What are the risks associated with Liposuction?
The complications related to this procedure are extremely rare and usually can be treated. The complications include:
- Dizziness after surgery due to loss of fluids.
- Swelling or oedema. Sometimes it may persist for weeks or months after the operation.
- Infections. Infections may happen after any surgery and may occur after liposuction as well. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to all patients even before the infection.
- Embolism. Embolism may occur when fat is loosened and enters the blood through the blood vessels broken during liposuction.
- Nerve Compression and Changes in Sensation. The patient may experience "paresthesias" which is an altered sensation at the site of the liposuction. This may either be in the form of an increased pain in the area, or the loss of any sensitivity in the area.
- Skin Laxity, Waviness or Dimpling. The skin may become less elastic after the liposuction if a large volume of fat has been removed from a large area. This would mainly happen to older patients.
- Minor Depressions. These are small regions that have an opposite appearance from the dimpling described above. They may be over-treated after some time allowed for settling.
- Skin pigmentation. A slight stain may seldom occur in the area that underwent the liposuction. However, the pigmentation will fully heal even if this may take many months.
- Thrombosis. This occurs when the blood is clotted in the large veins of the leg. This complication is rare though and the symptoms associated with it are: the leg oedema, calf redness and heat.
- Reaction to anaesthesia.
What about asymmetries?
Due to removal of more fat from one side compared to the other side asymmetry may occur.
Will I feel numb after Liposuction?
Numbness will usually disappear in a few months and will only rarely be permanent.
What about scarring?
The small incisions made with the cannulas are very thin, so the scars will be scarcely visible. However, scarring also depends on the areas where the intervention took place. In the groin and lower limb where the scars cannot be "concealed", the traces may remain noticeable for many months before fading.
Although the presented risks seem quite numerous, the better the patient is aware of them the better they can be reported to the surgeon and treated.
Find out more
Only through an in-depth discussion with your surgeon will you be able to understand the risks, benefits and expected outcomes of this procedure.
If you would like to find out more about liposuction or arrange a consultation, contact us today on 08707 606 555, or by completing our online enquiry form for an immediate response.
