Liposuction Candidate Suitability

Liposuction isn’t for everyone, and our priority is ensuring it’s safe and appropriate for your individual situation. Below, we outline key factors that may indicate you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

General Suitability Includes:

• You are close to your ideal weight, but have localised fat deposits. Liposuction is most effective for patients who are already within a healthy weight range but have areas of stubborn fat that haven’t responded to consistent diet and exercise.
• You are in good overall health and a non-smoker (or willing to cease prior to surgery). Good general health helps reduce the risk of complications during surgery and supports a smoother recovery. Smoking can interfere with healing and increase the risk of infection, so we recommend stopping smoking several weeks before and after the procedure.
• You have good skin tone and elasticity. Liposuction removes fat but does not tighten skin. If your skin has retained good elasticity, it may better adapt to your new shape after the procedure. For those with looser skin, your practitioner may discuss additional or alternative treatments to achieve your goals.

• You understand that liposuction is not for weight loss or skin tightening. It’s important to approach liposuction with realistic goals. The procedure can reshape and contour specific areas, but it won’t result in significant weight loss or fix loose skin. We’ll help you understand what’s achievable based on your body and ensure your expectations align with what the treatment can deliver.
• You have realistic expectations about outcomes and recovery time. While liposuction can create noticeable improvements, results develop gradually and vary by individual. Swelling, bruising, and changes in skin sensation are common during recovery. Understanding that healing takes time — and that perfection isn’t guaranteed — is key to long-term satisfaction.
• You can commit to following post-operative care instructions. Recovery plays a big role in the overall outcome of your procedure. Wearing compression garments, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activity during early healing are all part of the process. Patients who follow their aftercare instructions closely tend to experience smoother recoveries and more stable results.

A consultation with your cosmetic doctor will help confirm whether liposuction is the right choice for you, and which technique is most appropriate for your goals.

Psychological Readiness and AHPRA Compliance

Under current AHPRA regulations, all patients undergoing cosmetic surgery must undergo a mandatory psychological screening assessment prior to treatment. This ensures that motivations for surgery are well-considered, and that any potential risks to mental wellbeing are addressed ahead of time.

At Absolute Cosmetic, we take this process seriously. Our focus is not just on physical results, but on ensuring the emotional and psychological readiness of every patient. If at any point concerns are identified, we may recommend support or further steps before proceeding with surgery.

Health Requirements

Liposuction is a surgical procedure, and a baseline level of health is required for sedation and recovery. During your initial consultation, we will ask about:

• Current medications: To ensure safe planning and avoid potential drug interactions during or after surgery.
• Allergies: Including medication or latex allergies, which may affect anaesthetic choices or surgical materials.
• Past surgeries: To assess any scarring, complications, or medical history that could influence your procedure or recovery.
• Any relevant medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular issues): As these may impact healing, sedation safety, and your overall suitability for surgery.
• Lifestyle factors (such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity): Which can influence your recovery speed, immune response, and overall surgical risk profile.

Pre-Operative Requirements

Before undergoing liposuction, you’ll need to complete a series of pre-operative steps. These include:

• A full medical history and assessment
• Surgical consent forms
• Baseline health checks (blood pressure, weight, etc.)
• Review of any imaging or test results if required
• Instructions for medication management and fasting

You’ll also receive a pre-operative pack with specific information on preparing for surgery and what to expect during recovery.

GP Referral Requirement

In line with AHPRA’s cosmetic surgery regulations introduced in July 2023, all patients are required to obtain a referral from a GP or other registered medical practitioner before undergoing cosmetic surgery. This referral must be obtained at least 7 days before your consultation.

This process is in place to support patient safety, informed consent, and transparency
between your healthcare providers. If you don’t have a regular GP, our team can help guide you through the referral process.