The Potential Risks & Complications of Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes stubborn fat that hasn’t responded to diet and exercise. However, like any surgery, it comes with risks. Potential complications include infection, bleeding, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, and uneven outcomes.  There can also be swelling, bruising, and temporary numbness in the treated areas. It’s important to be aware of these risks, and the steps you can take to minimise them.

Liposuction Risks

General

• Infection: Any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. This can usually be managed with antibiotics but can sometimes require additional treatment.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but excessive bleeding can be a complication that needs immediate attention.
• Adverse Reactions to Anaesthesia: While rare, some people can have reactions to the anaesthesia used during the procedure. This can include anything from mild nausea to more severe complications.
• Swelling and Bruising: These are very common post-surgery and can last for several weeks.
• Blood Clots: There’s a risk of blood clots forming, particularly if you’re immobile for a long period after surgery. This can be serious and requires immediate medical attention.

Procedure-Specific Risks

Vaser Liposuction:

• Burns or Skin Damage: The ultrasound technology used in Vaser liposuction can sometimes cause burns or damage to the skin if not handled correctly.
• Seromas: Fluid pockets can form under the skin after the procedure, which might need to be drained.
• Skin Irregularities: There’s a risk of skin dimpling or uneven results if the fat removal is not uniform.

Vaser HD Liposuction:

• Increased Risk of Irregularities: Because Vaser HD is designed for high-definition results, there’s a higher risk of outcome irregularities if not performed by an experienced surgeon.
• Longer Recovery Time: The more detailed and extensive the procedure, the longer the recovery time can be.
• Potential for More Significant Bruising and Swelling: Given the intensity and precision of the procedure, you might experience more pronounced bruising and swelling.

Read more on liposuction risks & recovery. 

Signs to Watch For

After undergoing liposuction, it’s crucial to monitor your recovery and be aware of any symptoms that might indicate complications. Here’s what to watch for and when to contact your healthcare provider.

Post-Surgery Symptoms That Require Immediate Medical Attention:

• Severe Pain: While some discomfort is normal, severe pain that doesn’t improve with prescribed painkillers needs attention.
• Excessive Swelling or Bruising: Some swelling and bruising are expected, but if these symptoms are extreme or worsen significantly, it could indicate a problem.
• Fever or Chills: A high fever or chills can be a sign of infection and should be reported to your doctor right away.
• Redness or Warmth at the Incision Site: These can also be signs of infection. If the area around your incisions becomes red, warm, or starts to drain pus, seek medical advice immediately.
• Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain: These symptoms could indicate a blood clot or other serious complications and require urgent medical attention.
• Unusual Discharge or Odour from the Incision Site: Any unusual discharge, especially if it’s accompanied by a foul smell, needs to be checked by a healthcare provider.
• Numbness or Tingling: While some temporary numbness is normal, persistent or worsening numbness or tingling should be evaluated.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider:

• Persistent Symptoms: If any mild symptoms persist beyond what your surgeon has advised as normal, it’s better to be safe and get them checked.
• Worsening Symptoms: If you notice any of your symptoms getting worse rather than better, don’t wait to seek medical help.
• New Symptoms: Any new or unexpected symptoms should be reported to your healthcare provider immediately.
• Concerns About Healing: If you’re worried about how your incisions are healing or if they appear to be opening up, contact your surgeon.

When in Doubt, Reach Out

It’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re unsure whether a symptom is normal or if you just don’t feel right, contact your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and, if necessary, arrange for you to be seen sooner. Your health and safety are the top priorities during your recovery.

Potential Long-Term Complications

While liposuction can offer great results, it’s important to be aware of potential long-term complications. Understanding these risks and the importance of follow-up care can help you maintain your health and the results of your surgery.

Potential Long-Term Side Effects

• Skin Irregularities: Over time, you might notice uneven skin, or dimpling if the fat wasn’t removed evenly. This is more common in patients with poor skin elasticity.
• Changes in Sensation: Some patients experience changes in skin sensation, such as numbness or tingling, that can last for months or even become permanent.
• Scar Tissue Formation: Although incisions are small, scar tissue can develop under the skin, which might cause firm areas or changes in the texture of your skin.
• Persistent Swelling: In some cases, swelling can persist for months after surgery, particularly in areas where a large amount of fat was removed.
• Fat Redistribution: If you gain weight after liposuction, the new fat might not distribute evenly and could appear in different areas of your body than before.
• Infection: Though rare, there is a long-term risk of infection if proper care isn’t taken during recovery or if the body’s immune response is compromised.

Importance of Follow-Up Care & Consistent Monitoring

• Regular Check-Ups: Regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon are crucial. These visits allow your surgeon to monitor your healing process and catch any potential issues early.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a stable weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise helps sustain your liposuction results and reduces the risk of fat redistribution.
• Skin Care: Proper skin care can help improve the elasticity and appearance of your skin. This includes staying hydrated, using moisturisers, and protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure.
• Monitoring Changes: Keep an eye on the treated areas and report any unusual changes to your surgeon. This includes persistent swelling, changes in sensation, or irregularities in skin texture.

Surgeon’s Tip: It’s important to know that results can evolve over time. Sometimes additional procedures might be needed to achieve the desired outcome or to address any complications.

Tips for Minimising Liposuction Risks & Complications

• Stay Healthy: Before and after your procedure, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to boost your overall health and help your body heal.
• Choose the Right Surgeon: The right surgeon is the most crucial part to a successful liposuction procedure. Their expertise, technique and post-surgery care makes all the difference.
• Follow Instructions: Your surgeon will give you specific instructions to follow before and after the surgery. It’s important to stick to these guidelines to recover smoothly and avoid complications.
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your body heal faster and can reduce swelling.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These can impede your healing process. Stay away from alcohol, cigarettes and vapes, before and after your surgery as recommended by your surgeon.
• After Surgery: Take care of your wounds, take any prescribed medications, avoid strenuous activities, and go to all your follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
• Wear Compression Garments: Wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and improve your results.

Have Questions? Ask Your Surgeon

When considering liposuction surgery and evaluating its risks and complications, it’s crucial to talk openly with your surgeon. Here’s what a good surgeon will be able to provide during your consultations:

• Health Check: During your consultation, your surgeon will look at your overall health and medical history to see if you’re a good fit for liposuction.
• Learn About the Procedure: This is your chance to understand everything about the procedure, from how it’s done to what to expect on surgery day and during recovery.
• Personalised Plan: Every body is different. Your surgeon will create a customised plan just for you to help you get the best results.
• Talk About Risks: It’s important to talk about all the possible risks and complications with your surgeon. This includes common issues like swelling and infection, and rarer problems. Knowing these helps you make an informed decision.
• How Risks Are Managed: Your surgeon will explain what they do to minimise risks and how they handle any complications if they come up. This can give you peace of mind.

Read more on the medical by laws of liposuction surgery. 

Setting Realistic Expectations

It’s key to know what liposuction can and can’t do. Your surgeon will help set realistic goals based on your body and what you want to achieve.

Remember, liposuction is not for losing weight. Understanding this helps you set realistic expectations for your results.

Make sure you understand all aspects of the procedure, including the benefits, risks, and alternatives. Agreeing to the surgery means you’re fully aware and okay with everything involved.

Read more on Levant CS’s open disclosure policy. 

Liposuction FAQs

Is liposuction high-risk surgery?

Liposuction is a significant surgical procedure and, like any surgery, it comes with risks. However, when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon, serious complications are uncommon. It’s crucial to choose a qualified surgeon and follow their advice to minimise risks.

What is the safest form of liposuction?

Vaser liposuction is often considered one of the safest options. It uses ultrasound technology to break down fat before removing it, which can lead to less tissue damage and a quicker recovery compared to traditional methods.

Is lipo worth the risk?

For many people, liposuction is worth it because it effectively removes stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise. However, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and to have realistic expectations. A thorough consultation with a reputable surgeon can help you decide if it’s right for you.

What don’t they tell you about liposuction?

Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution. It’s most effective for those close to their ideal weight with specific areas of fat they want to target. Additionally, you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep your results looking their best.

Who should not get liposuction?

Liposuction isn’t for everyone. If you have serious medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or issues with your immune system, it might not be safe. Also, if you’re looking for a quick fix to lose a lot of weight or have unrealistic expectations, liposuction might not be the right choice.

At what age should you not get liposuction?

There’s no specific age limit, but candidates should be in good health. It’s generally recommended for people over 18. Older adults should consider their skin’s elasticity and overall health when thinking about liposuction.

What happens to liposuction as you age?

As you age, your skin may lose elasticity, which can affect how your liposuction results look. Keeping a stable weight and staying healthy can help maintain your results. Good skincare and regular exercise are also important.

What is the recovery time for liposuction?

Recovery time varies. Most people can go back to work and normal activities within a week or two, but full recovery can take several weeks to a few months. Swelling and bruising will gradually go away during this time.

When is the best time to get liposuction?

The best time to get liposuction is when you’re at a stable weight and in good health. Many people prefer to have it done during the cooler months to avoid heat and humidity during recovery. It’s also smart to plan your surgery when you can take enough time off to rest and heal properly.