Dr Sharp:

Liposuction takes 30-60 minutes depending on how many areas are treated, so it is a short procedure that can usually be combined with other operations.

More than half of my liposuction cases are performed at the same time as other procedures such as abdominoplasty, breast augmentation or facelift. However, it is not suitable for everyone; read on to learn more.

Liposuction can be performed alongside abdominoplasty surgery, reducing pockets of fat that aren’t addressed by abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery, such as the flanks or deposits of fat on the upper or lower back.

Your initial consultation will involve a discussion with your surgeon about the area/s that you’d like to target, your expected results, risks and potential complications as well as the recovery process. At this consultation your surgeon will step through the informed consent documents, and will discuss the risks and potential complications specific to your combination of treatments.

You will have another consultation prior to your surgery, to revisit the information discussed during your initial consultation and discuss any questions you might have. I encourage patients to bring a support person along for this consultation, if possible, as there’s a lot to take in, and a second set of ears can help patients recall the information discussed when they go home!

Sometimes combining liposuction with other treatments will make your recovery slightly more uncomfortable; for example, if you are having liposuction on your flanks along with an abdominoplasty, lying on your back while sleeping (which you will have to do after a tummy tuck) could cause discomfort in the flank area. It’s important to think about these factors before surgery.

After your surgery, you will go home wearing a compression garment to reduce swelling and ensure optimal results; this garment will stay on for 6 weeks after your surgery. Some swelling, bruising and tenderness can be expected for several weeks, sometimes longer, but this is usually very well managed by painkillers and our post operative care kit, which contains products that help speed up your recovery. You’ll be able to return to light work duties after 2 weeks and gym work and exercise after 6 weeks.

[Images below: before and three months after surgery with Dr Sharp]

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The above information is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. All surgery carries benefits and risks, and we recommend visiting the specific page related to the procedure you are interested in to learn more. 

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