Liposuction
Targeted body contouring surgery designed to reduce localised areas of fat and refine body proportions.
What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove localised deposits of fat from specific areas of the face or body.
It may be considered when areas of fullness remain despite a relatively stable weight and healthy lifestyle. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, waist and flanks, thighs, upper arms and beneath the chin or through the neck.
Liposuction is a body-contouring procedure rather than a weight-loss treatment. The result also depends on the ability of the skin to adapt to the reduced volume beneath it, making skin quality and elasticity an important part of determining whether liposuction is appropriate.
Dr Katie-Beth Webster will assess the amount and distribution of fat, skin quality and surrounding body proportions before developing an individualised treatment plan.
Is liposuction right for me?
Liposuction may be considered if you have:
localised areas of fat that remain despite diet, exercise or weight stability
relatively good skin tone and elasticity
a stable body weight
specific areas you would like to contour rather than seeking significant overall weight reduction
realistic expectations about what fat removal can and cannot achieve
Liposuction may be less suitable where significant loose skin is the primary concern, as removing fat does not remove excess skin.
During consultation, Dr Webster will assess whether liposuction alone is likely to create an appropriate contour or whether a skin-removal or lifting procedure should also be considered.
What you can expect
Liposuction is highly dependent on anatomy. The amount and location of fat, skin elasticity and surrounding body proportions all influence whether the procedure is appropriate and how the treated area may respond.
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Your consultation begins with a discussion about the areas that concern you and the changes you would like to achieve.
Dr Webster will assess the amount and distribution of fat, skin quality and elasticity, underlying body proportions and whether loose skin is also contributing to the contour.
Your general health, medications, smoking status, previous procedures and weight stability will also be reviewed.
Dr Webster will explain which areas may be suitable for liposuction, whether multiple areas can be treated safely and whether another procedure may be required where excess skin is present.
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Liposuction may be performed under local or general anaesthesia depending on the extent and number of areas being treated.
Small incisions are made close to the treatment area. A tumescent solution containing fluid, local anaesthetic and adrenaline is introduced into the tissues before fat is removed using fine cannulas connected to a suction device.
The amount of fat removed is carefully controlled to contour the area while maintaining a smooth transition with the surrounding tissues.
The small incisions may then be closed with sutures or managed according to the surgical technique used.
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Liposuction is performed as day surgery in many cases. Swelling, bruising, tenderness and temporary numbness are expected during early recovery.
A compression garment is generally worn following treatment to support the tissues and help manage swelling. Katie’s current guidance recommends compression for approximately four to six weeks.
Recovery depends on the number and size of the areas treated. Patients having a smaller area treated may return to work within several days, while more extensive treatment may require approximately one to two weeks.
Swelling continues to settle gradually, with the contour becoming clearer over the following weeks and months.
Why choose Dr Katie-Beth Webster?
As a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides individualised assessment and planning for liposuction and body-contouring surgery.
Rather than assessing fat in isolation, Dr Webster will consider skin elasticity, surrounding body proportions and whether another structural concern is contributing to the area you would like to address.
She will explain the proposed treatment areas, expected recovery, limitations and potential risks so you can make an informed decision about whether liposuction is appropriate for you.
Considering liposuction?
A consultation with Dr Katie-Beth Webster can help determine whether localised fat, loose skin or a combination of factors is contributing to your concerns and which treatment approach may be appropriate. Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers liposuction consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.
Common questions about liposuction
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Localised fat deposits unresponsive to diet or exercise
Good skin tone and elasticity (to allow smooth retraction after fat removal)
Stable body weight and realistic expectations
Patients seeking contour refinement rather than large-volume fat reduction
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Performed under general or local anaesthesia depending on extent
Small incisions (3–5 mm) are made near treatment areas
A tumescent solution (saline with anaesthetic and adrenaline) is infused to minimise bleeding and ease fat removal
Fat is suctioned out using fine cannulas attached to a vacuum device
Treated areas are sculpted evenly for balanced contour
Incisions are closed with small sutures or left to drain naturally
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Day surgery in most cases
Bruising, swelling, and mild soreness for several days to weeks
Compression garment worn continuously for 4–6 weeks to reduce swelling and support skin retraction
Return to work within a few days (for small areas) or 1–2 weeks (for larger areas)
Final contour visible after 2–3 months once swelling subsides
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No. Liposuction is intended for body contouring rather than significant weight reduction.
It removes localised deposits of fat from selected areas and is generally most appropriate for patients who are already at a relatively stable weight.
If your primary goal is substantial weight loss, liposuction is unlikely to be the appropriate treatment.
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Smoother, smaller, and more symmetrical labia
Scars are fine and typically inconspicuous
Sensation and function are preserved; aesthetic results continue to refine over several months
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Bleeding, infection, or contour irregularity
Seroma (fluid accumulation)
Asymmetry or surface dimpling
Numbness or temporary sensory change
Rare complications include fat embolism or deep vein thrombosis
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Removed fat cells do not return, but remaining cells can enlarge with weight gain. Maintaining healthy habits preserves results. Liposuction may be combined with skin-tightening or lifting procedures for optimal contour in patients with skin laxity.
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Liposuction and abdominoplasty address different anatomical concerns.
Liposuction removes localised fat but does not remove significant excess skin or repair abdominal muscle separation.
Abdominoplasty removes excess abdominal skin and may also repair rectus diastasis. Liposuction can sometimes be incorporated into an abdominoplasty where localised fat also contributes to the abdominal contour.
The appropriate procedure depends on whether your concern is primarily fat, skin, the abdominal wall or a combination of these factors.