Liposuction Side Effects

Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery undertaken for excess fat removal from certain body areas like buttocks, thighs, neck, abdomen and arms. This is an extreme measure taken by people who have been unsuccessful in eliminating fat by dieting or exercising. Liposuction has gained popularity through numerous celebrity testimonials of its effectiveness. There is no doubt about the effectiveness part, but general public are not aware of a few side effects which they could possibly encounter. The basic method remaining the same, there are different liposuction procedures like ultrasound, traditional, wet, tumescent and laser type. The problems are mostly common across all methods along with few distinct ones as well.

Side Effects of Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction is less bruising and has a fast recovery period. Most people are able to come back to normal within 2 days after surgery. At times, physicians prescribe wearing liposuction compression garments to ensure quick recovery and tighten any loose skin.

Bleeding and Infection
Although bleeding and infection is uncommon during laser liposuction recovery, it may occur in certain cases. In order to reduce infection, incision areas need to be cleaned well and kept dry. Follow the doctor's advice and guidelines to keep the areas infection free.

Scarring
Sutures and stitching are not required in laser liposuction as the incisions are small. However, body areas where incisions are made could develop tiny scars, approximately of the size of a mole. Take advice from the physician for useful ways to get rid of any scars post surgery.

Asymmetrical Results
Asymmetrical results could be noticed due to irregular fat removal or taking out fat from areas close to the skin. This complication is rare and observed in a very few patients who have undergone laser liposuction surgery.

Skin Issues
Application of laser energy rarely causes thermal injuries (skin burns) and skin damage. These can however be avoided by getting the surgery done from a reputed doctor who uses standardized equipment and products.

Side Effects of Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction has become more popular in recent years, mainly because it has erased some of the more discomforting side effects earlier associated with liposuction. The procedure is more or less same as the traditional method, but has certain differences as well. A large dose of liquid local anesthesia is injected into the body part which needs treatment. This compels the fat areas to swell and harden up, allowing the doctor to remove unwanted fat smoothly and with least possible bleeding.

Like other liposuction surgeries, the problems can occur after tumescent liposuction. A couple of side effects, found only in tumescent liposuction are, fluid accumulation and lidocaine toxicity. The latter occurs when there is excess amount of lidocaine in the tumescent solution, thereby making it tough for the body to properly metabolize the drug. Fluid could accumulate in the lungs if excess solution is injected into the area of surgery.

There are some other minor side effects which are appearance-based and do not pose any major health concern. These could be either swelling, skin discoloration, lumpiness, bruising or any other complications due to drugs used during surgery. In almost all such cases, these can be treated by the doctor, only if he is consulted right away on noticing any discomfort.

Sometimes tumescent liposuction could cause severe side-effects. A patient can have certain negative reactions to anesthesia. This can however be avoided by ensuring that the patient is not allergic to the drug. Also, certain patients may experience excess blood loss than normal or blood clotting post operation. Infections are always a possibility after surgery. It is therefore important to keep incisions clean and ensuring they are not irritated during fever.

Although rare, infections, blood clotting, late healing and scarring are few other side effects. Inner thigh liposuction also has some reported cases of side effects in rare cases. Nevertheless, the patient should contact the doctor immediately in case of swelling or bruising around the operated body area.

For people afraid to face above mentioned side effects, they can opt for liposuction alternatives. These are equally effective but take longer time to show results. Liposuction should be the last choice for getting rid of extra fat, after all other means have already been tried. As it is concerned with health related issues, for detailed information regarding the procedure and risks, consult a good doctor.