LiposuctionBody Contouring & Liposculpture
Permanently remove stubborn localised fat from the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, and more — with precise body contouring results from our specialist plastic surgeons in Erina, NSW.
Overview
What is liposuction?
Liposuction permanently removes localised fat deposits that resist diet and exercise — reshaping and contouring the body by addressing stubborn fatty areas. It is one of the most commonly performed body contouring procedures worldwide.
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure — it is a body shaping procedure suited to patients who are at or near their goal weight but have specific areas of disproportionate fat that do not respond to lifestyle measures.
It is frequently combined with other body contouring procedures including abdominoplasty, brachioplasty, and thigh lift to achieve a more complete result.
Areas treated
Common treatment areas
Abdomen and flanks
The most commonly treated area. Liposuction of the abdomen, love handles, and flanks creates a more defined waist and flatter abdominal profile. Often combined with abdominoplasty.
Thighs, hips, and buttocks
Inner and outer thighs, the hip area, and banana fold under the buttocks are common areas of localised fat that respond well to liposuction.
Arms, back, and chest
Upper arms, bra rolls, back flanks, and gynecomastia (male breast tissue) are effectively treated with liposuction. Often combined with brachioplasty for upper arm skin laxity.
Neck and jawline
Sub-mental liposuction (under the chin and neck) creates a more defined jawline and neck profile. Often combined with neck lift for patients with skin laxity.
Step by step
The procedure
- 1
Consultation and planning
Your surgeon assesses your areas of concern, skin quality, and overall body proportions. Areas to be treated are marked and the planned volume of fat removal discussed. Realistic expectations are set.
- 2
Anaesthesia
Small areas may be treated under local anaesthesia with sedation. Larger volume or multiple areas require general anaesthesia. Surgery takes 1–3 hours depending on the number of areas treated.
- 3
Tumescent fluid infiltration
A solution of saline, local anaesthetic, and adrenaline is infused into the treatment area. This reduces bleeding, improves fat removal, and provides post-operative comfort.
- 4
Fat removal
Small incisions (2–4mm) allow a thin cannula to be inserted. The cannula is moved back and forth to loosen and suction out fat cells. Multiple passes sculpt the area to the desired contour.
- 5
Compression garment fitting
A compression garment is fitted before you leave theatre. This is worn continuously for 4–6 weeks to reduce swelling, support healing, and help the skin conform to the new contour.
- 6
Recovery and follow-up
Most patients go home the same day. Review at 1 week, 4–6 weeks, and 3 months to track your healing progress and contour result.
Recovery
What to expect after surgery
Days 1 – 5
Swelling, bruising and fluid drainage
Significant swelling and bruising is expected. Some fluid drainage through the small incisions is normal in the first 24–48 hours. Wear compression garment continuously. Rest at home.
Week 1 – 2
Return to light work
Most patients return to desk work by day 5–10. Driving resumes once comfortable. Continue wearing the compression garment at all times except when showering.
Weeks 3 – 6
Progressive improvement
Swelling continues to reduce steadily. Light exercise resumes. The treated areas feel firmer as the skin begins to contract and conform to the new contour.
3 – 6 months
Final result visible
All swelling has resolved and the final contour is fully apparent. The removed fat cells do not typically return — results are generally long-lasting with stable weight maintenance.
Fees
Cost of liposuction in NSW
| Fee component | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Anaesthetist's fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Hospital / facility fee | To be confirmed at consultation |
| Total | To be confirmed at consultation |
Informed consent
Risks and considerations
Swelling and bruising
Significant and expected. Swelling can take 3–6 months to fully resolve. The final result is not apparent until swelling has completely subsided.
Contour irregularities
Uneven fat removal or skin retraction can create surface irregularities. Experienced technique, conservative approach, and skin elasticity assessment minimise this risk.
Skin laxity
Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten loose skin. Patients with poor skin elasticity may need a skin excision procedure (e.g. abdominoplasty) for the best result. Your surgeon assesses this at consultation.
Numbness
Temporary numbness or altered sensation in the treated area is common and usually resolves within weeks to months.
Weight gain
The fat cells removed are permanently gone. However, remaining fat cells can enlarge with significant weight gain, affecting the result. Maintaining a stable weight preserves results long-term.
Seroma
Fluid collections can occasionally form in the treated area. These are managed in clinic without further surgery in the vast majority of cases.
FAQs
Common questions
The questions our patients ask most — including what people search when looking for this procedure on the Central Coast of NSW.
Ask us a questionNo — liposuction is a body shaping and contouring procedure, not a weight loss tool. It is most effective for patients who are at or near their goal weight but have specific areas of localised fat that resist diet and exercise. The amount of fat removed is measured in litres, not kilograms.
Liposuction costs in NSW vary significantly depending on the number of areas treated and whether general or local anaesthesia is used. A full transparent written quote is provided at consultation at Coastal Plastic Surgery in Erina. Medicare rebates do not apply as this is a cosmetic procedure.
Most patients return to desk work within 5–10 days. A compression garment is worn for 4–6 weeks. Light exercise resumes at 3–4 weeks. The final contour result is visible at 3–6 months once all swelling has completely resolved.
The fat cells removed by liposuction are permanently gone and do not return. However, remaining fat cells throughout the body can enlarge with weight gain. Maintaining a stable weight is the key to long-lasting results.
Standard liposuction uses mechanical movement of the cannula to break up and remove fat. VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat cells before removal, which can allow for more precise sculpting and is suited to areas requiring high-definition contouring. Your surgeon will advise the most appropriate technique at consultation.
Liposuction does not tighten loose skin — it removes fat only. Patients with good skin elasticity will see the skin retract naturally. Patients with significant skin laxity may require a skin excision procedure (such as abdominoplasty or thigh lift) for the best result. Your surgeon assesses this at consultation.
Liposuction at Coastal Plastic Surgery is performed by Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain, Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh, and Dr Maryam Seyedabadi — all FRACS-qualified specialist plastic surgeons based in Erina NSW.
Your surgeons
Meet the team
Assoc. Prof. Gazi Hussain
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Associate Professor Hussain has extensive experience in liposuction and body contouring procedures, working toward precise and natural-looking reshaping.
Dr Mohammad Mohaghegh
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Mohaghegh is a specialist plastic surgeon with expertise in body contouring liposuction, tailoring each procedure to the patient's proportions and goals.
Dr Maryam Seyedabadi
Specialist Plastic Surgeon · FRACS
Dr Seyedabadi brings a meticulous eye for proportion and contour to liposuction procedures, working toward smooth, natural-looking body reshaping.
Ready to take the next step?
Book a private consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons at our Erina clinic. We will assess your suitability, answer all your questions, and provide a personalised written quote — with no obligation.