Liposuction, also known as surgical fat removal, is a body surgery procedure that removes selected areas of fat from beneath the skin. It may be considered by patients who are concerned about localised fat deposits that remain despite stable weight, regular movement and consistent eating habits. While liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure, it may have medical planning benefits for selected patients when used as part of a carefully assessed surgical plan.
Dr Michael Kernohan holds FRACS qualification in Plastic Surgery and specialist registration with AHPRA. He consults from Gregory Hills, Liverpool, Surry Hills and Bowral, and operates at accredited hospitals including The George Centre, Camden Surgical Hospital, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Darlinghurst and Sydney Southwest Private Hospital.
Am I Considering Liposuction For The Right Reason?
Liposuction may be considered by some people who have localised fat deposits that remain despite stable weight, regular activity and consistent eating habits. It is not a treatment for general weight loss.
It is important to understand the limits of liposuction before deciding whether to proceed. Liposuction does not treat cellulite, significant loose skin or changes caused by ongoing weight fluctuation.
You may be considering liposuction for an appropriate reason if:
- Your weight has been stable
- You have specific areas you would like assessed
- You understand that liposuction is not weight-loss surgery
- You are prepared for recovery and follow-up care
- You understand that outcomes vary between patients
Dr Michael Kernohan will discuss these points during consultation and explain whether liposuction is suitable for your anatomy, health and expectations.
Liposuction at a Glance
Liposuction is surgery. It requires medical assessment, planning, anaesthetic care and recovery time.
Dr Michael Kernohan, Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in South West Sydney, will assess your medical history, skin quality, treatment area and expectations before discussing whether liposuction is appropriate for you.
At a glance:
- Procedure type: Surgical fat removal
- Main purpose: Removal of selected localised fat deposits
- Not intended for: Weight loss, cellulite or loose skin
- Anaesthetic: Often general anaesthetic, depending on the case
- Hospital stay: Same-day discharge or overnight stay may be advised
- Recovery: Swelling, bruising and tenderness are common
- Compression garment: Often worn after surgery if advised
- Results timing: Final results may take months to become clearer
- Risks: Include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, contour irregularity and anaesthetic risks
Download Dr Michael Kernohan’s Liposuction Guide
What Actually Happens During Liposuction?
During liposuction, small incisions are made near the treatment area. A fluid solution is usually placed into the area before fat is removed with a thin tube called a cannula.
The cannula is passed beneath the skin to remove selected fat through suction. The incisions are then dressed, and a compression garment may be applied to support the treated area during early recovery.
The procedure may involve:
- Pre-operative surgical markings
- Anaesthetic care
- Small incisions near the treatment area
- Fluid placement into the tissue
- Fat removal using suction
- Dressings over incision sites
- Compression garment fitting
- Monitoring in recovery before discharge
The exact steps may vary depending on the area treated, the amount of fat removed and your overall surgical plan.
Am I Suitable For Liposuction?
Suitability for liposuction depends on several factors. These include your general health, skin quality, weight stability, medical history and expectations.
Dr Michael Kernohan will assess whether liposuction is appropriate for your circumstances. In some cases, another procedure may be more suitable, such as abdominoplasty for excess abdominal skin, may be more suitable, especially if loose skin is the main concern.
You may be suitable for liposuction if:
- You are in good general health
- Your weight has been stable
- You have localised fat deposits
- Your skin has reasonable elasticity
- You do not smoke or can stop before surgery
- You understand the risks and recovery process
A consultation is needed to make this assessment. Online information can guide your thinking, but it cannot replace medical advice based on your own anatomy and health.
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When Might Liposuction Not Be Right For Me?
Liposuction may not be suitable if your main concern is loose skin. Removing fat from beneath the skin can sometimes make skin laxity more noticeable. Patients with significant loose skin following major weight loss may instead need an assessment for body contouring after weight loss.
It may also not be suitable if your weight is changing, you are planning major weight loss, or you have medical conditions that may increase surgical risk. Dr Kernohan will discuss these issues with you during consultation.
Liposuction may not be advised if:
- You are seeking weight loss
- You have significant loose skin
- Your weight is still changing
- You are planning pregnancy or major weight change soon
- You smoke or vape and cannot stop before surgery
- You have health issues that increase surgical risk
- Your expectations are not realistic for the procedure
In some cases, delaying surgery or considering another treatment option may be more appropriate.
Which Areas Of The Body Can Liposuction Treat?
Liposuction can be used on different areas of the body where localised fat is present. The areas treated depend on your anatomy, skin quality and overall treatment plan.
Not every area is suitable for every patient. Dr Michael Kernohan will examine the area and discuss whether liposuction alone is likely to address your concern.
Areas that may be assessed include:
- Abdomen
- Waist
- Hips
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Back
- Chest area in selected patients
- Under the chin or neck area in selected patients
The number of areas treated may affect surgery time, recovery, garment use and post-operative care.
What Will Dr Michael Kernohan Discuss With Me During My Consultation?
Your consultation is a chance to talk through your concerns and understand your options. Dr Michael Kernohan will ask about your health, previous surgery, medicines, allergies, smoking or vaping history, and what you are hoping to address.
He will also examine the treatment area and assess your skin quality. This helps determine whether liposuction is suitable or whether another procedure may be more appropriate.
During consultation, you may discuss:
- Your medical history
- Current medicines and supplements
- Previous surgery
- Smoking or vaping
- The areas you want assessed
- Skin quality and tissue tone
- Possible risks and complications
- Recovery expectations
- Whether liposuction is appropriate for you
You should have time to ask questions. A consultation should support informed decision-making and should not involve pressure to proceed.
What Happens On The Day Of My Liposuction Procedure?
On the day of surgery, you will be admitted to the hospital or accredited surgical facility. You may meet nursing staff, your anaesthetist and Dr Michael Kernohan before going into theatre.
The treatment areas are usually marked before surgery. After the procedure, you will be monitored in recovery until the team is satisfied that you are ready for discharge or transfer to the ward.
The day may include:
- Admission and pre-operative checks
- Review with your anaesthetist
- Surgical markings
- Anaesthetic
- Liposuction procedure
- Dressings over incision sites
- Compression garment fitting if required
- Recovery monitoring
- Discharge instructions
Some patients go home the same day. Others may need an overnight stay depending on the extent of surgery, anaesthetic plan and individual needs.
What Should I Expect While I Recover From Liposuction?
Recovery after liposuction is gradual. Swelling, bruising, tenderness, firmness and temporary numbness can occur in the treated areas. These changes are common after surgery and can take time to settle.
Dr Michael Kernohan and his team will provide instructions about wound care, compression garments, medication, activity and follow-up appointments. You should contact the practice if you notice increasing pain, redness, fever, discharge or other concerns.
During recovery, you may be advised to:
- Wear a compression garment for the recommended period
- Walk gently to support circulation
- Avoid strenuous activity until cleared
- Take medication as directed
- Keep dressings clean and dry as instructed
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments
- Allow time for swelling to reduce before judging the result
Recovery time varies. Your return to work and exercise will depend on the areas treated, your job, your healing and Dr Kernohan’s advice.
When Will I See The Final Result After Liposuction?
Early changes may be visible once swelling begins to reduce. However, this is not the final result. Swelling can continue to change for weeks to months after surgery.
The treated area may feel firm, tender or uneven while the tissues settle. This can be part of the healing process, but any concerns should be discussed during follow-up.
The final result may be affected by:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Skin quality
- Healing response
- Weight changes
- Treatment area
- Amount of fat removed
- Compression garment use
- Post-operative care
Maintaining a stable weight after surgery is important. Future weight changes can affect the appearance of treated and untreated areas.
What Are The Risks And Complications Of Liposuction?
All surgery has risks. Liposuction should only be considered after you understand the possible complications, limitations and recovery requirements.
Dr Michael Kernohan will discuss these risks during consultation. You should ask questions and take time to consider the information before deciding whether to proceed.
Possible risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Fluid collection
- Bruising and swelling
- Numbness or altered sensation
- Scarring
- Contour irregularity
- Asymmetry
- Loose skin becoming more noticeable
- Delayed healing
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Anaesthetic risks
- Need for further surgery
This list does not include every possible risk. Your individual risks may depend on your health, treatment area, surgical plan and recovery.
I Have Already Had Liposuction Elsewhere. Can Dr Kernohan Assess Me?
Some patients seek advice after having liposuction elsewhere. This may be due to concerns about contour, asymmetry, scar tissue, healing or ongoing swelling.
Revision surgery is not always suitable. In some cases, more time may be needed before the final result can be assessed. Dr Michael Kernohan’s team may request photographs or previous surgical details before confirming whether a consultation is appropriate.
Assessment may involve:
- Review of previous surgery details
- Photos before booking, if requested
- Examination during consultation
- Assessment of scar tissue
- Discussion of healing time
- Review of possible options
- Explanation of limitations
- Advice about whether further surgery is appropriate
Revision procedures can be more complex than first-time surgery. A careful assessment is needed before any recommendation can be made.
What Is The Cost Of Liposuction In Sydney?
The cost of liposuction varies because each surgical plan is different. The number of areas treated, length of surgery and complexity of the procedure can all affect the total fee.
A personalised estimate is usually provided after consultation. This allows the quote to reflect your individual treatment plan rather than a general figure.
Factors that may affect cost include:
- Number of areas treated
- Length of surgery
- Hospital or facility fees
- Anaesthetist fees
- Compression garments
- Follow-up care
- Complexity of the procedure
- Whether another procedure is recommended
The consultation is the appropriate time to discuss what is included in your estimate and what follow-up care is provided.
How Do I Choose A Liposuction Surgeon In Sydney?
Choosing a surgeon is an important part of planning liposuction. You should feel able to ask about qualifications, training, hospital access, risks, follow-up care and what happens if complications occur.
Dr Michael Kernohan is a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in South West Sydney. Patients considering liposuction should check that their surgeon is appropriately qualified and registered.
Questions to consider include:
- Is the surgeon registered with AHPRA?
- Is the surgeon a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon?
- Does the surgeon hold FRACS qualification?
- Will the procedure be performed in an accredited facility?
- Will the risks be explained clearly?
- Will I receive written information?
- Is follow-up care provided?
- Do I have time to consider my decision?
A consultation should help you understand your options and make an informed decision.
Liposuction Before and After Photos
Before and after photographs may be discussed during consultation where appropriate. These images should be used for education only and should not be viewed as a promise of a particular result.
Every patient has different anatomy, skin quality, fat distribution, healing and surgical planning needs. Your outcome may differ from another patient’s outcome.
Before and after images used in cosmetic surgery advertising need careful handling. They should not create unrealistic expectations or suggest that another person’s result will apply to you.
Liposuction FAQs
Why Choose Dr Michael Kernohan for Liposuction in Sydney?
Choosing a surgeon for liposuction involves checking qualifications, hospital access, communication style and follow-up care. Dr Michael Kernohan is a Specialist Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon in South West Sydney who assesses each patient’s health, anatomy and expectations before discussing whether liposuction is suitable.
During consultation, Dr Kernohan will explain the procedure, risks, recovery and possible limitations. He will also discuss whether another option may be more appropriate.
Patients may consider Dr Kernohan because of his:
- Specialist registration as a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon
- FRACS qualification in Plastic Surgery
- South West Sydney consulting location
- Use of accredited hospital facilities
- Focus on suitability, risks and realistic expectations
- Structured follow-up care
Liposuction is not suitable for every patient, and outcomes vary.
How Do I Book A Consultation With Dr Michael Kernohan In Sydney?
If you are considering liposuction, the next step is to book a consultation with Dr Michael Kernohan. This appointment allows him to assess your concerns, medical history, treatment area and whether liposuction may be suitable.
Before your consultation, it may help to prepare:
- A referral, if requested
- Details of previous surgery
- A list of medicines and supplements
- Relevant medical history
- Photos, if requested for revision enquiries
- Questions you would like to ask
During your consultation, Dr Kernohan will discuss the procedure, recovery, risks and possible limitations. Liposuction is not suitable for every patient, and another option may be more appropriate.
Further Reading
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure Page on Abdominoplasty Sydney
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure Page on Belt Lipectomy Sydney
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure Page on Extended Abdominoplasty
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Procedure Page on Upper Body Lift
- Read Dr Kernohan’s Page on How To Lose Weight Before Surgery