VASER Liposuction (Ultrasound Assisted Lipectomy) of the Back | Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter Valley
I perform VASER liposuction (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) of the back as a standalone day surgery procedure at Maitland Private Hospital. The areas I most commonly treat are the bra-line and upper back, the rolls below the shoulder blades, and the lower back and posterior flanks. For a full explanation of the procedure, the techniques available and how I decide between them, see my complete guide to liposuction.
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Is back liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) right for your presentation?
Liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) of the back removes localised fat in people who are at or near a stable weight. It is not a weight loss method. The typical presentation I see is fullness across the bra-line or lower back that has persisted despite a stable weight and regular activity. Fat in the back is more fibrous than fat in areas such as the abdomen or thighs, which is part of why it responds poorly to diet and exercise, and also why I prefer VASER (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) for this area.
The deciding factor is your skin. Liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) removes fat; it does not remove loose skin. If the rolls across your upper back are formed mainly by loose skin rather than fat, removing the fat can leave the skin looser than before. In that situation a bra lipectomy may be indicated instead. In the lower back, the equivalent options are a lower back lipectomy or a body lift (belt lipectomy). During consultation I examine the balance of fat and skin laxity in each area and tell you which operation fits your presentation.
What the procedure involves
- Day surgery at Maitland Private Hospital under general anaesthetic, home the same day
- Positioning face down or on your side on the operating table for direct access to the back
- Infiltration of tumescent fluid containing local anaesthetic, which reduces bleeding and provides pain relief after surgery
- The VASER (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) stage, where ultrasound energy loosens and emulsifies the fibrous fat of the back before removal
- The suction assisted lipectomy stage, removing the emulsified fat through a fine cannula
- Small incisions of a few millimetres, placed within the bra-line and existing skin creases where possible
- A compression garment covering the treated areas, fitted before you wake
Where planned during consultation, fat harvested from the back can also be used for fat grafting (autologous fat transfer).
Why come and see me
I am a Specialist Surgeon (FRACS) and my practice focuses on body contouring surgery for women and men. I have used liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) for more than 15 years and VASER (ultrasound assisted lipectomy) for more than 10 years, both as a standalone procedure and within larger body contouring operations, so assessing whether fat, loose skin or both are driving a presentation is routine consultation work for me.
I operate at Maitland Private Hospital, which has 24-hour medical cover and an on-site intensive care unit. Your first consultation runs for approximately 1 hour, and a second consultation is included at no cost. Telehealth consultations are available for regional patients. Your follow-up schedule is included in the surgical fee: intensive reviews through the first 2 weeks after surgery, then reviews at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.
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Risks and recovery
Back liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) is major surgery and carries risks, including seroma (fluid collection), infection, contour irregularity, changes in skin sensation, prolonged swelling and firmness in the treated tissue, and rare but serious risks such as deep vein thrombosis. The fibrous quality of back fat means swelling and firmness can take longer to settle here than in softer areas. You will wear a compression garment for 4 weeks full time and then 2 weeks part time; I generally do not use drains for standalone liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy). Sleeping on your back is fine from the first night. Most patients return to work within 2 to 4 weeks depending on the physical demands of their job, and to exercise at 4 to 6 weeks. The treated areas continue to change as swelling resolves over 6 to 12 months. I cover both topics in detail in my articles on recovering from liposuction and liposuction risks and complications.
Cost and Medicare
Liposuction (suction assisted lipectomy) of the back performed for cosmetic reasons has no Medicare item number, attracts no private health insurance hospital benefit, and GST applies. I break down the full cost structure, including surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and garment fees, in my liposuction cost guide.
Your steps to surgery
1. GP referral
A referral from your GP is required before your consultation, as it is for all cosmetic surgery in Australia.
2. Consultation
We spend approximately 1 hour assessing your back, your skin recoil and your goals, and I explain which operation I recommend and why. A second consultation is included at no cost.
3. Written quote
You receive a written quote itemising surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital and garment fees, with no obligation to proceed.
4. Prepare for surgery
You complete any required tests, and my team guides you through the pre-operative instructions.
5. Surgery at Maitland Private Hospital
Your procedure is performed as day surgery under general anaesthetic, and you go home the same day.
6. Recover with structured follow-up
Intensive reviews through the first 2 weeks, then reviews at 4 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months, all included in the surgical fee.