Liposuction

You might consider liposuction if you are basically satisfied with your body but there is stubborn fat on your hips, thighs, ankles, back, arms, stomach or chin.

Liposuction is best suited for patients in good physical health, who don’t smoke and who have realistic expectations about the outcome of the procedure.

Individual factors and personal preferences will help you and Dr Lim to determine how much fat is to be removed and exactly where incisions will be made. This will be discussed during the consultation process.

Tiny incisions are made at the sites where fat is to be removed and a solution is infused to provide anaesthesia, reduce bleeding and improve fat extraction. Dr Lim uses various sizes and dimensions of extraction cannulae — hollow, tubular instruments with holes at one end — to trap the fat. The cannula is attached to suction tubing through which the fat is removed.

Your first consultation with Dr Lim will take around 45 minutes and you are most welcome to bring a support person with you. Due to social distancing measures as a result of COVID-19, the support person may not be able to enter the rooms (depending on the number of persons in the rooms at that particular time).

Dr Lim will take the time to discuss the procedure with you, the changes you desire, and any other issues related to the appearance of your body that you feel are important to you. This will help Dr Lim understand your expectations and determine if they are achievable.

Dr Lim will explain the risks of surgery and discuss the methods of liposuction with you. Your body will be assessed, and a few measurements and photographs will be taken to plan the procedure.

You do not have to make the decision to proceed with the surgery at this initial consultation. You will be given a written quotation and information to take home to read.

Dr Lim will examine your body and consider factors such as the size and shape of your body, the quality of your skin, and the positioning of your areas of concern.

Please come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history. This will include information about any medical conditions you have, medications you are currently taking, allergies you have, other medical treatments you have received and any previous surgery you have had.

A second consultation is required if you wish to proceed with surgery.

Avoid products that contain aspirin, vitamin E, glucosamine, herbal supplements, fish oil and krill oil for four weeks before surgery. We also strongly recommend avoiding alcohol, and not smoking for four weeks before and after surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process.

On the day of surgery, patients should wear comfortable, loose clothing that does not need to be pulled over the head or face. Don’t wear any make-up, jewellery or nail polish.

We want to make this experience as supportive as possible — you will be given all pre-operative instructions prior to your procedure but please don’t hesitate to call My Klinik if you have any questions or concerns before your surgery.

Dr Lim performs all surgeries at fully accredited hospitals — Lakeview Private Hospital and Westmead Private Hospital. Liposuction is performed under general anaesthetic as a day surgery. In some cases an overnight stay may be recommended.

Please contact the hospital a day before surgery to confirm your admission and fasting time. On entering the hospital, you need to report to the admissions desk and the staff will direct you through the admission process. Dr Lim and the anaesthetist will both see you prior to surgery and Dr Lim will make some markings on your body.

After the procedure, you will spend some time in the recovery room where you will be closely monitored until you are fully awake.

The first days after surgery are usually the most uncomfortable and painful, particularly when you are moving around. Like most operations, it is not painless; you will be prescribed pain medication during this period and Dr Lim will provide a prescription for you upon discharge. It is also normal to feel tired and a little slow for a day or two following a general anaesthetic.

Everyone is different, so the recovery period following this procedure varies from person to person — most patients are back to their normal routine in approximately two weeks.

Your body will be sensitive for two to three weeks following surgery and should be handled according to your own level of comfort.

Returning to work depends on the demands of your job — you may be able to return to light work within a week or two. Dr Lim will discuss your individual situation with you before and after your surgery.

We endeavour to make sure our patients are as informed as possible. While some of the potential risks seem frightening, it is important for you to be aware that they can occur. During consultation, Dr Lim will take you through the risks involved.

Some of the possible complications are:

— Infection can develop in fatty tissue
— Temporary or permanent numbness around operated sites
— The injections used in suction assisted liposuction can cause complications such as lignocaine toxicity and collection of fluid in the lungs
— Excessive fluid loss can lead to shock
— Irregular skin surface, uneven contours or rippling
— Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs.

Dr Lim will monitor your progress carefully and our staff will stay in contact with you during the post-operative period. You will be seen at frequent intervals over the first twelve months.

Your relationship with Dr Lim and the nursing staff does not end once you have had the procedure. If you have any questions or concerns after your operation, you are always welcome to call My Klinik.