Liposuction - Risks of liposuction

As with all surgical procedures, liposuction has possible side effects and a risk of complications.

However, liposuction is generally a safe procedure and it is rare for serious problems to develop.

Side effects of liposuction can include:

bad bruising, especially in patients who have a tendency to bleed or who have been taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs
swelling, which may not settle for up to six months
inflammation of the treated areas
fluid coming from the cuts (incisions)
scars where the incisions were made
thrombophlebitis (an inflammation of the veins), which is common inside the knee and on the inside of the upper thigh when these areas are treated
swollen ankles, if the legs or ankles are treated

Any major operation runs the risk of infection and excessive bleeding. Antibiotics may be needed to help prevent infection.

Other complications that may occur due to liposuction include:

lumpy and uneven results after the fat has been removed
bleeding under the skin - known as haematoma
numbness in the treated area that may last for months
changes in skin colour and a loss of normal feeling in the area treated if the treatment area is prepared using a technique involving high-frequency vibrations
thrombosis - the clotting of blood within a blood vessel, which can obstruct or stop the flow of blood
a build-up of fluid in the lungs - known as pulmonary oedema, which can occur as a result of the fluid injected into the body
pulmonary embolism - a potentially fatal blockage in the lungs caused by a blood clot
damage to the internal organs during the procedure