Liposuction

A discussion of your concerns regarding your body shape and your other health problems will be followed by an examination of the area that may benefit from surgery. The examination will determine if other surgical procedures will be used in conjunction with liposuction to achieve your ideal body shape.

Your surgeon will explain in detail the procedure and its risks and alternatives.

Liposuction is usually performed as a day procedure in hospital. On the day of surgery, you and your surgeon will determine the exact areas to be targeted with markings placed on your skin. In the operating theatre, infiltration fluid containing local anaesthetic for pain relief and adrenaline for haemostasis is injected into the area to be sculpted. This can be used alone to numb the area, or in conjunction with a general anaesthetic. For each body area, two or three incisions are made to allow the liposuction cannula (a long thin probe that removes the fat) to pass under your skin. Careful volume measurements are made during the procedure to ensure that your expectations are met, and body symmetry is obtained. The small incisions are closed with stitches. Small waterproof dressings are applied to these incisions.

A compression garment is provided for you and is usually worn for the first three to six weeks after surgery. It can be removed to have a shower and to check your wounds and healing.

The recovery from liposuction is proportional to the amount of fat that has been removed. Patients having small liposuction procedures eg less than 4L fat removed, are able to go home on the same day. It is important to have a close friend or relative organized to take you home and also help you for the first few days after the procedure. Patients having large volume liposuction eg thighs and tummy, should spend one night in hospital to monitor their fluid intake, urine output and pain levels.

Most people having liposctuion in Sydney are able to drive after a few days following surgery. They can return to work after 1 week and can gently exercise after one week. You can perform stronger exercises eg heavy lifting, pilates after 6 weeks.

Yes. Liposuction can be used to remove fat from one part of your body so it can be transplanted into another part of your body. This is called fat grafting and is dependent upon the transplanted fat acquiring a new blood supply from the tissues where it has been deposited. If the grafted fat does not achieve a new, robust blood supply then it turns to oil and dies. Large volumes of fat eg 400-500ml can be injected into each buttock. Only smaller volumes eg 200ml can be successfully transplanted into a breast. Fat grafting is a new technology in plastic surgery and has many pros and cons which can be discussed in your consultation.

The three main types of liposuction machines available are power assisted, VASER (ultrasound) and laser liposuction. Power assisted liposuction has a powered hand piece that vibrates the liposuction cannula to help dislodge the fat cells in the area targeted. VASER uses ultrasound energy and laser uses light energy to heat and liquefy fat prior to its removal.

Dr Sanki and Dr Kotronakis are Kogarah and Miranda liposuction specialists, and perform their surgery at major hospital facilities including St George, Hurstville, Bondi Junction and St Luke’s private hospitals. We select our hospitals based on their high standards of peri-operative care and their outstanding surgical equipment.

Dr Sanki has an all female surgical team available weekly. Surgery can be a vulnerable time for women, and having the security of an all female surgical team can be comforting and reassuring. Dr Sanki’s team are not picked upon their gender, but are picked for their experience, dedication and skill.

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure and therefore private health insurance and Medicare cannot be used to receive a rebate for the fees paid. Patients having liposuction will receive full financial consent prior to their procedure so that they understand their surgeon, anaesthetist and hospital fees.

Liposuction may sound simple but it is real surgery, and should be performed with sophisticated surgical technique for the safest and best results. It carries real risks, and as such should be considered carefully. Fortunately, liposuction surgery in Sydney is safely performed by our highly experienced surgeons.

We recommend that you carefully consider your choice of surgeon. Unfortunately doctors without surgical qualifications beyond their medical degree are allowed to perform surgery. Your surgeon should be appropriately qualified with at least a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), which means that they have specialist surgical training. FRACS is the standard qualification required in Australia to perform surgery in private and public hospitals.

Members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons have a FRACS and specialised training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, including liposuction.

Our Sydney liposuction surgeons, Dr Amira Sanki and Dr Ilias Kotronakis are fully qualified Plastic Surgeons. They are both Australian University trained, having received Honours degree in their medical schools. They both have FRACS qualifications as Specialist Surgeons in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and are members of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons. They both have extensive experience and training in liposuction, including the most advanced and up to date techniques. They are committed to giving their patients the safest and best treatment available.

A consultation with a qualified Plastic Surgeon is the best place to get the right advice. More information on liposuction is available online at the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons websites. You can view a video of the procedure the

1. Infection: Any surgical procedure has the risk of infection. Surgeons take precautions to minimise this risk, such as sterile operating environments and proper wound care, but infections can still occur.

2. Scarring: Scarring is an inherent risk of plastic surgery. While surgeons strive to minimise visible scarring, some procedures may result in more noticeable or keloid scars.

3. Pain and discomfort: Plastic surgery involves incisions and tissue manipulation, which can lead to post-operative pain and discomfort. The level of pain varies depending on the procedure and the individual’s pain tolerance.

4. Hematoma and seroma: Hematomas are collections of blood that can form under the skin after surgery, while seromas are collections of fluid. These fluid collections may require drainage.

5. Nerve damage: Nerves can be damaged during surgery, leading to temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected area. Nerve damage can also cause muscle weakness or paralysis.

6. Blood clots: Surgical procedures carry a risk of blood clot formation, particularly in the legs. Blood clots can be serious if they travel to other parts of the body, causing complications like pulmonary embolism.

7. Anesthesia risks: Plastic surgery usually requires the use of anesthesia, which carries its own set of risks. These include adverse reactions to anesthesia, breathing difficulties, and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications.

8. Unsatisfactory results: Plastic surgery outcomes may not meet the patient’s expectations or desires. It’s important for individuals to have realistic expectations and to communicate clearly with their surgeon about their goals and desired outcomes.

9. Revision surgery: In some cases, additional surgery may be required to achieve the desired results or to correct any complications or unsatisfactory outcomes. This can increase the financial and emotional burden on the patient.

10. Psychological and emotional effects: Plastic surgery can have psychological and emotional impacts, both positive and negative. While many people experience improved self-esteem and body image after surgery, others may struggle with unrealistic expectations, body dysmorphia, or dissatisfaction with the results.

11. Organ perforation: There are rare reports of organ perforation from the liposuction cannula inadvertently breaching the abdominal or chest wall.

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.