dr. meaghan heckenberg
Expertise
Education
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Thr University of NSW (1992)
- Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (FRACGP)
- Fellowship of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery (FACCSM (MED) )
- Fellowship of Lipoplasty (ACCSM)
- Head of Liposuction Training Program, The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM) - since 2025
Appointments
- Head of Liposuction Training Program, The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM) appointed in 2025
- Liposculpture / Liposuction Trainer, The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM)
- Former Council Board Member, ACCSM
Locations
Be Sculptured was founded by Sydney liposculpture/liposuction proceduralist, Dr. Meaghan Heckenberg, driven by her passion for changing bodies, shapes and proportions. Combined with Meaghan’s significant experience, her dedication to liposculpture, Be Sculptured strives for the highest level of safety and satisfaction for patients.
Liposuction, Liposculpture & Liposuction for Lipoedema by Dr Meaghan Heckenberg in Sydney & Gold Coast
Dr. Meaghan Heckenberg has been performing liposculpture/ liposuction procedures for The Alia Clinic Sydney and Crows Nest Cosmetic and Vein Clinic since 2008. She has now expanded into liposuction for lipoedema. Microcannular liposculpture/liposuction is performed utilising the tumescent local anaesthetic technique (TLA). Liposuction for lipoedema should be performed with a tissue and lymph vessel-conserving method.
Guidelines have been developed by the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL), leaders in lipoedema management, with the tumescent local anaesthetic technique being a preferred method, as this is considered “lymph-sparing” of the subcutaneous fatty tissue.
Dr Heckenberg has performed over 1600 procedures. “Be Sculptured” was born from her desire to concentrate on one cosmetic procedure, that being liposculpture/liposuction. Meaghan has a fellowship from The Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (FACCSM (Med)) and a Fellowship in Lipoplasty Surgery – only 16 currently practising doctors have this qualification from ACCSM, and she is listed on the website as a trained and experienced liposuction provider.
Meaghan has Specialsit Registration in General Practice after gaining her Fellowship in 1997 (FRACGP) and a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 1996 (DRANZCOG) and has been performing contraceptive and reproductive out-patient gynaecological procedures since 1998. Her medical registration number is MED0001158434.
I believe that the highest level of surgical skill is achieved by performing the same procedure often.”
Dr. Meaghan Heckenberg
Meaghan understands the desire to change one’s shape and has had a thigh liposculpture procedure herself in her mid 30’s. Exercise and training and maintaining a balanced diet are still necessary after cosmetic surgery to maintain results. Ageing, unfortunately, has an effect on the body’s fat deposits too, and despite no change to diet and exercise, Meaghan had another area of liposculpture at age 50 on her hips (flanks).
meaghan's story
Dr. Meaghan Heckenberg’s path to becoming a liposculpture/liposuction proceduralist was influenced by her own experience as a patient. After undergoing her first liposculpture procedure, she was motivated to study and train in the field herself. This background provides her with insight into the patient decision-making process. Having had a thigh liposculpture in her mid-30s and a second procedure on her hips at age 50, she can relate to the concerns patients often raise during consultations.
Her motivation led her to train with experienced liposculpture/ liposuction proceduralists in Australia and the USA. Before dedicating her practice to liposculpture / liposuction, Dr. Heckenberg worked in procedural medicine, with a strong focus on women’s health and gynaecological procedures. This background gave her a foundation in the precision required for specific cosmetic surgery procedures.
A Philosophy of Mastery and Dedication
Since 2008, Dr. Heckenberg has focused her practice on liposculpture/liposuction. She believes that proficiency in cosmetic surgery develops through training, experience, and repeated practice. Liposculpture/liposuction requires attention to detail, patience, and consistency—qualities she applies in her clinical work.
Commitment to Patient Safety and Ethical Practice
Dr. Heckenberg is committed to maintaining professional standards of ethics and patient care. As a former council board member of the ACCSM, she contributed to the college’s governance. Patient safety and quality of care are central considerations in every procedure she performs. Her approach includes providing balanced, accurate information so that patients can make informed decisions about cosmetic surgery. She has co-authored ACCSM Guidelines for Liposuction Surgery in 2023.
in the media
As one of Australia’s leading cosmetic physicians, Dr Meaghan Heckenberg has long been recognised for her commitment to safety, excellence, and education in aesthetic medicine. Demonstrating her standing within the profession, Dr Heckenberg co-authored the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM) Guidelines for Liposuction Surgery (2023) — the definitive reference outlining the highest standards of patient care, procedural safety, and practitioner training. These guidelines form the benchmark for liposuction practice in Australia and New Zealand, reflecting the collective expertise of the College’s most experienced Fellows.
before & after photos
We do not provide before and after photos on our website. Photos can be viewed on Dr Meaghan’s Instagram.
Understanding Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Training: What Patients Should Know
Australian plastic surgeons go through a structured training pathway that mainly focuses on reconstructive and medically necessary procedures within public hospital settings. However, cosmetic procedures like liposuction are usually not performed in these public hospitals. This means that experience in procedures such as liposuction is often gained through extra training and supervised practice in private clinics, outside of standard plastic surgery core training.
Because of this, having a plastic surgery qualification does not automatically mean a doctor is highly experienced in cosmetic procedures like liposuction. These procedures require specific hands-on training and skill development that goes beyond general plastic surgery training.
There is sometimes confusion in the public about who is most qualified to perform cosmetic procedures. This has led to the incorrect belief that only plastic surgeons are properly trained in aesthetic treatments. In fact, many doctors who are not plastic surgeons but work in cosmetic medicine and surgery have undergone extensive, specific training and have significant experience in performing these procedures.
What matters most is not the title of the doctor, but their individual training, experience, and results. When choosing a practitioner for a cosmetic procedure, patients should look into their specific qualifications, ask about their experience with the procedure, and view before-and-after results to ensure they are in safe, capable hands.
Request a Consultation Online
Request a consultation online. Or, if you have a question, explore our patient info page or get in touch with our team.
be sculptured services
Dr. Heckenberg performs liposculpture on most areas of the body where there are deposits of subcutaneous fat. Click on a service area below to learn more about the procedure.