What Liposuction Can Achieve
Despite maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle, some patients are troubled by persistent pockets of fat. Liposuction addresses these concerns by selectively removing localised fat deposits, with the aim of contour refinement rather than weight loss.
Commonly treated areas include the abdomen, flanks (love handles), hips, thighs, arms and the submental region. Liposuction does not address loose skin or muscle separation. In patients with significant skin laxity or abdominal muscle weakness, procedures such as abdominoplasty or body lift surgery may provide a more effective and predictable result.
Your Surgical Journey
Your surgical journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Collins at The Surgery. This allows time to discuss your goals and expectations, and to develop a surgical plan tailored specifically to you.
Liposuction is performed under general anaesthetic. Small, carefully positioned incisions allow the insertion of fine cannulas, through which unwanted fat is removed using controlled suction techniques. The extent of surgery depends on the number of areas treated and the volume of fat removed.
Liposuction may be performed as a standalone procedure in selected patients. It is also commonly combined with procedures such as abdominoplasty, body lift, thigh lift or arm lift to further refine contour.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients stay in hospital for one night, depending on the extent of surgery.
A supportive compression garment is recommended for six to twelve weeks to assist healing and support the surgical result.
Return to work depends on the physical demands ofyour role. Desk-based work is often possible within one to two weeks.
Is Liposuction Right for You?
You may be suitable for liposuction if your concerns include localised areas of fat that have not responded to diet or exercise and you have good underlying skin quality.
A consultation with Dr Collins allows for a personalised assessment and discussion of the surgical approach most appropriate for you.
Liposuction in Dunedin with Dr Anne Collins
Frequently Asked Questions
Liposuction is performed under general anaesthetic. Small incisions are used to access the treatment areas and controlled suction techniques remove unwanted fat deposits. The duration of surgery depends on the number of areas treated and the volume of fat removed.
No. Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss solution. The best results are achieved in patients who are already at or near a healthy, stable weight, have good underlying skin quality and are seeking contour refinement.
Preparing well is an important part of your surgical journey. During your consultation, Dr Collins will review your medical history, anatomy, goals and expectations to help plan your surgery safely and effectively.
The best results are achieved when your weight has been stable and within a healthy range for approximately three months prior to surgery. Patients must be nicotine-free for at least six weeks before surgery, including smoking, vaping and all nicotine replacement products, as nicotine significantly impairs wound healing.
Most patients stay in hospital for one night, depending on the extent of surgery and individual recovery needs.
Yes. Liposuction may be combined with procedures such as abdominoplasty, arm lift, thigh lift or body lift. This can be discussed as part of your personalised surgical plan during your consultation.
Allowing yourself time to heal is an important part of recovery following liposuction. Swelling and bruising are common and gradually improve over several weeks. A supportive compression garment is recommended for six to twelve weeks to assist healing and support the surgical result.
Liposuction incisions are small and carefully positioned. Scars are typically minimal and fade over time. Dr Collins’ scar management protocol supports optimal scar maturation and long-term aesthetic outcome.
Return to work depends on the physical demands of your role. Desk-based work is often possible within one to two weeks. More physically demanding roles may require additional recovery time.
Gentle walking is encouraged early in recovery. Light exercise can usually be resumed after two to three weeks, with more strenuous activity introduced gradually after approximately six weeks to protect your surgical result. Dr Collins will provide a personalised return-to-exercise plan tailored to you.
Liposuction is a well-established procedure. As with all surgery, there are risks involved. These include pain, bruising, swelling, bleeding, infection, contour irregularities, changes in sensation, asymmetry and the potential need for revision surgery. These risks are discussed in detail during your consultation.
Yes. Surgical outcomes vary between individuals and depend on a number of factors including anatomy, tissue quality, healing response and adherence to post-operative care. Expected outcomes, risks and limitations are discussed in detail during your consultation as part of the informed consent process.
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