Liposuction Complications

Liposuction is a procedure to remove unwanted fat from patient-specified areas of the body. Unwanted fat from patient-specified areas of the body can be removed using Liposuction. Liposuction is a kind of surgery.

Like any surgical procedure, there are temporary and minor side effects. This minor surgical procedure also has risks and complications. The surgeon explains all associated risks to the patient. Patients need to understand all the risks. A form need to be signed by the patient before operation. Once the consent form is signed, an appointment for the operation is given.

The side effects or adverse effects of Liposuction are described below.

An adverse effect is an undesired effect, which is obtained because of surgery, use of a medical device, or medical error (errors due to inexperienced clinicians, extremes of age, complex and critical care, or wrong approaches being applied) or therapy.

Cannula is a tool used in this surgical procedure. Due to the movement of is Liposuction tool, some bruising may takes place which, although painful in the short term, fades within a few weeks time.

Any swelling in the area due to bruising subsides within a month or two.

Any incision is made on the skin, breaks the skin open and creates a wound. This opening may be stitched together, or left to clot so that it heals automatically. The wound heals by forming a new skin which joins the opening. The new skin that is formed is slightly different in color to the adjoining skin, and thus creates a scar. The scars may disappear over time, sometimes few years, or it may remain forever.

The pain felt due to the wound is normally temporary and can be controlled by simple OTC medications. Patient feels numbness in the affected area due to application of anesthesia.

Pulmonary emboli may happen if during liposuction fat pieces travels to lungs accidentally. It is an emergency situation as patient will have severe breathing problem.

Movements are generally not restricted. However, on a short-term basis, movement may be restricted due to Liposuction garment, or due to temporary pain or swelling. It is recommended to wear liposuction garments. The surgeon normally advises the patient on liposuction recovery process.