Understanding Risks and Recovery of Liposuction and Fat Grafting

At Levant Cosmetic Surgery, we aim to provide patients with balanced information so that healthcare choices are informed and considered. This page outlines possible outcomes, risks, and recovery information relating to liposuction and fat grafting procedures.

Results vary between individuals. Factors such as skin elasticity, age, and pre-existing body shape all influence the way the body responds. No outcome can be guaranteed.

Risks of Liposuction and Fat Grafting

All surgical procedures carry risks. The following list includes some, but not all, of the complications that may be associated with liposuction and fat grafting:

1. Temporary swelling or bruising, which may affect the treated area as well as the scrotum, vagina, or ankles.
2.  More prolonged conditions such as extensive and continual swelling and fluid collection under the skin (Seroma) or extensive bruising, including collections of blood underneath the skin (Hematoma).
3. Anemia (abnormally low iron levels) due to blood loss during surgery.
4. Infection, although this is relatively uncommon.
5. Permanent skin changes or irregularities, such as dimpling, indentation, lumpiness, cobblestone appearances, and/or hardness. Most of these issues dissipate over time.
6. Slight asymmetry in results.
7. Minimal scarring.
8. Hyperpigmentation, which can result in brown or red discolouration of the skin.
9. Blisters or burns on the skin.
10. Loose skin that may not retract around the treated area.
11. Persistent or excessive pain.
12. Permanent loss or increased sensitivity in the area (Paresthesia).
13. Temporary upper arm weakness post-anaesthesia.
14. Permanent motor nerve loss.
15. Side effects from local anaesthesia.
16. Dizziness or fainting spells.
17. Allergic reactions.
18. Rare cases of organ perforation during surgery. This is more likely under general anaesthesia.
19. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary emboli (PE), although these are not common. PE can lead to death. Please follow the instructions given to you by your doctor to reduce the risk of DVT.
20. Fat necrosis, which may cause lumpiness in the treated area.
21. For fat grafting procedures, fat emboli, which can lead to death. The mortality rate for this occurrence has been revised to be 1 in 14,952 procedures according to the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.
22. Please note that there is currently no definitive evidence that fat transfer to breast either causes or prevents breast cancer.

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of potential risks. We encourage you to speak with your doctor to understand all the potential risks associated with your procedure.

Recovery from Liposuction and Fat Grafting

Recovery after liposuction or fat grafting varies. Your practitioner will provide individual instructions, but some general considerations are:

• Fluid leakage: Incision sites may leak fluid for 24–48 hours. Sometimes drains are placed for several days. Protective pads, old towels, or absorbent garments can be used during this period.

• Compression garments: Garments are applied after surgery to support healing. These may need to be worn for several weeks, sometimes together with a binder, depending on the area treated.

• Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) care: For fat transfer to the buttocks, sitting pressure should be avoided for at least 2 weeks. Special cushions are sometimes recommended to reduce pressure.

• Showering: Your practitioner will advise when showering is safe. In some cases, it may be after 24–48 hours.

• Medication: Antibiotics, pain relief, and other medicines may be prescribed. These must only be taken as directed.

• Massage: Some practitioners recommend lymphatic drainage massage in the weeks after surgery. This should only be undertaken as directed by your health practitioner.

• Exercise: Light activity may resume after a week, but strenuous exercise should generally be avoided for several weeks.

• Support at home: You should arrange for a responsible adult to be with you immediately after surgery and overnight.

Remember, everyone’s recovery is different and these guidelines provide a general frame of what to expect. Always consult with your doctor and follow their advice regarding your specific recovery process. Your health and safety are our top priority at Levant Cosmetic Surgery.

Recovery Times and Results

• Time off work: Many patients require 4–7 days off work. For fat transfer procedures time off work may extend to 10–14 days.

• Initial changes: Some improvement may be visible within weeks, but swelling and bruising can obscure results.

• Final outcome: Results are usually assessed over 3–6 months as tissues settle.

• Variability: Individual results differ, and further procedures may sometimes be recommended to refine outcomes.

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and recovery. These may occur at 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. At these visits, your practitioner will assess your progress, answer questions, and address concerns.

If you have concerns outside of scheduled appointments, you should contact the clinic. If you are not satisfied with the response, you can escalate to clinic management.

Revision or Further Procedures

In some cases, additional surgery may be recommended to adjust or refine results. This may involve extra costs.

Key Considerations

• Liposuction and fat grafting are surgical procedures with both common and serious risks.

• Results vary, and no outcome can be guaranteed.

• Recovery involves downtime, swelling, and follow-up care.

• A full consultation with a registered health practitioner is required before deciding to proceed.

Disclaimer

This information is general and does not replace medical advice. Whether liposuction or fat grafting is suitable for you can only be determined through consultation with a qualified health practitioner. All surgical procedures carry risks, and outcomes vary between individuals.