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Liposuction Sydney

With Dr. Mark Kohout

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liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes fat cells from targeted areas of the body using a suction technique. A small tube (cannula) is inserted through short incisions in the skin; the cannula is used to loosen the fat, which is then removed via suction attached to the tube. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, upper arms, back, chest, neck and under the chin.

The aim is to change localised body proportions and shape in areas where fat deposits are out of alignment to the rest of the body. Liposuction is not a substitute for overall weight management and does not treat internal (visceral) fat around organs. Outcomes vary between individuals depending on factors such as skin elasticity, underlying muscle tone, fat distribution, general health, age and lifestyle.

Liposuction can be performed as a stand-alone procedure or in combination with other operations (for example, breast procedures, abdominoplasty or thigh reduction) when clinically appropriate. Any combined approach needs to be planned carefully to account for operative time, recovery demands and risk. All surgical procedures carry risks, and it is important to discuss these with a qualified practitioner before making a decision.

Who May Benefit

Choosing liposuction is a personal decision that should be based on clear information, individual assessment, and realistic expectations. While suitability varies from person to person, several broad groups may consider liposuction depending on their anatomy, health, and treatment goals. 

✓ Localised fat deposits that persist despite lifestyle changes

Some people have areas of fat that remain noticeable even when they are at a stable, healthy weight and follow regular exercise and dietary routines. These deposits often occur on the outer thighs, abdomen, flanks, back, arms, chest or under the chin and may be influenced by genetic predisposition and hormone patterns. Liposuction may be considered when these localised areas create disproportion compared with the rest of the body and have not changed with conservative measures.

✓ People wishing to address overall body proportions

Rather than focusing only on a single “problem spot”, some patients are concerned with how different regions relate to each other (for example, upper body compared with lower body, or waist compared with hips and thighs). Liposuction can sometimes be used across several areas in a planned way to create a more balanced outline in keeping with the person’s frame and weight. The goal is to achieve proportional change, not to pursue an extreme or highly idealised body type.

✓ Adults with good skin elasticity

Skin quality plays an important role in how tissues look after fat has been removed. Individuals with relatively firm, elastic skin are more likely to see the skin retract to match the new underlying shape after liposuction. Where skin is very loose or heavily stretched (for example after significant weight loss or multiple pregnancies), removing fat alone may not be sufficient, and skin-tightening or excisional procedures may need to be discussed as alternatives or additions.

✓ People at a stable weight

Liposuction is generally most suitable for people whose weight has been stable for some time. Large fluctuations in weight after surgery can change the outcome and, in some cases, may reduce the benefit of the procedure. Surgeons usually recommend that liposuction be considered after sustainable lifestyle measures have been implemented and weight has remained steady.

It is important to emphasise that liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, nor does it address health conditions related to excess weight. Many patients also discuss their goals with their GP, a dietitian or an exercise professional as part of a broader health plan.

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Am I a Candidate?

✓ Stable weight

Potential candidates generally:

  • Have been at or near their current weight for several months
  • Are not in the middle of active major weight loss
  • Do not have short-term plans for substantial further weight change (for example, planned bariatric surgery or major lifestyle overhaul)

A stable weight helps the surgeon plan more accurately and makes it easier to assess how long-term changes are likely to look. Significant weight gain after liposuction can reduce the benefit of surgery, and weight loss may create further loose skin that might need separate treatment.

✓ Good health

Liposuction is typically considered for adults in good general health who can safely undergo anaesthesia. During your assessment, your surgeon and, where needed, your GP or anaesthetist will consider:

  • Heart and lung health
  • Diabetes and blood sugar control
  • History of clotting disorders or previous blood clots
  • Any medications that affect bleeding or healing (such as blood thinners, steroids or immunosuppressants)
  • Smoking or nicotine use, which can increase the risk of wound and healing complications

If necessary, you may be asked to optimise medical conditions, stop smoking or adjust medications under medical supervision before proceeding.

✓ Expectations

Realistic expectations are essential. Liposuction can change the contour of specific areas, but:

  • It will leave small scars where the cannula enters
  • It does not treat cellulite, stretch marks or skin quality directly
  • It cannot guarantee a particular clothing size or match edited photos
  • Revision procedures are occasionally considered where contour irregularities or asymmetry remain

Your surgeon will usually show you example images and explain what is reasonably achievable in your situation. If there are signs of significant body image concerns or unrealistic expectations, further discussion with your GP or a mental health professional may be recommended.

✓ Firm skin

As noted above, skin with reasonable elasticity is more likely to adapt to the new contour after fat removal. During your examination, the surgeon will assess:

  • Skin thickness and firmness
  • Degree of stretch marks or previous expansion
  • Presence of overhanging folds or redundant skin

If the skin is unlikely to retract adequately, liposuction alone may not give the intended result, and an alternative or combined procedure may be discussed.

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Before and After Photos of Liposuction Surgery

See the difference it has made for our clients.

View Liposuction Gallery

Disclaimer

Individual results vary due to personal health factors and genetics, and all surgical procedures carry inherent risks that should be discussed with a qualified health professional.

Liposuction Before and After Photos
Liposuction Before and After Photos
Liposuction Before and After Photos
Liposuction Before and After Photos
Liposuction Before and After Photos

When viewing these images, it is helpful to keep in mind that:

  • Each person’s starting shape, fat distribution and skin elasticity are different.
  • The amount of fat removed and the areas treated are individualised based on anatomy and safety considerations.
  • Scars are usually small but permanent; early redness and swelling can make them more visible in the short term, and they generally fade over time but do not disappear entirely.

Before-and-after photos can help you understand typical scar placement, the scale of change that might be reasonable and the variability between different body types. During a consultation, Dr Kohout can relate these examples to your own situation and explain what is realistic for you.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

✓ Anaesthesia Administration

Liposuction can be performed under different forms of anaesthesia depending on:

  • The number and size of areas to be treated
  • Your general health
  • Whether liposuction is being combined with other procedures

Options may include:

  • Local anaesthesia with tumescent technique – the target area is infused with a solution containing local anaesthetic, saline and medication to reduce bleeding; this is sometimes combined with light sedation.
  • Sedation with local anaesthesia – medication is given through a drip to make you relaxed and drowsy while the area is numbed.
  • General anaesthesia – you are fully asleep during the procedure.

The anaesthetist will discuss the plan, fasting requirements and pain-relief strategies and will monitor your vital signs throughout the operation.

✓ Incision and Cannula Insertion

Once anaesthesia is in place, the surgeon makes a series of small incisions (typically a few millimetres long) in discreet locations near the treatment areas. Through these incisions, a cannula is inserted into the fatty layer beneath the skin.

Before suction begins, a tumescent fluid is often infused into the area to:

  • Provide local numbing
  • Reduce bleeding by constricting small blood vessels
  • Facilitate smoother fat removal

The cannula is then moved back and forth in a controlled manner within the fatty tissue to loosen fat cells. Care is taken to keep the cannula at the appropriate depth, avoid damage to surrounding structures and maintain a balanced removal pattern.

✓ Fat Removal and Closure

As the cannula moves, fat is suctioned out through tubing into a collection canister so the volume removed can be monitored. The surgeon assesses the area by both sight and touch, comparing it with surrounding regions to help maintain a balanced shape and avoid over- or under-treating any zone.

Once the planned fat removal has been completed:

  • The tumescent fluid and any residual blood or fat are allowed to drain or are gently expressed
  • The small incisions are either closed with fine sutures or, in some cases, left open to allow continued drainage (depending on the technique and surgeon preference)
  • Compression garments or dressings are applied to help reduce swelling, support the tissues and limit fluid collection during early healing

The length of the procedure depends on the number of areas treated, the volume of fat removed and whether liposuction is combined with other surgery.

What Is the Liposuction Recovery Like?

✓ First few days

In the early days after surgery, it is common to experience:

  • Localised soreness or discomfort in the treated areas
  • Swelling and bruising
  • Fluid leakage from the incision sites if they were left partially open

Pain relief medication is prescribed, and wearing the recommended compression garment helps support the area and reduce swelling. You are usually encouraged to walk gently around the house soon after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots, while avoiding sudden twisting or heavy lifting.

✓ First one to two weeks

Most people:

  • Continue to notice bruising and swelling, which gradually begin to settle
  • Feel some tightness or sensitivity, especially when moving or when the garment is removed for showers
  • Are advised to avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise

Many patients with desk-based jobs return to work after several days to a week, depending on the extent of surgery and their comfort level. You will have follow-up appointments to check the incisions and monitor for complications such as fluid collections or infection.

✓ Weeks three to six and beyond

Over the next several weeks:

  • Swelling continues to decrease, although mild swelling may persist for several months
  • Bruising fades, and the treated areas may feel firmer or slightly numb as tissues heal
  • Gradual return to more strenuous exercise is usually allowed once your surgeon confirms healing is adequate

Final contour changes can take several months to become apparent as swelling resolves and tissues settle. During liposuction recovery, maintaining a stable weight, staying active as advised, and following all postoperative instructions can help support the outcome of surgery. If at any time you develop increasing pain, redness, fever, shortness of breath or other concerning symptoms, you should contact the clinic, your GP or seek urgent medical care.

Dr Mark Kohout

What Are the Risks?

Potential risks and complications include (but are not limited to):

  • Infection – usually at incision sites or within the treated tissues; this may present with redness, warmth, pain or discharge and may require antibiotics or, occasionally, further intervention.
  • Bleeding and haematoma – bleeding under the skin can create a firm, painful collection that may need drainage.
  • Seroma (fluid collection) – fluid can accumulate in the treated area and may need repeated needle drainage or other management.
  • Contour irregularities and asymmetry – uneven fat removal can cause surface irregularities, dimples or unevenness between sides; sometimes these settle over time, but revision surgery may be considered in some cases.
  • Changes in sensation – numbness, tingling or altered sensation in the treated areas is common initially; these changes usually improve over months but can sometimes persist.
  • Skin laxity or wrinkling – particularly when large volumes of fat are removed or where skin elasticity is reduced; this may require additional procedures if problematic.
  • Pigmentation changes or scarring – small scars may become darker or thicker than expected; some individuals are prone to hypertrophic or keloid scars.
  • Fat embolism or other rare but serious complications – in very uncommon cases, fat can enter the bloodstream and cause significant illness; this risk is one of the reasons why careful technique and appropriate patient selection are important.

General risks associated with anaesthesia include allergic reactions, breathing difficulties and heart-related events. Your individual risk profile depends on your health, BMI, the extent of surgery and any concurrent procedures. These issues should be discussed thoroughly during a consultation, and you are advised to seek a second opinion from another appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding.

What Are the Costs?

The cost of liposuction depends on the surgeon’s fee, facility charges, anaesthesia costs and other components such as consultations, postoperative care and medications.

Typical cost elements include:

  • Surgeon’s fee – for the consultation, planning, performing the operation and scheduled follow-up visits.
  • Anaesthetist’s fee – for administering and monitoring anaesthesia.
  • Hospital or day surgery facility fees – including operating theatre time, nursing care and equipment.
  • Pre-operative investigations – such as blood tests or imaging where required.
  • Post-operative expenses – medications, compression garments and dressings.

Because liposuction is frequently considered a cosmetic procedure, Medicare and private health insurance rebates are often not available, unless it is being performed in very specific medically indicated contexts. Policies and eligibility criteria can change, so it is advisable to confirm any potential rebates directly with Medicare and your health fund using information provided at your consultation.

Many clinics, including Dr Kohout’s, note that some patients choose to explore external financing options; however, such arrangements are separate from the medical practice and subject to the terms of the finance provider. For an accurate quote tailored to your situation, a face-to-face consultation and physical assessment are usually required.

Dr Mark Kohout

Liposuction FAQs

How much fat can be removed in one procedure?

There are practical and safety limits to how much fat can be removed in a single operation. The appropriate volume depends on your size, health, treatment areas and whether other procedures are being done at the same time. Removing very large volumes can increase the risk of complications and may not lead to good outcomes, so your surgeon will recommend a cautious approach aligned with current safety guidelines.

Will the fat come back?

Fat cells that are removed do not grow back, but remaining fat cells can enlarge if overall weight increases. Maintaining a stable weight with diet and activity after surgery is therefore important to help preserve the results. Weight gain after liposuction can lead to changes in contour in the treated areas and elsewhere.

Does liposuction treat cellulite or loose skin?

Liposuction primarily targets deeper fat and is not designed to treat cellulite or significantly tighten loose skin. In some people, subtle surface changes may occur, but these are not predictable and should not be relied upon as a treatment for dimpling or laxity. If cellulite or skin looseness is a main concern, your surgeon may discuss additional or alternative procedures.

When can I return to work and exercise?

Return to work depends on the extent of surgery and the type of work you do. Many patients with sedentary jobs resume work after several days to a week, while physically demanding roles may require a longer break. Gentle walking is usually encouraged early, whereas strenuous exercise and heavy lifting are delayed for several weeks until your surgeon confirms it is appropriate.

Do I need a GP referral?

A referral from your GP is required for all cosmetic surgery appointments, especially if there are medical conditions that need to be considered or if there is any possibility of a Medicare rebate in a medically indicated context. A referral provides your surgeon with important information about your medical history and current medications. It also gives you a chance to discuss your goals and any non-surgical options with your GP first.

Welcome to the Practice

Dr Mark Kohout (MED0001133000) is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in central Sydney with specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery and more than 25 years of experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He draws on Australian and international training to plan procedures that take into account each patient’s anatomy, health and priorities.

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Liposuction Guide

What’s Next?

Patients are encouraged to ask questions, involve their GP and, if they wish, seek a second opinion from another appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding with liposuction or any other procedure. Whether you are ready for a professional evaluation or just have a quick question, we’ve made it easy to connect with our team. Choose the option that best fits your needs.

Further Reading

Book your Consultation

Take the first step toward your goals by filling out the brief form below. This information helps us understand your specific needs so we can make the most of our time together during your session. Once you submit your details, a member of our team will review your request and reach out shortly to confirm your appointment.

Patient Photo Assessment

Sending photos for a patient photo assessment can help you and your plastic surgeon prepare for your consultation. By reviewing clear, accurate photos, Dr Kohout can provide preliminary patient photo assessment like insights, assess your needs, and determine the right approach for your procedure.

Tips for Uploading Photos

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Dr. Mark Kohout Plastic Surgery in Sydney & Orange

Experienced Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Mark Kohout

A qualified plastic surgeon who operates with care and integrity, based in central Sydney with over 20 years of experience in the cosmetic field. His extensive training and experience assures patients they are in highly trained surgical hands. Dr. Kohout is a dedicated, friendly professional who is committed to providing the high quality care, support and results, alongside his compassionate team.

Dr Mark Kohout (MED0001133000)
Specialist Plastic Surgeon
Specialist registration in Surgery – Plastic Surgery

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Procedures performed by our qualified surgeons.

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Dr Mark Kohout is a qualified plastic surgeon based in central Sydney, with over 20 years of experience in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He draws on extensive surgical training and clinical experience to tailor care to the individual needs and goals of each patient.

Dr Kohout is known for his thoughtful, patient-centred approach, guiding individuals through each stage of their surgical journey — from initial consultation to post-operative care. Working alongside a compassionate and professional team, he is committed to providing high standards of care in a supportive and respectful environment.

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Locations

  • Suite 2, 37 Bay St, Glebe, Sydney, NSW 2037
  • Level 5, 1521 Forest Rd, Orange NSW 2800

Opening Hours

Monday - Friday

8:30AM - 05:00PM

Saturday - Sunday

Closed

  • 1300 55 11 51
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Disclaimer: Dr Mark Kohout (MED0001133000) a Registered Medical Practitioner, Specialist Plastic Surgeon. All surgical or invasive procedures carry risks and complications. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding with any surgery. Results depend on individual patient circumstances and can vary significantly. Results may also be impacted by a variety of factors including your lifestyle, weight, nutritional intake and overall health. Consult your Specialist Plastic Surgeon for details. This information is general in nature and is not intended to be medical advice nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Surgery risks and complications will be covered in detail during a consultation with your Surgeon. We recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding with surgery.

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