Liposuction

During a consultation, Dr Smialkowski or Dr Sanki will take a full medical history, examine the areas of concern, and discuss your goals in detail. The consultation includes:

• A review of your weight history, exercise routine, and general health
• An assessment of your skin quality and elasticity, which affects results
• A discussion of whether liposuction alone is appropriate, or whether a combined procedure (such as tummy tuck with liposuction) may be more suitable
• A clear explanation of the risks, recovery process, and likely variations in results

Consultations follow the principles of shared decision-making outlined in the Medical Board’s Code of Conduct. Patients are encouraged to ask questions and take time to consider whether surgery is the right choice for them.

Liposuction is performed in an accredited hospital, most often as a day procedure. The typical steps include:

1. Anaesthesia – Depending on the areas treated and the amount of fat removed, liposuction may be done under local anaesthetic with sedation or under a general anaesthetic.
2. Marking the areas – On the day of surgery, target areas are carefully marked on the skin to guide fat removal.
3. Tumescent infiltration – A solution containing local anaesthetic (for pain control) and adrenaline (to reduce bleeding) is injected into the fat layer.
4. Fat removal – Small incisions are made (often 2–3 per area) and a cannula is used to loosen and suction fat. With VASER technology, ultrasound energy is first applied to emulsify fat, making removal smoother.
5. Completion – Fat is aspirated in measured amounts to help maintain body symmetry. Incisions are closed with sutures and covered with waterproof dressings.

Yes. A compression garment is fitted immediately after surgery to reduce swelling, help skin re-drape, and support comfort during healing. It is usually worn for 3–6 weeks. Patients can remove the garment for showering and wound inspection.

Day surgery: Smaller procedures (under ~4 litres of fat removed) are often performed as day cases.

Overnight stay: Larger procedures (multiple areas or higher fat volumes) may require at least one night in hospital to monitor fluid balance, urine output, and pain control.

A support person should be arranged to take you home and assist for the first few days after discharge.

Recovery times depend on the size and number of areas treated, as well as individual healing.

• Driving: Many patients can resume short drives within a few days, provided they are comfortable and not taking strong pain medication.
• Work: Office-based or light duties can often resume in 1 week; more physically demanding work may take longer.
• Exercise: Gentle walking is encouraged after 1 week. Strenuous activity, such as pilates, weightlifting, or high-impact training, is usually delayed until 6 weeks post-surgery.

Yes. Fat removed with liposuction can sometimes be purified and reinjected into other parts of the body, known as fat grafting.

• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL): Larger volumes (400–500 ml per buttock) may be grafted.
• Breasts: Smaller volumes (around 200 ml per breast) can be transferred.

It is important to understand that survival of grafted fat is variable, as it depends on the fat establishing a new blood supply in the recipient site. Fat grafting has benefits and limitations that will be fully discussed at consultation.

The main technologies are:

• Power-assisted liposuction – A vibrating cannula helps dislodge fat for easier removal.
• VASER liposuction – Uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat before aspiration.
• Laser liposuction – Uses heat from light energy to break down fat cells.

Each system has advantages and limitations. Dr Smialkowski’s particular expertise lies in VASER liposuction, which can be especially useful in fibrous areas or for fine contouring.

Both surgeons operate at accredited hospitals, including St George, Bondi Junction, and St Luke’s Private Hospitals. These facilities are selected for their surgical standards, peri-operative care, and equipment.

Yes. Dr Sanki and Dr Smialkowski can arrange an all-female surgical team on certain days. Many patients find this option preferable. Teams are assembled based on clinical expertise, with the option of female anaesthetists and nurses available.

For most patients, liposuction is classified as a cosmetic procedure, meaning Medicare and private health insurance rebates do not apply. Patients receive full written financial consent outlining surgeon, anaesthetist, and hospital fees before surgery.

Liposuction is surgery and carries risks. It should only be performed by qualified doctors. The qualifications that the Australian Medical Council recognise in Plastic surgery include:

• FRACS (Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons) in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Specialist registration with AHPRA as a Plastic Surgeon

Dr Ania Smialkowski and Dr Amira Sanki are both Australian-trained, FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeons and members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. They have extensive training in liposuction, including VASER and other advanced methods.

• Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – plasticsurgery.org.au
• Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS) – asaps.org.au

A consultation with Dr Smialkowski or Dr Sanki is the best way to discuss whether liposuction is appropriate for you, and to understand the risks, recovery, and expected outcomes for your individual circumstances.

1. Anaesthetic risks – complications related to general anaesthesia, such as allergic reactions or breathing problems.

2. Bleeding (haematoma) – bleeding may occur during or after surgery, occasionally requiring further treatment.

3. Infection – uncommon, but may require antibiotics or further intervention.

4. Seroma (fluid collection) – fluid can accumulate under the skin and may need drainage.

5. Contour irregularities – unevenness, rippling, or dimpling of the skin can occur after fat removal.

6. Asymmetry – differences between sides of the body may result.

7. Skin or fat necrosis – reduced blood supply can cause areas of skin or fat tissue to heal poorly.

8. Numbness or altered sensation – temporary or permanent changes in skin feeling are possible.

9. Chronic pain – nerve irritation or persistent discomfort may develop, though this is uncommon.

10. Scarring – small scars occur at incision sites; some patients may develop thickened or pigmented scars.

11. Changes in skin laxity – skin may not contract evenly after fat removal, especially with large-volume liposuction.

12. Fat embolism – very rare but serious complication where fat enters the bloodstream.

13. Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism) – rare but potentially serious risks associated with reduced mobility after surgery.

14. Need for revision surgery – further procedures may be required to refine the results or address complications.

It’s crucial for individuals considering plastic surgery to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon who can thoroughly explain the risks and benefits specific to their desired procedure. Understanding and carefully weighing these risks against the potential benefits can help individuals make informed decisions about whether to proceed with plastic surgery.

If liposuction is performed together with other procedures (such as abdominoplasty), please also read the risks listed under those procedures.