlarging with weight gain. Liposuction may be suitable for:

Abdominoplasty (also known as a "tummy tuck") and liposuction are two separate surgical procedures performed to change the appearance of the midsection. Both are performed by plastic surgeons and considered cosmetic procedures, so aren't likely going to be covered by insurance. There are some key differences between the two in terms of the actual procedure, recovery time, and risks.

While liposuction is invasive, a Abdominoplasty is an extensive surgical procedure. Liposuction may be used during the process to remove unwanted fat deposits, but a Abdominoplasty also incorporates a tightening of the abdominal muscles and the removal of excess skin. Recovery from an Abdominoplasty can take weeks and be painful, whereas recovery from liposuction alone is usually shorter, although it still takes several weeks. If you are trying to determine if liposuction or an Abdominoplasty fits your needs, Dr. Rizk can advise you at a consultation.

Liposuction is performed as a one-day operation, meaning you can expect to be back at home on the day of your treatment. However, you might be in some pain after your surgery, so it is recommended that you have someone with you. Keep in mind that Dr. Rizk customizes each procedure to the desires and needs of each patient, so the exact process you undergo will vary. The procedure is performed in an accredited facility; Dr Rizk will discuss the type of anaesthesia with you. Dr. Rizk will then make one or more incisions in the skin of the targeted area to allow the cannula to enter the body.

Fat will then be suctioned from the body, with Dr Rizk moves the device around the targeted region to remove the fat evenly. In some cases, an additional technique may be employed to efficiently break up the fat like a vibrating cannula. As it is broken up, the fat is then siphoned through the tube into a container, where it can be disposed of or used when liposuction is performed as part of a fat transfer procedure. Depending on the scope of your liposuction procedure, Dr. Rizk may repeat this process through multiple incisions to effectively target and remove the fat from the entire area as desired.

In general, good candidates for liposuction procedures are generally in good health, are non-smokers, and don't have any serious medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or any kind of infection. Dr. Rizk explains more about who makes the best candidates in this short video:

In addition to being in good physical health, a good liposuction candidate is also in a good mental state. Liposuction is not a "miracle cure." Good candidates will have realistic expectations about the procedure and know that liposuction alone can't solve any self-esteem or body image issues they may have. Dr Rizk advocates the National Law and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) guidelines that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

You should probably expect to rest for a day or two following your operation and allow for at least four to six weeks of healing before you resume typical activities, including exercise. Make sure to protect your incision sites from impact or abrasive movement as this will minimise the chance of complications. It may be necessary for Dr Rizk to insert a small tube to allow for drainage, so he will schedule any follow-up visits to remove the tube or stitches, if necessary.

After surgery, you will need to wear a compression garment for approximately four weeks for support and to reduce swelling and bruising. The incisions are small and typically hidden in the natural creases. After several months, swelling should settle and the final result becomes clearer. Results vary between individuals.

Results vary between individuals and further surgery may sometimes be needed.

This means regular exercise and a balanced diet are critical for keeping your results long-term. Also, liposuction cannot improve skin elasticity, so your results will depend on how resilient your skin is. During your consultation process, Dr Rizk will talk through all of the potential benefits and limitations you can expect. He wants you to be comfortable at every step of the process, so he will always address any concerns or questions you may have.