Liposuction - Risks of liposuction
- Introduction
- Why liposuction is used
- How liposuction is performed
- Recovering after 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
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
Complications
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
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