A question I often hear is: “Can liposuction help me lose weight?”
The short answer is no—and in this article, I’ll explain why, and what liposuction is actually designed to do.

Is Liposuction a Weight Loss Procedure?

No, it isn’t.
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a method for weight reduction. Its purpose is to target stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise—like the lower abdomen, flanks, thighs, or under the chin. While it may result in a small drop in weight, its primary benefit is shaping and refining the body—not changing your number on the scale.

Who Is the Ideal Candidate for Liposuction?

The best results come when liposuction is performed on people who are:

• At or near their healthy, stable weight
• In good general health
• Struggling with localized fat deposits that persist despite lifestyle efforts

Liposuction is not a good fit for people who are seeking major reductions in size or body weight.

If any of these issues sound familiar, breast reduction may offer significant relief and quality-of-life improvements.

What If I Don’t Change My Lifestyle After Liposuction?

Liposuction doesn’t prevent future weight gain.
If you don’t maintain a healthy lifestyle—with a balanced diet and regular physical activity—fat can return, and it often redistributes to other areas of the body.

For this reason, liposuction should be seen as a complement to healthy living, not a replacement for it.

Click to reveal

BEFORE

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AFTER

DISCLAIMER: All before and after photographs are actual cases of Dr. Julian Liew, and are examples only. All surgical results are subject to individual patient variability and do not constitute an implied or certainty for the result.

Does Liposuction Remove Visceral Fat?

This is an important distinction.
Liposuction removes subcutaneous fat—the fat just beneath the skin—but it cannot remove visceral fat, which surrounds your internal organs.

Visceral fat is the type most strongly linked to health risks like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, and it can only be reduced through:

• Medical weight loss programs if needed

• Caloric management

• Physical activity

• Lifestyle changes

Can Liposuction Improve My Overall Health?

Liposuction can have positive effects on body image, self-esteem, and clothing fit, but it doesn’t treat obesity or improve metabolic conditions like insulin resistance or high cholesterol.

True health benefits—like improved blood pressure or glucose control—come from sustained, healthy weight loss through proven medical and lifestyle approaches.

Considering Surgery?

If your goal is to fine-tune your shape and get rid of stubborn pockets of fat, liposuction may be a great option.
But it’s important to understand what liposuction can and cannot do.

At The Clinic, I take the time to help every patient understand their options clearly—whether that means surgical contouring or working toward weight management through other means.

Book a consultation at The Clinic and let’s talk about what’s best for you.

Enquiry Now

Dr Julian Liew, Reconstructive & Plastic Surgeon

Dr Julian Liew is a highly qualified, Australian-trained Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon certified by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Dr Liew is committed to surgical excellence and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgical training.  Currently he is the Clinical Lead of Breast Reconstruction  and the Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training at Austin Health.  He is also a Clinical Trainer at The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.


Julian’s subspecialty interest is in Microsurgery and Breast Reconstruction Surgery.  In order to further his expertise, Julian completed a fellowship in these specialty areas at the world-renowned Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, United Kingdom.

As a skilled Microsurgeon and Specialist Plastic Surgeon his attention to detail and to the skill and precision of the procedure is only paralleled by his passion for the patient-centric experience and his complete involvement along with his talented team, through the patient’s entire surgical journey.

Dr Liew is committed to surgical excellence and training future plastic surgeons at Austin Health, where he is the Clinical Lead of Breast Reconstruction and the Supervisor of Plastic Surgery Training.  He is also a Clinical Trainer at The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.