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Body contouring surgery is a range of cosmetic procedures designed to improve the body’s appearance by modifying its size or shape. Body contouring surgery is most commonly performed to contour the waist, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, upper torso and upper arms. Surgical methods range from removal of fat and/or excess skin to surgical implants and lifts to improve skin tone and definition.
Liposuction improves the body’s appearance by suctioning away localised collections of fat or using fat as a contour filler.
An Abdominoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen and tighten abdominal muscles affected by obesity, pregnancy or weight loss.
Focussing on the lower body, a Thigh Lift can improve sagging skin and excess fat, resulting in a more toned appearance.
Brachioplasty improves the shape and contour of the arm by removing excess skin and fat from the underside.
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.
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.
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 body weight 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 in 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:
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 of 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:
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.
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 areas 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 of downtime, however, the final result of your liposuction procedure can take up to 3 months.
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.
A thigh lift, 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 [link]. In cases where skin elasticity is poor, a combination of liposuction and thigh lift techniques may be recommended.
A thigh lift may be a good option for you if:
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:
Yes, our patients are required to stay overnight following surgery to allow for rest, recovery and monitoring following surgery. All thigh lift surgeries are performed in an accredited private hospital.
A general anaesthetic is used for thigh lift surgeries.
Surgery usually takes 1–3 hours and is dependent 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 scars. 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.
Brachioplasty, otherwise known as arm reduction surgery, 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 brachioplasty include:
Yes, Dr Tonks and Dr Rome’s patients are required to stay in overnight to allow for rest and monitoring following your surgery. All brachioplasty surgeries are performed in an accredited private hospital.
Yes, brachioplasty 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.