Let it not be said that we only discuss the positive aspects of liposuction! Here, we will also discuss the risks and complications that come from the procedure, said negative aspects of which can occur even in highly-respected clinics like Smart Lipo.
We have to say, nonetheless, that the risks are low and the complications are rare. The following discussion is meant to set realistic expectations among prospective patients.
Risk Factors and Risks of Liposuction
While liposuction is a relatively safe operation, the risks are higher when too much fat removal is performed on a single day or when other unrelated surgeries are performed on the same day. Your surgeon should determine the safe level of surgical trauma that your body can withstand and then avoid overstepping it.
If you and your doctor have agreed on a higher amount of liposuction, you will likely undergo two or more procedures on different days. The procedures will be spaced three to four weeks apart for safety reasons.
Your doctor will also not combine liposuction with another unrelated surgery, such as laser surgery, breast surgery, or facelift. You should walk away from the clinic if a surgeon says that it can be done – it can’t unless you want to face premature death on the operating table.
Even when performed by an experienced surgeon, liposuction has its post-operative side effects. These include swelling and bruising in the affected area, as well as temporary numbness, which are all common. The skilled hands of a surgeon can minimize the severity of these side effects but these cannot be helped.
The Complications of Liposuction
The rare incidence of complications related to liposuction is also part of the reason for its enduring popularity as a cosmetic procedure. But every experienced surgeon will also carefully screen each prospective patient in order to reduce the risk of complications.
For example, the patient shouldn’t be excessively obese on the day of the operation. Natural weight loss methods, such as a healthy diet and exercise program, will probably be recommended first. When the patient has a healthier weight, then liposuction may be considered.
In rare cases, however, there may be major complications including:
- Pulmonary thromboembolism, or a blood clot in the lungs usually caused by general anesthesia or extreme surgical trauma
- Infections or injuries that may be the result of inadequate instrument sterilization, of the use of ultrasonic equipment, or the use of Reston foam
- Hematoma, or bleeding under the skin
- Seroma, or leakage of serum under the skin
- Nerve damage
- Skin necrosis, or skin cell death
- Allergic reactions
The best way to avoid these complications: You should only have an experienced surgeon in liposuction handle your operation!
