Liposuction Surgery Risks

The traditional technique of liposuction was performed by inserting a cannula, or tube, into an incision under the skin. The cannula has a vacuum appliance attached to it. The plastic surgeon proceeds to push and pull the cannula through the fat layers under the skin, breaking down the fat cells and extracting them.

As with any invasive surgical procedure, there are potential side effects and risks involved with liposuction. All of them might not occur with every patient, and recovery time varies, depending on health and heredity.

The most common medical side effects of lipoplasty include:

* Bruising - painful in the short term, but treatable with pain killers and reduces quite quickly.
* Swelling - typically reduces in 4-6 weeks.
* Scarring - varies according to the type of liposuction used and stitching technique. Usually fades over the coming months.
* Pain - typically temporary and treatable by prescription or over-the-counter medication.
* Numbness - typically fades after 3-4 weeks.
* Mobility - can be reduced post-operatively for a while. Your plastic surgeon will advise you how soon you can resume normal activity.

These side effects generally subside within a few weeks.


The risks involved with liposuction include:

*Allergic reaction to anesthesia
*Infection
*Damage to internal organs (punctures from the cannula)
*Skin necrosis (death)
*Fluid imbalance
*Skin damage
*Burns (due to friction of the cannula with the skin or nerves)

Temporary scarring is perfectly normal after any surgery involving incisions. Typically, most plastic surgeons make minimal incisions in areas that are more easily concealed. Generally, most if not all scars will fade, even though there may be small traces remaining.