Canberra Plastic Surgery Pty Ltd

Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove fat deposits from specific areas of the body such as neck, abdomen, flanks and thighs. Fat deposits are removed using a thin metal tube called a cannula such is inserted deep into the subcutaneous fat or superficial subcutaneous fat. The cannula is attached to a tube with suction and then the cannula is moved in a specific pattern through the fat with the intention to debulk the fat, without removing all the fat.

Lipostructure refers to the use of the removed fat to enhance other areas of the body that may require additional contouring. For example, removing subcutaneous fat tissue from the abdomen and inserting it to the breasts.

Liposuction does not address the underlying muscle tone and is also not indicated for large folds of skin. Therefore, if a patient has excess skin or muscle separation, an abdominoplasty would be more suitable.

No, liposuction is not used as a substitute for weight loss. Individuals are poor candidates for liposuction if they weigh more than 15kg over their medically defined ‘ideal body weight’. The best candidates are those who are within their ideal bodyweight but have local fatty areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

The intention of liposuction is to decrease the bulk of the fat but not to remove all of it. Fat is an important tissue that helps to maintain skin shape and firmness. Removal of too much fat can result is loose skin and surface irregularities.

Older patients with less elastic skin may not obtain the cosmetic results that can be achieved in those with younger, more supple skin. Dr Tonks and Dr Rome will assess you and your desired outcome and discuss the most suitable treatment option for you.

Alternatives to liposuction may include breast reduction, abdominoplasty, thigh lift or arm reduction surgery if there is excess skin that needs to be removed.

There is no age limit for liposuction, however younger skin does tend to retract better than aged skin due to increased skin elasticity.

The risks of liposuction increase if a large number of body areas are treated at the same time or if the areas operated on are large in size.

Some of the possible complications and risks associated with liposuction may include:

• Thermal burn or other heat injury to the skin or deeper tissues from the ultrasound device that is used to liquefy fat cells. This can occur in ultrasound-assisted liposuction
• Complications caused by the injection of anaesthetic fluid can include lignocaine toxicity (if the solution’s lignocaine content is too high) or collection of fluid in the lungs (if too much fluid is given). This can occur in tumescent and super-wet liposuction
• Excessive fluid loss, which can lead to shock
• Fluid accumulation
• Infection that develop in fatty tissues. This can be a serious complication and can be difficult to treat
• Delayed healing
• Friction burns or other damage to the skin or nerves
• Irregular skin surface, uneven contours or rippling
• Asymmetric or ‘baggy’ skin surface
• Change in skin sensation or numbness
• Skin pigmentation changes, skin discolouration or swelling
• Unacceptable scarring
• Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, lungs and abdominal organs
• Pain, which may be ongoing
• Allergic drug reactions
• Formation of blood clots or fat clots, which may migrate to the lungs
• Persistent swelling in the legs
• Deep vein thrombosis, cardiac and pulmonary complications
• Further surgery may be necessary to address complications

General surgical risks can be found here.

Hospital stay is dependent on the area and amount of liposuction to be performed. Larger areas such as the abdomen and thighs are generally performed at the accredited Barton Private Hospital, while smaller area such as the neck are performed under local anaesthetic in our private, on-site theatre room.

Recovery is usually quite quick, with up to 1 week downtime, however, the final result of your liposuction procedure can take up to 3 months.

The cost of this treatment varies greatly due to the number and size of areas that can be treated. You will receive your individualised quote after your consultation with Dr Tonks or Dr Rome.

Depending on the area and amount of liposuction being performed, your surgeon may use local or a general anaesthetic.

Whilst the removal the fat cells is permanent, the remaining fat cells can increase in size if your weight increases after the surgery.

The scars are very small and are only located at the insertion site of the cannula.

No. Liposuction is deemed purely cosmetic and therefore does not have an allocated Medicare Item number.

Abdominoplasty surgery is commonly referred to as a ‘tummy tuck’ and involves the removal of excess sagging skin and fat from the middle and lower abdomen. The muscles of the abdominal wall may also be surgically tightened during the procedure to improve the abdomens function, appearance and long-term outcome.

Liposuction aims at removing stubborn fat cells from the target area, where as an abdominoplasty removes excess fat and repairs the underlying muscles. Often, liposuction is performed as part of the abdominoplasty for optimal aesthetic results.

Ideally, an abdominoplasty should only be performed on patients who are already close to their goal weight. This means people who do not intend on losing more weight after surgery, and those who have maintained their ideal weight for several months beforehand.

It is generally accepted amongst most reputable Specialist Plastic Surgeons that patients with a BMI of 40 or above are not suitable for an abdominoplasty. In fact, some surgeons will not even operate on patients with a BMI above 30, due to elevated surgical and anaesthesia risks.

If you are in this grey zone, having a BMI between 30 and 40, multiple factors will be considered to determine whether you are a suitable candidate. The best way to determine this is during a comprehensive consultation with our Specialist Plastic Surgeons – Dr Tonks or Dr Rome.

Reaching a healthy weight before undergoing abdominoplasty surgery will only enhance your abdominoplasty results. More importantly, achieving a healthy BMI will minimise the risks associated with both the anaesthesia and the procedure itself.

Performing surgery safely is of utmost importance and, unfortunately, patients with a BMI of 30 or higher have a significantly greater risk for:

• Blood loss during the procedure
• Fluid collections in the abdomen
• Blood clots
• Postoperative pneumonia
• Wound separation
• Wound healing problems
• Infections

It is for this reason that patients within an unhealthy weight range are often unsuitable for an abdominoplasty procedure.

It is recommended that you allow 12 months after last pregnancy before proceeding with abdominoplasty surgery.

All surgery is serious and you need to weigh up the potential benefits with the risks.

There are two main categories of risks to consider when considering tummy tuck surgery.

The first category of risks applies to all forms of major surgery and include: infection, bleeding, blood clots and an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic. Further information about general surgical risks can be found here.

The next category of risks which are more specific to tummy tucks include: change in sensation or loss of sensation across the abdomen, delayed wound healing (including death of tissue), prominent, keloid or hypertrophic scarring and general asymmetry.

Dr Tonks will discuss these risks, and how you can reduce them before and after surgery, in your consultation. You will also be given written material covering these risks.

Tummy tuck procedures are always performed in an accredited private hospital. Dr Tonks performs tummy tuck surgeries at Barton Private Hospital and Calvary Bruce Private Hospital. You will be required to stay at least one night after your surgery.

Tummy tuck procedures are always performed in accredited hospitals. Dr Tonks performs tummy tuck surgeries at Barton Private Hospital and Calvary Bruce Private Hospital. You will be required to stay at least one night after your surgery.

Following surgery, your abdomen will be swollen and tender with moderate pain to be expected for about 2–3 days. Pain and discomfort can be controlled with regular paracetamol and your anaesthetist will prescribe stronger pain relief if required. Dr Tonks and his team of Registered Nurses will provide you with instructions about showering, wound dressings and caring for yourself after surgery. It is strongly recommended that you have a support person to assist you for 7 days after you are home. Walking is encouraged to reduce your risk of blood clots but may feel uncomfortable for the first few days to weeks.

You will be provided with a surgical garment that you will be required to wear for 6 weeks post-surgery. You may have a drain inserted during the surgery which Dr Tonks’ Nurses will remove at your post operative appointment.

It is very important to not smoke, undertake strenuous activity or drink alcohol during the healing period as this will slow your healing and increase the risks of complications.

Most patients take 2–3 weeks off work and can resume all daily activities and exercise after 6 weeks.

Dr Tonks surgical fee starts from $12,500. Please note that this does not include your hospital or anaesthetic fees. This includes your post operative garment, post operative appointments and Healite treatments to assist in healing and scar reduction.

A general anaesthetic is required for abdominoplasty surgery.

Generally, the surgery will take 2–3 hours.

Yes, most patients have good long term results as long as patients maintain their weight within a normal range with a good diet and exercise. Occasionally a second surgery is required for optimal results.

Yes, long incisions are made from hip to hip and just above the pubic region. If possible, Dr Tonks will make the main incision under the “bikini line” to ensure the scar is as concealed as possible. Unfortunately, this is not possible for all patients and is dependent on the extent of the surgery. There will also be a scar around the naval as a new belly button is created. You can find more information on scar management here.

There are Medicare item numbers associated with abdominoplasty and Dr Tonks or Dr Rome will discuss your eligibility during your consultation.

Thigh lift surgery is a procedure that reshapes the thighs by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the thighs and lower body. A thigh lift is designed to tighten the skin and improve the contour of the inner thigh. An incision is made either at the fold where the thigh and the groin join, or down the inner aspect of the thigh toward the knee.

Thigh lifts are not intended strictly for the removal of excess fat. Liposuction alone can remove excess fat deposits where skin has good elasticity and is able to naturally conform to new body contours. You can find more information on liposuction here. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and thigh lift techniques may be recommended.

Thigh lift surgery may be a good option for you if:

• You are physically healthy and you do not have not have medical conditions that can impair healing or increase risk of surgery
• Your weight is relatively stable
• You have excess soft tissue along the inner or medial thigh region and/or the outer thigh
• You are a non-smoker or have stopped smoking

All surgeries carry risk. You need to weigh up the risks and benefits of surgery before proceeding. General risks of any surgery can be found here. Specific risks for thigh lift procedures are:

• Visible and prominent scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scars. These scars are raised, red and thickened, and may form over healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health
• Numbness around operated sites. In most cases this is temporary and will improve over many months
• Skin that does not heal and may require a skin graft
• Restrictive movement to the tightened skin
• Excess fluid accumulation under the skin (known as a seroma) around an operated site that may require one or more drainage procedures with a needle
• The need for at least one blood transfusion for patients who require the removal of a large amount of skin
• Fat that has a poor blood supply may result in a discharge from the surgical wounds or palpable lumps
• Distortion of the genitalia’s contour and appearance, especially in women

Yes, our patients are required to stay overnight following surgery to allow for rest, recovery and monitoring following surgery. All thigh and body lift surgeries are performed in an Accredited private hospital.

A general anaesthetic is used for thigh and body lift surgeries.

Surgery usually takes 1–3hours and is dependant on the number and areas being treated.

The removal of excess skin is permanent, however, as we age our skin will continue to lose elasticity over time. Occasionally, a second procedure is required for optimal outcomes.

Yes, all surgical interventions result in scar. You can find more information on scar management here.

Dr Tonks and Dr Rome’s surgical fees start from $7000. This includes your post operative garment, post operative appointments and Healite treatments to assist in healing and scar reduction. Please note that this does not include your hospital stay or anaesthetist costs.

There are Medicare item numbers associated with this procedure. Dr Tonks and Dr Rome will discuss your eligibility during your consultation. Please note there will still be an out-of-pocket surgical fee.

Arm lift surgery, otherwise known as brachioplasty, is a procedure that reshapes the upper arms by reducing excess skin, and in some cases fat, resulting in smoother skin and better-proportioned contours of the upper arms.

Occasionally Dr Tonks or Dr Rome may recommend liposuction to the upper arms rather than surgical intervention. This may be indicated if there is fatty tissue present. See more information on liposuction here.

All surgery carries risks and you need to weigh up the risks and benefits of surgery to ensure it is the right option for you. You can find general risks of surgery here.

Specific risks and complications associated with arm lift surgery include:

• Visible and prominent scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scars. These scars are raised, red and thickened, and may form over healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health. These scars may restrict the clothing you can wear
• Numbness around operated sites. In most cases this is temporary and will improve over many months
• Skin that does not heal and may require a skin graft
• Restrictive movement to the tightened skin
• Excess fluid accumulation under the skin (known as a seroma) around an operated site that may require one or more drainage procedures with a needle
• Fat that has a poor blood supply may result in a discharge from the surgical wounds or palpable lumps

Yes, Dr Tonks and Dr Rome’s patients are required to stay in overnight to allow for rest and monitoring following your surgery. All arm reduction surgeries are performed in an accredited private hospital.

Yes, arm lift surgery will result in some visible scars. Your surgeon will limit scar length and try to position each scar in the least conspicuous position. Nonetheless, scars may be more noticeable than you anticipated. It is important that you have realistic expectations of the surgery and that you discuss potential outcomes with Dr Tonks or Dr Rome.

Following your surgery, dressings or bandages will be applied to your incisions. You will be wrapped in an elastic bandage or a compression garment to minimise swelling and to support your operation site as it heals.

Following your surgery we recommend taking the first week off work to rest. Following that, we recommend avoiding heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming and strenuous sports for 6 weeks.

Dr Tonks and Dr Rome’s surgical fees start from $7000. This includes your post operative garment, post operative appointments and Healite treatments to assist in healing and scar management. Please note that this does not include your hospital or anaesthetic fees.

There will be some discomfort usually around the incision sites. Dr Tonks and your anaesthetist will recommend pain relief as needed. Compression and ice packs are also helpful in relieving pain associated with your surgery.

Brachioplasty (arm reduction) surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic at an Accredited Private hospital.

The length of surgery is usually around 1–2 hours.

The removal of skin and excess fatty tissue is permanent, however depending on the amount of excess skin, some patients may require one or more additional procedures to achieve the optimal result.

There are Medicare item numbers associated with this procedure. Dr Tonks and Dr Rome will discuss your eligibility during your consultation.