Liposuction is a fairly straightforward, low-risk procedure, but as with any type of cosmetic surgery, it does carry some measure of risk. Patients need to understand this risk before signing up for the procedure to ensure they are prepared for what could happen.
Liposuction is one of the most popular types of cosmetic surgery. Minimally invasive yet highly effective,
this surgery removes stubborn fat deposits from areas where exercise and diet do not seem to affect. It helps doctors contour the body for a more pleasing overall look.
For the most part, this type of body contouring causes few, if any complications. Most patients who have the surgery walk away with newly defined curves and little else to show for their trouble. However, there are some risks associated with this procedure, as with any other cosmetic surgery. While the risk of complications is low, possibly extremely low, patients should be aware of the possible complications.
One of the highest reported complications from liposuction is a poor result. Often, patients report that they are not happy with their results because they do not use the procedure properly. This procedure is not designed to be a weight loss procedure. It is designed to help patients contour their bodies. While some fat is removed, it is an insignificant amount in light of weight loss. The best candidates for this procedure are those who are at or close to a healthy weight but would like to contour a part of their body.
Of course, complications from poorly done surgeries are also possible. Burns and embolisms, for instance, can occur. So can nerve compression. As with any surgery, infection can occur. Choosing a high quality physician with a good reputation will not eliminate the risks of these problems, but it will lower the risk tremendously.
Some patients experience seroma, which is the oozing or pooling of bodily fluids, after aggressive liposuction. Choosing a more routine procedure will limit this risk. If you opt for an aggressive technique, make sure you discuss this risk with your doctor.
If liposuction is performed under general anesthetic, some patients will experience a reaction to the anesthetic. Again, this is a risk associated with any surgical procedure, and is not higher because of the procedure chosen.
Other risks are milder. Patients may experience swelling, bruising, and soreness after the procedure, but these are temporary and will go away over time. The best way to limit these problems is to rest as your doctor suggests after surgery. Pain medication, ice packs, and other preventative measures can help you cope with the pain associated with the procedure.
Otherwise, liposuction is a safe, tested way to re-contour the body. To ensure your procedure goes as well as possible, find a highly skilled doctor who maintains hospital privileges. If you do opt to have your procedure done in a surgery center rather than the hospital, learn what the process is if you should need hospital care. With the right doctor and the ability to get to the hospital if needed, you should have few problems with your procedure. Just make sure you discuss the possible risks with your doctor before you sign up for surgery to ensure you know exactly what you are getting into.
