Liposuction Risks

Liposuction is described as a cosmetic surgery that is done to remove fatty tissues from different sites of the human body. The aim is to reshape the body by removing excess of fats from different parts such as the abdomen, neck, back of the arms, thighs and buttocks, etc. Liposuction is not a treatment for obesity. It can only remove excess of fat from the targeted body sites. The results are fast in comparison to other methods of fat loss like physical exercise. In this manner, liposuction helps over-weight patients handle their bodies comfortably. It makes them feel good about their bodies.

Since the results are often amazingly positive, this particular surgical technique has become quite popular among the group of people who aspire to get back in shape overnight. However, not everything is good about liposuction. It involves numerous risks to health. Therefore, the decision to opt for liposuction needs prudent consideration.

Liposuction: An Introduction

A general or local anesthetic is administered to the patient undergoing liposuction. The local anesthetic often involves sedation as a day case. Generally, two small incisions of 4-10 mm lengths are made. A cannula is inserted through the incision. After the extraction of fat, the surgical slit is closed with a stitch or dissolvable suture. The entire procedure takes 2 hours or so. The patient can expect results after this cosmetic surgery when the swelling subsides. He/she may have to wait for at least one and half month to see the complete result. Liposuction is one of the very effective tools that can be used for tightening of the skin. The results are excellent when it is conducted on the arms, breasts and stomach. But the surgery involves certain complications as well.

Liposuction: Risks

• The most common liposuction risk is edema occurring in the area under effect. It may persist for months. It pressurizes the nerves and may lead to numbness and tingling in that area.
• Sudden removal of a large amount of fat may cause loosening of the skin. This particular risk factor depends upon the skin's elasticity, hence differs from person to person.
• Many people who undergo liposuction develop stretch marks. Patients over 40 years of age are at higher risk of obtaining loosened skin.
• The liposuction risks include formation of lumps and bumps on the skin. This gives an irregular and symmetrical contour to the skin.
• Liposuction surgeries, involve the insertion of the cannula. This leaves behind permanent scars. This is another liposuction risk.
• There is a high chance of the area that underwent liposuction of getting infected. However, this particular liposuction risk can be ruled out by taking antibiotics.
• In case of ultrasound assisted liposuction, the probe can become too hot and burn the skin. This, in turn, may give rise to numerous complications.
• The surgeon operates the cannula under the probe without seeing a clear picture of the inside. This involves a risk of puncturing some internal body organs.
• One of the life-threatening risk of liposuction is pulmonary embolism. It occurs when small fat pieces become dislodged and move to the lungs. This results in breathing difficulties, which may require immediate medical attention.
• In tumescent liposuction, large amounts of fluids are injected inside the patient's body. Some of the fluid gets removed along with the fat tissue. This may lead to fluid imbalance in the body.
• If the above condition is not identified and treated on time, it may result in serious medical complications like presence of fluid in the lungs, kidney or heart.
• Although very rare, there is a risk of even death due to liposuction.

By going through the above account on liposuction risks, you must have come to know that the decision to go for liposuction cannot be taken overnight. You need to discuss your medical condition with a specialist in this particular field of cosmetology. If everything appears to be safe and secure, only then you should opt for fat reduction through liposuction.